There’s no denying that the COVID-19 health issue the international community is currently facing has created a new norm. Imposed restrictions have placed everybody in a fierce survival mode. Nobody can go about their day-to-day activities without putting great thought into every movement.
Be that as it may, there are people who remain optimistic and are making plans to restore joy and positive vibes in their lives. Many are looking forward to going out and traveling again, especially after seeing how the stoppage of industrial activities has given Earth that much-needed time to heal, resulting in cleaner air and clearer skies.
If you are among these people who are hoping to be able to travel when things somehow get back to normal, it’s crucial to keep upholding the safety protocols provided by health professionals, especially when it comes to transportation.
So, how should you travel then? Here are seven tips to keep in mind.
1. Remember social distancing.
It’s always better to go around in a private vehicle. This way, you can reduce your exposure to other people (whose real health conditions you are unaware of).
Your best option is to rent a car. But if you will be traveling with a friend, opt for a van rental, Dubai travel experts advise. Why? With a bigger vehicle, you can continue to practice social distancing. You, your friend, and the chauffeur (if there is a chauffeur service) can stay more than an arm’s length away from each other, which is considered a safe enough distance.
2. Inform your hotel of how clean you need your room to be.
This may come off as a “diva” attitude, but hotel and accommodation staff would actually appreciate it if you discuss with them your preferences regarding the way you want your room to be prepared for your arrival. After all, doing this will not just benefit you; it will serve the accommodation’s advantage as well.
No hotel, inn, or B&B would want to be associated with any disease. Thus, if you require a stringent procedure for disinfecting the room you booked, for sure, your accommodation would be more than willing to comply, especially if it can improve their process.
3. Consider a short-term car lease if you will be staying in a country for more than a week.
If you will be traveling around (given that it’s already okay safe to do so) and driving yourself to different places, it’s best to choose a monthly car rental, Dubai auto companies say. It would be advantageous for you to know that you’re the only person using the vehicle for a given period of time.
With such an arrangement, you can have full control of the sanitation of the vehicle. You can clean it yourself or choose a reputable service center for the disinfection and deep cleaning of the car before and after every use.
4. Always go out with protective gear on.
Even with fewer cases of infection, you still need to keep your guard up. It may be a hassle to don a face mask, glasses, and even gloves, but do so anyway. This is just a small physical sacrifice to make until the world is completely cleared of any highly transmittable health threat.
5. Bring a sanitizing kit.
Make sure you always have disinfecting wipes, a small bottle of alcohol, soap, and a pack of facial tissues with you. Remember, nobody will judge you if you start wiping surfaces and spraying your hands often with alcohol.
During this time, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The people around you will even be grateful for the precautionary measures you take because they can have peace of mind that you are staying protected, which will help keep others protected from infection as well.
6. Support local businesses.
Bear in mind that during these difficult times, local businesses take a significant hit, and when things start going back to normal, they are the ones that will need a lot of help.
So, show your support for them. Have breakfast in neighborhood cafes, purchase souvenirs from small novelty shops, and cap off the night at cozy, family-owned pubs. This is not only a fantastic way to support the local economy, but it’s also an opportunity to experience the essence of the place you’re visiting.
7. Prepare a “just in case” kit.
Even when things appear to be getting better, be prepared for situations to take a downward turn. One of the best ways to do this is by preparing a “just in case” kit. This should cover your needs should you suddenly find yourself stranded somewhere. This kit should have the following:
- Extra cash (both in the local currency and in your home country’s currency)
- All the contact details of your country’s embassy
- Contact details of the people you know can help you
- Contact information of different local establishments whose services you may need
- Extra medicine (because it’s not always easy to purchase prescription medicine abroad)
It may take some time before things go back to the way they were. However, slowly but surely, people will be able to enjoy the things that they used to even with some changes. Travel, for instance, is something that a lot of folks can go back to doing, hopefully soon, especially if everybody remains diligent with cleanliness and other safety practices.
Author Bio
As Co-founder and Key Account Manager for UAEdriving.com, Felin Francis is responsible for translating the vision of UAEdriving.com into an easy-to-use online car rental portal for our customers. She holds a Bachelor in Commerce degree from the Pune University, India (2013), as well as a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Pune University, India (2015).
