Posted by 
June 12, 2021
The Coronavirus outbreak not only shut down businesses and industries but also changed how we relate and behave around each other. Many countries banned traveling, while others declared total lockdowns. As economies try to reopen and ease lockdowns, most countries only allow domestic flights and road trips while a few counties are open for international visits.
The reopening of the travel industry comes with various changes to monitor the spread of the virus. As a traveler, you need to protect yourself against infection while on your trip. You also need to take various precautions to ensure that your trip goes smoothly for you, other travelers, and the locals.
These are ten mistakes you must avoid when traveling during and after this coronavirus outbreak.
1. Packing Too Much
How much stuff do you need for the trip? It is tempting to carry as many items as you can for your vacation. You do not want to leave behind your digital camera to catch up with the most critical moments. Will you need your laptop? For gaming or work-related communication?
The items you will need on vacation might not be as many as you anticipate to pack. Only carry the things that you will earnestly need during the adventure. More items in your travel suitcase can only increase the weight you are traveling with. You may incur extra fees at the airport. Bulky bags also make it hard to maneuver around in the crowds.
2. Anticipating Too much
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Do you know how best you can ruin your adventure? Anticipating what you cannot achieve. Creating an itinerary will help you budget appropriately for the trip and set apart enough time. Also, The stress of travelling can be helped by some great products from madvapes. However, you should learn to be flexible, as being rigid can be a disappointment.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, many attractions remain closed while some open with strict rules. The rule of keeping a social distance between other people in a park means only a few people can be allowed to participate in an event simultaneously. Having alternative activities will help you to find something to keep you engaged when one activity fails.
3. Ignoring Your Call Tariff
Traveling abroad means that you would want to make international calls back home. Calling or texting with your SIM card abroad will attract extra charges. The same applies to data rates. Some mobile carriers even charge you to receive calls when roaming abroad with your SIM card.
Considering the high rates that come with roaming, you may want to opt for an international tariff before you leave your country. If your mobile operator does not provide a global tariff, ask if you can use a bundled subscription when traveling. That can reduce the rates of calling, texting, and using the internet abroad. However, you can as well buy a local SIM card after arriving at your destination and use WiFi only to access the internet.
4. Forgetting to Carry Local Currency Bills
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After arriving at the airport, you will need a cab to take you to your hotel. You will also buy a few things along the way or after lodging. While you can pay with your credit card at your hotel, many road-side vendors and cab operators only take cash in many countries. You will, therefore, need to carry some cash with you.
Cash, in this context, does not mean your Dollar or Euro bills. That will be the local currency because only a few countries recognize international banknotes and use them. Immediately you arrive at the airport; you should convert your bills to the local currency that you will spend in a few emergency cases when you cannot pay by credit card.
5. Ignoring Personal Supplies and PPE
During the spread of COVID-19, you need to protect yourself and your family. When traveling by road, you should consider using your car or hire one. Protective gear will help you while on the trip everywhere you go. Local roof rack stores should help you get the right gear to increase your car’s carriage while traveling with your family.
6. Forgetting to Inform Your Credit Card Provider
Many card providers expect you to be transacting locally or using the card to pay online. Online payments must also be made from a computer within your state or country. When planning a trip, you will want to use your card to purchase and pay for services abroad.
Before leaving, inform your bank or card provider so that they can allow transactions on your card when you are traveling. If you forget to inform your bank, you will be unable to transact, and you will get stranded in a foreign land.
7. Ignoring Your Passport Expiry Date
You need a valid passport to travel abroad. The expiry date on your passport is essential. While you can safely travel in many countries and come back a few days before your passport expires, it will not work everywhere. In some countries, like China, Thailand, and Ecuador, you need a passport with a validity of more than six months before you can visit.
It is essential to check your passport early to avoid inconveniences and expensive renewal rates when you need it urgently. If you cannot renew your passport on time, you may need to change your destination to a country with less restriction on travel needs.
8. Spending Too Much on Grocery
While many destinations have eateries for travelers to taste local foods, you might want to cook your meal at your hostel. The main reason why people opt to cook when traveling is to save on food costs. During the Coronavirus outbreak, you would also want to cook at your place to minimize the chances of infection. However, that may turn out to be more expensive. Consider buying from a local farmer market instead of the city grocery vendors to spend less on your grocery shopping.
9. Forgetting About Visa Requirements
Travel requirements vary from one country to another. In many countries, you need an appropriate visa to visit. For example, a student visa and work visa are different. None of them is acceptable for vacations in various places. As a tourist, you will need another class of visa to visit. Verify from the country you intend to visit to avoid inconveniences at the entry point.
10. Ignoring A Travel Insurance
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A traveler’s insurance might seem unnecessary for many people. After all, very few people get involved in fatal airplane accidents – one accident per 5.58 million flights. However, that is not the only case when you need an insurance cover. If you fall sick abroad, you will need emergency medication, and insurance can save you. Travel insurance can also help you when your flight fails or you encounter a liability while on vacation.
To Sum Up
The lockdown will not last forever. Soon, people will start to travel around the globe – both for business and leisure. Whatever the reason that will get you out there, ensure that you do not involve yourself in the mistakes that can wreck your trip.
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