5 Things to Know Travelling Post Pandemic
We have all changed incomprehensibly over the last few years.
I am definitely not the same person I was. I have different fears, dreams, and passions. But going on my first trip abroad after two years reminded me that everything is ever-changing. And even though it can be scary, embracing change is the key to growth.
Do you want my honest opinion? I was terrified to travel again at first. I almost cancelled my trip. I was worrying about things that had never crossed my mind when travelling in the past. For example, I was scared about catching COVID-19 while away or testing positive when we got home and the impact this would have on work.
But taking that leap gave me back my confidence. Although the trip wasn't without hiccups (they never are), it opened my eyes to what I might have missed had I let my fears get the better of me.
You shouldn't let the anxiety you're experiencing around travelling post pandemic stop you from exploring the world. Although it might be hard, here are some helpful tips to encourage you to take that trip and, in turn, have the adventure of a lifetime post-pandemic.
1. Remember you're not alone
Travelling abroad has been more about necessity than choice in the last couple of years.
If anyone did choose to travel, their options were limited. With the pandemic resulting in various restrictions, there was a direct impact on how, where and why we travelled.
We have recently seen these restrictions relaxed or lifted altogether, meaning people have their freedom back. You now have more control over where to travel and explore the parts of the world that are calling you. But that doesn't mean you are automatically ready to return to pre-pandemic travel habits.
Instead, there may be apprehension about returning to 'normal', not just in daily routine but also with travelling abroad. People may worry about the risks involved with travelling post pandemic.
Regardless of the concerns, you aren't alone if you're feeling the same way. In July 2020, Around 64% of Brits had said they wouldn't feel safe travelling internationally by plane. Thankfully for us all, though, the height of the pandemic has now passed, and record numbers are travelling again. This is thanks to increased confidence in travel, the improving global health situation, and the steps taken by countless influences on hygiene. It shows that although there may still be some concern, people can see the pros outweigh the cons.
It's understandable to be nervous. Just as it's been difficult for a lot of us to adjust back to daily life, but thankfully, we're now back on the right path.
2. Be prepared
With new COVID-19 entry requirements in place for each country, entry isn't quite as straightforward as it once was, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Regardless of whether you're trying out solo travel for the first time, or you're taking your first trip travelling post pandemic, making sure you have everything you need is important.
If preparing for a trip was necessary before the pandemic, then now it's essential.
However, to make things easier, the entry requirements for each country are clearly outlined on the government website. So you can stay fully informed of the documentation you need to visit the country of your choice. It may seem like a lot of info, but if you break it down and see what you need, you'll realise it's relatively easy.
Any changes made to the entry requirements are updated regularly to ensure you're well prepared the whole way through your trip.
3. Have a shorter trip before your 'major' one
Everyone likes to have that 'major' trip to look forward to.
Going to summer camp falls into that category, as flying to America to have a summer of a lifetime is certainly a major one to get excited about. But, if you're a little anxious about going away for 11 weeks when taking your first step back into travelling, you might find it better to go on a shorter trip.
If you're in the privileged position to have a little spare cash, you could visit a city close to your country, so you aren't too far away from home. City breaks are perfect for a weekend away, and you might end up exploring countries that weren't originally a priority. If money is tight, take a train somewhere within the UK. By doing so, you can get a feel for how public transport is working, what it's like being amongst crowds, and how the rest of the travel industry is reacting.
If you want to ease back into travelling, these mini-trips could definitely help.
4. Research the country
Before you visit a country, it's always helpful to know a bit of the culture and what they offer to help make you feel more relaxed.
For example, you can research the cost of food and hotels to ensure you've budgeted enough money for your trip. You can also research any activities to do while you're abroad.
If you are going on a shorter trip, for example travelling America post-camp, then researching and planning ahead of time can allow you to make the most of your 30 days travel time. Plus, knowing more about where you're going can help ease any overthinking or anxiousness around travelling post pandemic.
5. Relax and focus on the positives
It can be so easy to overthink every situation. Most of the time, this wasted energy is about something that doesn't end up happening anyway.
Once you've fully prepared, there's nothing more you can do. At this point, you have to focus your energy on the incredible trip you have coming up. If you're off to summer camp, you'll be working in an inspiring environment, making an undeniably positive impact on the development of children, doing an activity you love. Oh, and the 30-degree weather that comes with it, too.
You're about to go on a journey that you'll remember for the rest of your life, so allow yourself to be excited.
The most important thing to remember is that there's no pressure.
It's been a difficult few years for everyone, and it's important to remember that things may feel slightly different now the world has opened up. Yes, some things may be out of your control. But thankfully, since the pandemic, these processes have become smoother, places more hygienic, and people (on the whole) have become more considerate and understanding.
So, if you then deal with what you can control by taking the above steps, you'll make travelling post pandemic that little bit easier. Most importantly, it can allow you to get back to exploring the many beautiful wonders on offer when you travel the world.
