Enquanto os isolamentos e as restrições continuam, muitos começam a “desesperar” para poder voltar a visitar os seus familiares e amigos de outros países, ou simplesmente tirar umas belas férias.
But what should we consider when deciding to travel during the pandemic?
If you're far from a loved one or simply have the "travel bug," by now you’re probably climbing the walls by now.
However, before setting off to explore a new destination, activate your "conscious traveler" mindset and evaluate your decision.
Nowadays, the decisions made before and during your trip can have a lasting impact on the communities you visit as well as on your travel companions.
Avoid gatherings
The pandemic has changed the world, and the travel sector has been no exception. As we mentioned in our articleHow will we travel after the Pandemic? it is expected that lesser-known destinations, typically with fewer tourists, will become the preference of travelers.
Avoiding gatherings and unnecessary family reunions is also something we need to be mindful of.
If we are visiting friends or family, we should take all necessary precautions, even if everyone is already vaccinated. In other words, we are the visitors, but they live in the destination, and if they become infected, an outbreak could quickly spread in that region.
Where to go?
More important than avoiding crowds is thoroughly checking the pandemic situation in the destination. Although it’s extremely tempting to visit places that once teemed with tourists and are now almost deserted, it’s crucial that our conscience takes precedence.
For that, you can and should consult the Foreign Ministry website, which contains a wealth of necessary information for Portuguese citizens who wish to travel to any country.
Therefore, you should assess the vaccination rate and the risk you may pose to local communities when visiting.
Ainda mais, se tu ou alguém do teu grupo adoecer, irás colocar mais pressão num sistema de saúde que pode ser inexistente ou já sobrecarregado.
f the pandemic situation is not yet under control in the destination you want to visit, you should not travel there. Preparing for any type of contingency is vital and will give you more confidence if you decide to travel.
If you usually don't buy Travel insurance, it's time to rethink that.
Vaccines and variants
Vaccination rates are increasing in most countries. However, the emergence of new variants and the uncertainty about how effective the vaccine is in reducing viral load and subsequent transmission remains a significant concern.
Therefore, if you choose to travel during the pandemic, remember that in many countries, and for many people, it is not possible or feasible to get vaccinated due to inaccessibility or chronic health reasons
Therefore, keep in mind that you should strictly follow hygiene rules, practice social distancing, and wear a mask.
This becomes even more imperative if you are traveling with someone who is not vaccinated, such as children.
Children rarely show symptoms of COVID-19. However, they are highly contagious sources, as they tend to touch everything around them.
Above all, remember that it is still not proven that the vaccine prevents transmission!
Will I be welcome?
Although we may think that all tourist destinations are "desperate" to welcome tourists again and make their businesses thrive, it is also known that many are now enjoying their towns, once flooded with tourists.
If we all start traveling again as we did before, that is, to the same overcrowded tourist destinations, we could not only bring new variants of the virus to the destination, but it will also be practically impossible to maintain social distancing.
Thus, the pandemic has encouraged many travelers to explore lesser-known destinations and even to discover more of their own country. They tend to choose smaller travel groups and destinations that allow for more time outdoors, away from crowds.
Similarly, travel agencies have also been adapting. More and more, they offer new itineraries and experiences, collaborating with local partners. In this way, they contribute to local economic growth and allow travelers to genuinely experience the destination.
How to travel more responsibly?
As we have already stated in our article about Responsible Tourism, choosing a responsible tour operator and reducing your ecological footprint are just some of the factors that can help ensure future generations have a similar experience to yours.
Treat the locals with respect and kindness, so that they can continue to enjoy welcoming tourists, after a pandemic that left the world in fear.
Prepare yourself to be surprised by closed businesses and locations, but take the opportunity to explore what wasn't planned, as it may end up being a pleasant surprise.
Above all, if you are traveling during the pandemic, respect the personal space of locals, follow sanitary and governmental rules. Keep in mind that borders can close at any moment, and this is not the fault of any specific person.
Being flexible and adaptable, without making a "storm in a teacup," is now essential for anyone who dares to travel in a "new world."
