With pretty much the whole world shut down due to COVID-19, what are your options for travel planning in 2020?
It might be that you were in the middle of planning a big trip, or perhaps you have business plans that require your presence in another country. Whatever the plan, it’s probably gone out of the window about now.
As it stands, the flights around the world are running at close to basic level and many airports are shut completely. But, it is still possible to travel, should you need to. However this is where we need to highlight a key point… *NEED*. Do you need to travel, or can it wait?
Closed borders
At the time of writing, most countries around the world have some kind of border lockdown, normally not allowing foreigners in. Normally only those returning home will be allowed to enter.
For those that aren’t completely closed, the situation usually requires a 14 day quarantine for anyone entering the country. So, if you do need to travel anywhere during 2020, you will most likely need to factor this in.
Another issue is that even if borders aren’t closed, or restrictions aren’t in place, you might find an issue leaving the country.
Can I plan a holiday in 2020?
Many countries including Greece, Portugal and even Italy and Spain are hoping to tempt back holidaymakers for summer 2020. So, should you book your holiday right now?
Although you might find some decent offers at the moment, and maybe even a good flight price, it might not be wise to book travel until a little closer to the time. The reason is that the situation is constantly changing. It could just take one surge in cases for everything to change again and you might find yourself with a hotel booking you can’t actually use.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still an evolving situation, and the second wave is widely expected by many. Minimising the chances of infection to you or anyone else around you should be the highest priority, not a holiday.
If you need to travel for business, keep an eye on the situation both at home and in your target destination. Everyone on the planet knows that travel isn’t really an option right now, so perhaps use Zoom or Skype like most other people have been.
Flights and airlines
When the Coronavirus outbreak started, it was widely predicted that we would see a whole raft of airlines and tourism suppliers going bankrupt. As of May 2020, the impact has so far been a little less apocalypic than expected. But, that’s not to say things won’t go south…
If you do manage to travel with an airline, there is a possibility that the airline could go under or be grounded by it’s government. Try to travel by land where possible, and stay up to date on COVID-19 cases whevever you’re planning to travel.
Hotel shutdowns
Arriving in a new city, most of us would expect to check into a hotel or find an Airbnb at short notice. At the moment, you might not find that many options for accommodation wherever you’re going.
Airbnb is currently only offering stays for frontline workers visitors on their UK site. Booking.com is also making it clear that hotels might not actually be available currently.
Whatever your travel plans might be, during the COVID-19 outbreak, you’ll find it more difficult and stressful.
If you do need to travel…
On some occasions, it might be essential that we travel, for whatever reason. This might be to attend family emergencies or perhaps as a frontline worker moving to a new location.
If you need to use public transport, make sure to carry a face mask and antibacterial hand cleaner. Avoid making unnecessary trips, and try to minimise your exposure to other people. This means not going to busy areas such as beaches or town squares, and not visiting places just for the sake of it.
This is the new normal, and in 2020 it looks like travel will be one of the things we need to do without.
