With the increase of people getting vaccinated all over the world and the drop in infection rates in many countries, we can definitely say that travel is becoming a lot safer now and tourism is recovering. Also the fact that people are more used to live respecting the usual safety measures such as washing their hands and wearing a mask indoor is helping.
Here few tips you need to take in account while planning your next trip:
- Monitor COVID-19 cases rate at your destination. The best thing to do is to check reliable rates and stats, such the ones provided here (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html) or here (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). You can check updated travel restrictions here (https://www.unwto.org/covid-19-travel-restrictions).
- Test yourself. Take a COVID-19 test before leaving, ideally the day before and once you are back home. Even if you are vaccinated you might want to take the test to check your status. Some countries require a negative test to get in even if you are vaccinated, so you have to check the specific requirements for each destination. As for Peru, a negative PCR test issued up to 72 hours before boarding or a negative antigen test issued up to 24 hours before boarding is required.
- Use Masks or face shields. Bring with you the necessary amount of FFP2 masks and change them after 8 hours. If you prefer use a face shield to better protect you on the plane and indoor.
- Hand hygiene. Handwashing is the best way to protect yourself, so keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water for an extended period of time and using hand sanitizer if you do not have a place to wash your hands. Hand sanitizer must have at least 60% of alcohol in it.
- Bring antibacterial wipes. Bring them with you to clean up and disinfect hotel room or apartment’s doorknobs, light switches, surfaces and bathrooms. Just to be on the safe side.
- Plan carefully your trip. Plan your trip in a smart way trying to avoid unsafe activities, such as going to crowded indoor places. Schedule in advance your visit to archeological sites, museums, parks, etc. Make the necessary restaurant reservations to ensure you have a table booked, many restaurants may have reduced available tables due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Enjoy your trip! Do not obsess and try to fully enjoy your trip.
Even if things have changed and we are living in a different world today, we believe that we can still keep doing things we love using all the necessary measures to keep ourself and other people safe. So, travel, enjoy yourself, but do it in a smart way. The help of local people and an experienced travel operator could be crucial for your trip.
