5 things to look at before planning your first post-Corona trip

The world as we know, going through a horrendous time due to the Corona pandemic. Every day we hear deaths and newly infected people, but at the same time, we hear people recovering and leaving hospitals and in some countries the curve is starting to flatten. And China, where it all began, recently allowed outbound traveling for people in Wuhan. Even though we started seeing positive signs all around, for a traveler, especially the ones who cross borders might have to wait for some time until the dust settles. Whichever the case, one thing is certain, that is post-pandemic traveling won't be the same as before.

The purpose of this blog is to keep travelers, hoteliers and camp managers informed on post-pandemic travel such as, when travel will resume, how Coronavirus will change traveling, how you should be prepared, what will be the new demands and how hotels and camps should be prepared, etc.

Sooner or later you'll be able to cross borders again and when that happens, be mindful to pay attention to these areas before planing your first trip.

1. Planning the trip, where should you go?

Unless you're adventurous and always want to expect the unexpected, planning is vital for every trip. Even if you're an adventurous cowboy, we strongly suggest you to. spend some time on planning your first post-Corona trip. First and foremost, where do you want to go? Consider choosing a country closer to the equator. The spread of the Coronavirus is heavy as you move outward from the equator. The warmth and ample chances of absorbing vitamin-D through the sunlight makes countries closer to the equator relatively safer in terms of natural conditions.

Try to pick a country with a low infection and mortality rate as well as a high recovery rate. That will statistically improve your chances of not catching the virus. Even though if you catch the virus, chances are higher for your survival. But this is subject to your other health conditions. And try to find a country that has a good health care system, preferably a country that has a 70+ health care index.

2. Travel restrictions and visa prerequisites

Once you pick the country, next is how to get there. The majority of the countries had shutdown their borders after the outbreak. When they reopen don't expect them to welcome you with wide-open arms. All countries will enforce some sorts of restrictions to minimize the chances of letting the virus. This means there will be high chances to ask for health certificates, vaccine cards, etc. as prerequisites for the visa. 

Many people are used to checking the embassy's website or contact a travel agent for this sort of information, but we strongly recommend to call the embassy of the country you intend to visit by yourself and check before applying for the visa. It's always safe to keep an extra copy of whatever additional documents you might have to submit to the embassy with you when you're traveling.

3. Choosing an airline

This is again tricky because it's associated with a high cost. Our advice is always to try to pick a reputed airline even though it may be a little expensive over other airlines. For that additional money you pay, you will get proper screenings at airports, well-sanitized airplanes, highly trained staff, proper hygiene, etc. Some airlines already started investing in technologies to identify medically at-risk travelers. One other reason is if you pick a major airline, you'll be able to travel with less number of layovers, which means the chances of getting mixed with unknown individuals become relatively low. So choosing a reputed airline as it's own perks.

4. Choosing accommodation

When choosing accommodation, people will give less preference for vacation rentals and hostels, primarily due to doubts around sanitation and hygiene. People will give high preference for reputed hotels, again for the same reasons mentioned under airlines and properties that promote isolation such as private chalets and bush camps. 

The availability of personal hygiene and public sanitation is a key factor when choosing an accommodation provider. Choosing a property that embraces the isolation is good, but at the same time, it should fulfill your expectations and should be able to give memorable experiences to you. After all, you're not doing all this prep-work and going to another country just to spend time inside an expensive hotel room or a tent.

Check the website of the hotel or the camp you're planning to stay for updates on their hygiene and sanitation practices. And just to double-check, make a phone call as well, so you can go with confidence.

5. Activities and excursions

Activities play a key role in your first post-pandemic tour. Usually, when we visit key attraction areas or points, you can't avoid the crowd. Therefore, make sure to plan some activities that don't require you to go to crowded places. Plan activities that are exclusively organized to you or your family or friends. It could be a hike, a game drive or a visit to a well-known place. Call the organizer beforehand and get the activity or the excursion arranged on an exclusive basis.

Try some outdoor activities or a nature excursion, a private safari would be ideal. Make sure that you keep your distance with others, wear a mask if you have a cold or cough. Drink plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated. And never forget to pack your camera with some extra batteries.