If you would have told me I’d be writing about traveling during a pandemic last year, I would have thought you were crazy. Not because of the pandemic though…yes, that too. No, no, no, I say that because I’m a certified punk who had a hard time with “the new normal.” Add that to the fact that I’ve had an even harder time saying yes to travel opportunities and it makes A LOT more sense.
But.
Here I am after traveling to Mexico AND Texas within one week. I know, I know, Texas is a hotspot and yes, I self-quarantined.
Before you ask, yes, both trips were worth it. To be honest, I didn’t know just how much I needed a change of scenery until I arrived in Playa del Carmen. After seeing my reflection in the crystal blue pool of our AirBnB and I knew it was going to be a great trip.
Every day, my friends and I — there were 7 of us —spent our days poolside allowing the warm water to wash away our cares. My love took post at the grill serving chicken, hamburgers, mango shrimp and corn. For dinner, we had the most delicious meal in a 10,000-year-old natural cave. Yes, you read that right. Alux Restaurant is in an actual cave that our server said is about six-miles-long. On our last day in Mexico, we invited a husband and wife duo to our house for massages. A chef also prepared our final meal.
With that said, if you’re thinking about taking a trip during the pandemic, I say go for it, but please, take precautions. Here are five simple tips for traveling during a pandemic:
Be Flexible
This is a crazy time for everyone and we’re all adjusting. That’s especially true if you want to travel during the pandemic. Heck, many places are not even open and those that are open, are quickly closing their borders to U.S citizens.
When we booked our flight to Mexico we had two direct flights with two different airlines. Then, those airlines joined in a partnership, which means our returning flight got cancelled. Because we didn’t receive an email, we scrambled to get on another direct flight. That flight end up not being direct and had a layover in Miami.
Then, when my love and I landed in Miami, we learned that we were no longer going to the same airport as our friends. Somehow, our flight was switched on the day we traveled to Mexico. After informing the customer service rep what happened, we were able to get on the flight with our friends.
Pro Tip: Because of everything that’s going on, I recommend traveling light with just a carry-on. I think that was the main factor that helped us easily switch flights.
Expect More Stringent TSA Practices
Even though airports are relatively empty, everything is being reviewed more thoroughly. Now, TSA workers have more time to give everything a double look and if you think about it, that’s not a bad thing. It might mean that if your duty-free item doesn’t scan, you will have to check-it. It might also mean that you have to be more mindful about the way you pack your toiletries, which is what I learned.
Be Mindful of Your Space
It goes without saying that traveling increases your exposure to COVID-19. That’s why, my friends and I decided to get an AirBnB. By doing so, we had more control of who came into our space. We also didn’t have to worry about accidentally bumping into someone we didn’t know. So, when it comes to lodging, I would highly recommend that you use that to your advantage. Simply put, that’s a small way to control what’s in your control, which is crucial during this scary time.
Remember Every Flight (and Airline) is Different
I’m sure you’ve received an email from all the airlines about their safety policies. Some airlines are not booking people in the middle seat to give travelers a piece of mind. Some, however, are foregoing that policy for certain flights. At least, that’s what I’ve noticed. If I had to guess, it depends on the location and how many people booked.
For example, my flights to and from Texas were not fully booked so the flight attendants told us we could sit anywhere as long as it wasn’t in the exit aisle. In case you’re wondering whether that applies to first class, I have no idea.
Wearing a Mask Gives You a Piece of Mind
I’ll be the first one to say that I find it hard to breathe in masks. If I could, I wouldn’t wear a mask and sometimes, I don’t. That was the mistake I made at a rooftop in Texas. It was all fine and well when my love and I were sitting there alone. Then, a girl came out of nowhere sans mask and started talking to me. To be fair, she had a couple of cocktails as did I so I didn’t think about it that night.
But the next day, I realized what happened and began panicking. Thoughts like “What if she gave it to me?” and “What if I give it to my love?” raced through my mind. Thankfully, I don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19, but it was a scary time and I don’t want to have those thoughts ever again.
In short, don’t be like me and save yourself from wondering “what if?”
