It’s pretty clear now that coronavirus is here to stay! It’s not going away – so we must learn to live with it. As vacation destinations around the world are opening up and countries are easing lockdown restrictions, it’s important to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection.
The world can’t stay in shutdown mode forever. As long as you travel responsibly and take all the necessary precautions, you’re good to go!
Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of infection during travel:
- Pick a window seat
According to research, those sitting in the window seat are minimally exposed to others. Thus, picking a window seat saves you unnecessary exposure to other people including the flight crew.
- Carry a hand sanitizer with you.
Your sanitizer is your best friend against this pandemic. Use it to clean your hands every time you touch a shared space!
- Carry tissues and disposable wipes with you
Wipe down the non-fabric parts of your seat using alcohol wipes before you sit on it. Use tissue papers
to open door handles of your taxi or any other object that is likely to be touched by others too.
- Use contactless modes of payment
QR codes are almost everywhere now – use them to process your payment. You can also use debit/credit cards but make sure you wipe your card with an alcohol wipe after each use.
- Wear a face mask at all times
Wearing a face mask protects the two portals of coronavirus entry on your face: your mouth and your nose. Make sure you don’t touch your mask while it’s on and make sure it fits you properly! Carry a few extra pairs of clean face masks with you in case you need to dispose of yours.
- Don’t touch your face – not even if it itches!
This is one of the hardest, but most important rules to follow! Making it a habit to never touch your face will not only reduce your risk of getting coronavirus, but it also helps prevent the transmission of many other viral and bacterial diseases!
- Keep a distance of 6 feet from other people at all times.
Stay in your 6 feet “bubble.” Don’t let anyone enter and don’t enter anyone else’s bubble as well! Ensure this at all times, especially while boarding on and off the plane.
Pick an airline that blocks the middle seats so that you’re 6 feet away from other people.
- Stay in your seat until absolutely necessary
Use your bathroom at home and don’t drink too many fluids. Avoid roaming around the aircraft until absolutely necessary!
- Bring your own water bottle and snacks
Bringing your own water bottle and snacks reduces unnecessary exposure to utensils and trays. If your flight is short, try not to eat or drink at all so that you don’t have to remove your face mask.
- Avoid carrying hand luggage
Hand luggage increases the number of items you have to protect from people. Make sure you carry as little luggage as possible to prevent the virus from landing on the luggage. Moreover, disinfect any luggage that you have as soon as you leave the airport!
- If you’re traveling in a car, don’t stop at random rest stops and carry your own snacks!
These are a few tips that will significantly reduce your chances of getting coronavirus. Make sure you follow all of these precautions to stay safe and have a nice journey!
If you’re looking for a de-stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, head over to Tanzania to have a fun and adventurous vacation. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Arusha Food Guide!