Retirement gives us a chance to spend time with family, carry out leisure activities, and relax. For many people, spending your golden years traveling the world, whether by cruise ship, plane, or train, is the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, the global pandemic, COVID-19, grounded travel for a while, making international travel impossible for many.
Things You Need to Know Before Traveling During COVID-19
As the travel restrictions are being relaxed all over the world, travel is once again a possibility for retirees. However, with the number of infected cases still rising around the globe, COVID-19 has changed the travel landscape. There are several issues you may need to consider before deciding on your destination.
Consider Your Finances
One major issue to look at is your financial situation. The cost of taking a one-week international trip for at least two people could be higher than $5000. Traveling is not a cheap endeavor. If you plan on staying abroad for a longer duration, financial planning is key.
Generally, the costs you should include are the airfare (or the long-distance transport), food, accommodation, shopping, local transport, and entertainment. Your comfort and the expeditions or adventures you hope to undertake in your travel destination will also need to be considered.
Whether you intend to take a few big trips a year or spend the rest of your life on the move depends on your retirement savings. These savings would include your pension, social security, investments, money in the bank, and any money you are making from businesses or rentals. In case you are a few years from retirement, you can plan out how much you need before you retire using the best retirement calculator.
Selecting a Destination
Before booking a trip to any destination, it is important to research any travel restrictions for that location. As each country tackles the novel coronavirus, new regulations are being put in place to ensure the safety of both their citizens and international visitors.
Consequently, some countries have provided strict self-quarantine protocols that need to be followed by anyone coming into the country. Keeping abreast of the regulations put in place in your dream location will be beneficial to your planning and ensure a smooth vacation.
Additionally, as older people have been determined to be at a greater risk of contracting this virus, it would be vital to find out the transmission rate of the chosen destination, and if you could self-isolate when away. One way you can track the virus, or figure out areas to avoid when selecting a spot, is by using maps. As the virus spread, Geographic Information System technology was put in place, enabling travelers to track the spread of coronavirus in almost real-time.
Maps can show you information about the up-to-date border policy and any testing or documentation that will be needed upon arrival. The CDC also provides maps indicating the areas where the risk of transmission is high. They similarly give guidelines that you can follow should you decide to visit any area.
Other Ways to Keep Safe During the Pandemic
Should you choose to travel, there are several things you can do to ensure your safety. The steps you can take include:
- Adhere to the WHO guidelines
To protect you and your family, you should follow the recommended guidelines provided by the CDC and the World Health Organization to minimize the spread of the virus. These measures include wearing a face mask, maintaining a distance of six feet between you and others, avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
It would be best if you also avoided contact with frequently touched surfaces like handrails and elevator buttons. Cover your sneezes and coughs, and frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using a hand sanitizer that contains a minimum concentration of 60% alcohol.
- When traveling
Although the circulation and filtration of air in airplanes reduce the spread of viruses, crowded flights may make social distancing improbable. However, do your best to adhere to the safety regulations provided by the airports and minimize contact with others.
- Select your accommodation carefully
Before selecting a hotel, research the websites of major hotel chains to find out the measures they have put in place to protect their guests and staff.