HOLIDAYS - Travel in a pandemic

archiedonovan
Dec 1, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Apr 16

Image of cartoon of Covid19 travel — Cartoon of Covid19 travel

JustRetired50Plus travel in a COVID-19 world

Context:-

We would regard ourselves as recreational travellers. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have spent the last six months at home. During this time, we have had to cancel and reschedule, where possible, our foreign travel plans on four separate occasions. Pushing out holidays until 2021 from 2020 and travel vouchers are now the new norm.

We recently decided to travel to Santorini in Greece as a consequence of two factors:- (1) We could not recoup our prepaid hotel outlay via vouchers, into 2021 and (2) A new direct flight from Dublin to Santorini became available on the 17th of August (our previous flight arrangements had been cancelled by the respective airlines).

So as to to be seen as cavalier about travel, what follows is our attempt to encapsulate in a Pros & Cons format, our interpretation of our foreign travel planning and experience, such that it is, in our continuing new COVID-19 world. Should you also choose to travel, these various points can be used as an aide memoir, to inform your own travel strategy.

*Decision not to Travel*		*Decision to Travel*
The risk of potential foreign travel shaming		The risk of potential foreign travel shaming

If you are a naturally nervous traveller……then, do not travel		AOK

If your bladder and kidneys are not generally robust…….. then, do not travel		AOK

If you cannot withstand face mask ware for the duration of your flight and the entire time in both the departure and arrival airports……… then, do not travel		AOK

If you have an aversion to protracted airport COVID-19 procedures………. Then, do not travel		AOK

	*Preparation prior to travelling*
Cons		Pros

Having to check that your destination hotel is COVID-19 compliant, before you travel		AOK

Having to verify that your destination is still on your countries green list of AOK destinations during your proposed trip dates		AOK

Having to do much greater than normal risk assessment on all aspects of your trip prior to your travel date		Safer travel, potentially

Having to take a course of vitamins with Zinc for the weeks prior to travel		AOK

Having to invest in filtered face masks to facilitate an elongated period of face mask wearing		Reduces risk

	*Travelling to your holiday destination*
Cons		Pros

Having to take your own car to the airport		Reduces risk

Having to pay long term parking for the duration of your trip		Reduces risk

Having to organise and pay for a prearranged private car pickup at your destination airport to take you to your accommodation		Reduces risk

Having to bring your own drink and sandwiches so as not to partake of inflight catering		Reduces risk

Remaining in your airline seat for the duration of the flight		Reduces risk

Refraining from any unnecessary interaction with your fellow passengers		Reduces risk

Taking only carryon luggage to suffice for the duration of your trip		Reduces risk

	*Your holiday destination stay*
Cons		Pros

Holiday destination organised group trips are a thing of the past		Reduce risk

Having to appreciate that normal tourist spontaneity is a thing of the past		Reduces risk

As in business ‘Change’ is the new’ Constant’, equally in global COVID-19 travel ‘Risk assessment’ is the new ‘Spontaneity’		Safer travel, potentially

Refraining from any unnecessary interaction with your fellow holiday makers		Reduces risk

You have to be happy with your own company if travelling alone, likewise, if travelling as a couple or small group, you need to be sure of the compatibility between each other		An issue that is made even more acute while travelling in a COVID-19 world

Having to decide between, no internal travel at all; walking tours only; cycle hire; motorbike hire; car hire ? Unintended sun exposure !		Safer travel, potentially

Being comfortable with opting to have your hotel room cleaned every 3rd or 4th day, instead of every day		Reduces risk

Everyone you encounter on your trip is equally conscious of the viral contamination risk		Everyone you encounter on your trip is equally conscious of the viral contamination risk

		Hopefully, the sun is shining

	*Travelling from your holiday destination*
Cons		Pros

Having to bring your own drink and sandwiches so as not to partake of inflight catering		Reduces risk

Remaining in your airline seat for the duration of the flight		Reduces risk

Refraining from any unnecessary interaction with your fellow passengers		Reduces risk

Taking carryon luggage only, consequently refraining from purchasing any holiday souvenirs		Reduces capacity & risk

	*Post travelling arrangements*
Cons		Pros

Having to pay for a private COVID-19 test		Hopefully quantifies risk

Having to remain socially isolated until receipt of a negative test result		Reduces risk for others

Having to organise home shopping for the duration of your social isolation, pending test result. Allied to this, a procautionary 4 day isolation to allow for the possibility of a false negative result		Reduces risk for others