Tourism has gradually been reopened in many countries after 2 years since the COVID-19 pandemic appeared. However, the top concern of travel lovers is how to keep their health safe during the trip. Check out the tips below to stay healthy and enjoy your independent travel!

Before the trip

• Get full vaccination 

You and your companions should get full vaccination before the independent trip. In the current uncontrollable pandemic situation, vaccination is the key to protecting yourself and those around you. In addition, some airlines and tourist destinations require travelers to have a certificate of at least 2 shots of vaccination.

• Check the pandemic situation of places

Not all places are safe and ready to welcome independent tourists during the pandemic period. That is the reason why nature-oriented tourism is becoming more and more popular. If you are planning to visit and spend time in rural areas, which are away from the city then you will have more options. Before deciding where to visit, you should check the pandemic situation of those places.

• Rent private vehicles

Choosing to rent a private car for travel during this time is a wise choice because public transport and taxis carry a lot of risks of infection. Moreover, when renting a private car, you can contact providers to request cleaning and disinfection of the vehicle before handing it over to you. You can also ask the driver (in case of renting a car with a driver) to wear a mask, face shield, and fully equip the car with antibacterial spray products.

• Personal medical kit

When preparing luggage for travel, a personal medical kit is a must-have item. You will need to bring a mask and gloves, vitamin C, alcohol wipes to clean surfaces, hand sanitizer, and some common medications.

• Travel insurance

Travel insurance has recently become an important part of the trip. Before going, you should review the policies included in your insurance to see if the destination you are about to visit is covered, or what you are covered and what you are not.

During the trip

• Wear facemask

The mask will probably be attached to us all day long. Although several countries do not require people to wear masks in public places, you should still do so to protect your health.

• Be conscious of what you eat

When coming to a new city or a foreign country, you might be quite excited to try local dishes. You should choose restaurants or places that have good reviews and look clean to avoid food poisoning or digestive problems. Also, if you are allergic to some particular kinds of food, you should carefully check the dishes or ask the waiters for those ingredients. 

• Drink enough water and have a good sleep

Keeping your body hydrated and getting enough sleep will help you stay healthy and full of energy to experience the trip. In many developed countries, the water system is so well treated that we can drink directly. However, if you travel to the countryside or some undeveloped countries, you should bring water to drink during the day.

• Wash your hands

While traveling and sightseeing, you will inevitably touch high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs or stair handrails. So remember to wash your hands, especially before eating, and try not to touch your face. Instead of just washing your hands with water, you should use hand sanitizer, soap, and antibacterial spray.

• Keep distance

It is also difficult to avoid crowded places while traveling. However, you can still protect yourself by keeping a safe distance (at least 1 meter)  from others.

• Insect repellent 

Camping is also an interesting activity during your vacation. If your campsite is outdoors and close to nature, be sure to bring insect repellent. At night, many poisonous insects can bother you and cause swollen stings on your skin.

• Wear sunscreen 

Summer with warm weather and sunshine is a great time to travel. Remember to use sunscreen on both your face and body to protect your skin from UV rays if you are outside for a long time. You should also wear a hat or bring a light scarf to cover your head if it is scorching days.

After the trip

• Disinfection

As soon as you get home, you should use alcohol-contained wipes to clean electronic devices such as phones or cameras, use antibacterial products to spray all clothes, shoes, and valises to limit bacteria on surfaces.

• Inform other people about your trip

Inform people around you about your move and limit contact with others for about 1 week.

• Keep track of your health

You should look out for symptoms or any changes in your health after your trip. If any symptom is recognized, you should contact the nearest hospital immediately to check.

Independent travel after the COVID-19 pandemic will indeed be desirable trips. Whether traveling domestically or abroad, visiting famous beauty sites that attract numerous tourists from all over the world, or enjoying a nature-oriented vacation, you should remember to take care of your health and your loved ones.