BY Ariana SmithJan 13, 2021

Are you planning on traveling to a foreign country in the next few days, weeks, or months during the pandemic? Do you know what are some things you should look out for to ensure that your travel is safe and smooth? Have you tried looking at some of the manuals and suggestions being laid out by governments when it comes to international travel? The Coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of slowing down or stopping. The past month saw the discovery of a new, more dangerous mutation of the Coronavirus in Britain. The same has now been seen in multiple countries all over the world. However, even in the midst of all the turmoil, there might be multiple reasons why someone would have to fly out to a foreign location. In this article, we list down the top 7 things, you should check for when traveling during the pandemic. List of 7 Things to Check when traveling during the Pandemic 1. International Flight Status Whether you are flying domestic or international, flight timings, routes and other details are something, which you should be aware of. During the pandemic, the international flight status keeps changing because of multiple reasons. Flights are getting rescheduled, canceled, or postponed left, right and center. You do not want to be stranded in the airport of some foreign country as you had failed to check on the flight status before you left for the airport. This will hold you in good stead during the travel. 2. Quarantine Rules Like flights, quarantine rules keep changing at a moment’s notice in many countries and their cities. If you are flying in from countries that are classified as high-risk by the local government, you would need to spend a stipulated period of time in quarantine. The same can be anywhere from seven to fourteen days. It can also be mandated that you spend the days at a government institutional quarantine center and not at a hotel of your choice. Finding out about the rules can help in clearing confusion and planning your trip better. 3. COVID-19 Negative Test Results Most countries have set aside rules for international travelers who are flying in. They need to carry COVID-19 Negative Test Results, which should be done no less than 24-48 hours. If your test results are from an earlier period, you will not be allowed to board the flight. There are many diagnostic centers and labs affiliated by airlines that offer quick one-day results for RT-PCR Tests for COVID-19. This is slightly expensive when you compare the same with normal test results. However, you need to get them before boarding a plane and landing. 4. Safety Protocols at the Hotel or place of stay Individual institutions too have their own safety protocols in place for travelers coming from outside. In most cases, travelers who are coming from other countries would need to disclose the same. This would be followed by a separate area being earmarked for them. Most hotels have done away with Room Service and other normal procedures. In fact, the room fridge, might also not have the snacks you need. Timings for using the restaurant and meals would also be done in a staggered fashion to practice social distancing. 5. New COVID-19 Rules Imposed by the City Most cities around the world have created their own rules and regulations regarding inter-city and intra-city travel. Some cities have placed curfew timings for nights and weekends. Other cities have placed lockdowns on specific zones within the city where cases are rising. This is why you should be careful of where you are traveling to and the local rules and regulations in the same. However, one more thing, which should be pointed out is that rules and laws regarding mobility change instantly, leaving you with little or no time to adjust. 6. Carrying Protective Gear and SOS Medicines We all know how the pandemic has necessitated the use of face masks, shields, gloves, sanitizers, and other protective equipment. When you are traveling, you should ensure that you are carrying substantial amounts of the same with you. Ideally, you do not want to purchase the same in some foreign country. You also need to ensure that you are abiding by all the safety protocols of the place and the pandemic. You can get fined heavily for not following the safety protocols in major countries and cities in the world. 7. Keeping others Informed about your Travel Plans If you have been paying attention to the article, you would have noticed how we have stressed the fact that quarantine, local movement, and other rules can change in an instant. This is why travel experts suggest that you should always keep others informed about your travel plans. You might not have cell phone coverage or access to the internet to send a message back home. International travel has become clouded by diplomatic interference given the testing times we are living under. Keeping others in the loop might just come in handy when you are experiencing a problem abroad and are not being able to communicate the same. The Final Word Even though we know that international travel is not the safest and wisest thing to do, there might be multiple pressing concerns forcing us to do the same. For some, it would be about going back home to their families. For others, it can be about employment and income opportunities. For a third set, it can be because of medical reasons. No matter that the reason you have to undertake international travel, it is best that you keep the above seven points in your head. They will ensure that your international travel is as stress-free and easy as possible. If you have any other points you would like to add to the article, mention them in the comments section below. Read Also: Why You Should Move To San Diego Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourism 5 Secrets On How To Travel Light – Travel Hacks