5 Vital and Essential Tips for Travelling in 2021

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Travelling as a family, or even alone is one of the greatest freedoms that as humans we are able to enjoy. The joy of discovering an awe-inspiring vista at Yellowstone National Park, sampling an unfamiliar food that delights your senses like freshly made crab tortellini in Emilia, Italy or catching a glimpse of an exotic animal such as a dolphin as you sail a boat off the coast of Hawaii are examples of moments that you, and indeed, anyone with you will never forget and will they nourish your soul. 

For over a year now though, travel has been extremely limited because of the devastating effects and dangers of the Covid-19 virus that, at the time of writing, has claimed almost 4 million lives globally. In response to the extreme danger posed by travelling, and therefore spreading the virus, many nations have essentially closed borders and disallowed visitors for the first time since the second world war over 75 years ago.

However, as we approach the middle of the year, some countries have begun allowing travel both to and from their borders once again, as the effect of the global vaccination and crisis management efforts in addition to social distancing and public awareness starts to bear some fruit. The United Kingdom recently eased restrictions that allow access to public spaces such as bars and restaurants while the United States is in a similar position. 

Travel is now largely unrestricted inside borders yet international travel differs, subject to change, between nations. As the current travel situation is very unpredictable, you should take caution if you are to plan, or indeed, go ahead with any vacation plans as the summer inches ever closer.

Make Sure You Have the Correct Permits

travelling to other countries used to be a fairly simple affair. You would get a passport and show it upon exit and entry of any internationally recognized borders. But the world has become a little more complex and some nations require more than just a passport in order to travel to and through them. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is one such example and is designed to allow non-visa air travel from and to specific countries.

For example, travelling to Canada from certain countries requires a Canada eTA that is electronically linked to your passport and other nations such as the UK and European countries also implement eTA requirements. In the current Covid-19 climate, some border controls also require such things as proof of a negative Covid test that is no older than 2 days or so-called “Covid passports” that prove you have been vaccinated against the disease.

Check Covid-19 Information Regularly

Whether you are planning a local or international trip or vacation, you should go out of your way to ensure that you have the latest Covid-19 related information everywhere you go, as the controls, protocols and restrictions concerning the virus are changing all the time. As well as international border closures between nations, regional and local Coronavirus lockdown procedures can be different wherever you are.

Also of concern is how Covid-19 restrictions can change between countries very quickly. Recently, the UK and Portugal were open to each other, which saw many UK holidaymakers travel to the Mediterranean country for a vacation in the sun, only to be stranded as the British government unexpectedly and unreservedly removed Portugal from its list of Covid-19 approved countries, causing havoc for British citizens, Portuguese airports and tour operators.

Try to Travel Locally Rather than Internationally

Of course, not all travel needs to be international and your own country undoubtedly has plenty to offer you, your family and friends in order to set off and make some unforgettable memories. No matter where you reside, there is always something entertaining to do and in the UK alone, because of Covid-19, British “staycation” bookings have increased 460% for 2021 over those made in 2019 during the same periods.

Apart from seeing what your own country has to offer, the main reason for local travel within your own borders is because your national Covid-19 procedures are immediately available and full travel restrictions aren’t in place in any of the world’s most popular countries for their own residents. So whether you live in France, Canada, the UK or the US, you shouldn’t have any issues travelling to and from your favorite sites, although social distancing measures might be in place.

Don’t Neglect the Importance of Insurance

It doesn’t matter who you are, you aren’t impervious to the cold hands of fate, and anything can happen to you at any time. Slips, trips and falls, sunburn, road accidents, food poisoning and sports-related injuries are all very common among people who travel as they partake in adventurous activities in order to make the most of their time, which is why travel insurance is one of the most essential accessories when on holiday. 

If you don’t ensure that you obtain cover then it could cost a serious amount of money in order to pay for expensive medical treatments. Travel insurers are also offering Covid-19 cover that pays for treatment related to the virus and any repatriation efforts that need to be made should you contract the disease. In addition, it might be a good idea to include Covid-19 cancellation cover as part of your insurance plan in order to recover costs if your vacation needs to be cancelled because of Coronavirus.

Don’t be Afraid to Delay Travelling Until Next Year

Given the extremely unpredictable nature of both internal and international travel at this moment in time, it might be best if you put off your travel plans until such time as restrictions have been, and are likely to stay, lifted. Because of the excellent efforts being made by most countries all over the world, normal travel procedures are likely to be resumed by this time next year and as it stands now, you could lose money or become stranded should you go on vacation this year.

However, you could still book your holiday now, in time for next year and due to the unpredictable nature of Covid-19-related travel, you might be able to get a good deal on any 2022 and beyond holiday packages. Even still, for holidays between now and the next few years, it is still advisable to obtain extra insurance should Covid-19 still be able to get in the way of your holiday plans.

The modern world and technology have left no area untouched and eTAs might be required along with your passport when travelling internationally. Should you choose to travel, whether local or internationally then try your best to stay informed of any Covid-19 news as you could end up stranded but booking local holidays might be the best course of action for the time being.

No matter what kind of holiday you end up booking, make sure you obtain the extra cover that insures you against Covid-19-related issues such as treatment, repatriation or cancelled holidays or you could end up losing a lot of money and if you are unsure then put off your vacation until travel is less restrictive and arrangements are more predictable.