Travelling in the era of Covid-19

So far, 2020 hasn’t been what we expected as we unknowingly rang in the new year on December 31st 2019. Covid-19 and the worldwide health and economic consequences that followed has changed the daily life for most of us. Our previous patterns and social structures are broken, and we’ve had to change our ways of living.

Each country has handled Covid-19 differently. No one knows the right approach to Covid-19, but it is widely debated on social media. A hot sub-topic is international travel, which came to a halt in March.

Me visiting Positano (a Covid-free city) in Italy in mid-July.

Many countries that were in lockdown are currently to open up for Covid-safe tourism. This includes Italy, which I recently travelled to (Naples and the Amalfi Coast) for my first Covid-19 trip. Despite the changes in how travelling can now be done, I managed to stay safe, navigate the unprecedented practical challenges, enjoy myself and have a lovely trip despite the current situation. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts, advice and experiences from the trip to help those of you with a desire to explore again.

To what extent is travel currently possible?

The current travel restrictions are mostly citizenship based and therefore different depending on where you’re from. For me, being from Sweden, I can safely travel to around 10 EU countries. These countries have been stated as ”safe” by the Swedish government from a Covid-19 point of view, based on current restrictions and virus situations. If you’re from America, entrance policies vary between countries, and EU citizens are, in general not allowed to enter Asia or North America.

Keep in mind that restrictions are constantly changing, and exceptions may apply if you hold dual citizenships. However, if you’re interested in travelling, start by exploring your options.

Walking down Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy in mid-July.

Should travelling be possible right now ?

This is a well-debated topic. My initial thought would be no, but I understand that it is necessary, and most of us also want to be able to travel. In the long run, the tourism industry would fall apart without travel. More people would lose jobs and have to find other ways to make a living, which is increasingly difficult during a crisis. The respective governments also need their income in the form of taxes, which won’t be paid if people aren’t making money. To avoid a recession, people and governments need to work around Covid-19 instead of enforcing lockdowns until there’s a vaccine. For the travel industry, that means Covid-safe tourism.

Should you be travelling?

The question of whether you should travel or not is a question that only you can answer. It is highly dependent on your individual situation. Take some time to reflect, ask yourself the important questions below, and trust your gut.

• Are you healthy?
• How old are you?
• Have you already been infected with Covid-19?
• Are you ready to take on the extra precautions and responsibilities that come with traveling during these times?
• Where are you travelling from and where are you going?
• What kind of activities are you planning on partaking in?
• Do you have a plan B for getting home if your flight is cancelled?

Walking the empty beach promenade of Positano in mid-July.

Regardless of how you travel, social distancing may be difficult. You also can’t trust and rely on profit-driven airlines, airports or other businesses to ensure that people are following the rules. I wouldn’t encourage travelling if you’re worried about becoming sick during your trip. Getting sick in a different country comes with its challenges, and it would most definitely ruin your trip.

Do the research

To have a safe trip, you will need to do more research than usual. Research is the key to ensuring that your potential trip will meet and exceed your expectations. If you’re reading this, it means that you’re willing to take that extra time, and I am more than happy when I get to talk about travel and can help you make better decisions for your trip.

Despite the negative aspects of Covid-19, this is a unique chance to get cheap flights and accommodation during a time that’s usually peak season. On top of that, many places are emptier than usual. Now is a good time to visit places that are usually too crowded such as Rome or Venice, both recommended to me by locals in Italy who had recently visited.

Walking is a great vacation activity during these times.

What precautions should you be taking if you travel?

Now, if you’ve decided to travel, it’s time to start thinking about precautions. This part might be slightly overwhelming as rules are constantly changing and it’s also different depending on which country you plan on visiting. There are, however a few things you can do to have a safe and hassle-free trip:

• Research the rules concerning masks and social distancing in the country that you’re interested in.
• Check stories and posts on Instagram, do people seem to be out dining at restaurants etc?
• Are ferries operating, museums open and will you be able to do the activities that you’re planning on doing? Search through google and check their respective websites.
• Check that the flight you’re interested in booking actually departs and arrives as scheduled, I checked if my flights to Napoli actually departed and returned for two weeks before booking my ticket.
• Book your flight directly with the airline and check the terms and conditions carefully. What are your cancellation rights?
• If you’re staying in a hotel, e-mail them and ask about their Covid -19 precautions, cancellation rules as well as their best rates.
• Book directly with the hotel to minimize potential hassle if you can’t make it and would have to cancel or reschedule. Contacting the hotel prior to booking is also a good way to ensure that they’re actually up and running.

Visiting Proscida, Italy

• Pre-order face masks (I ordered 100 cheap ones here and packed in my suitcase). These were just to comply with the regulations. If you’re carrying Covid-19, it will prevent you from spreading it to others. However, if you’re concerned about getting Covid, you should probably look into purchasing the more advanced masks.
• Make sure to always have a mask with you when you’re out and about. You will most likely need one when entering stores or restaurants.
• Even if people aren’t good at following the rules and maintaining social distance, you are expected to follow the rules. Otherwise, you may be denied entry in shops and restaurants. Some countries also have enforce penalties (such as Spain) if you don’t wear a mask as directed.

Visiting Mount Vesuvius

What does travelling in 2020 look like?

This will vary depending on where you’re going. Some of the measures below are Italy-specific but from what I’ve learned, similar restrictions are in place in other countries.

• Masks are to be worn in the terminal, as well as during the flight, for the whole duration of the flight. You may take of the mask for eating and drinking.
• Masks are to be worn in local transport such as metros, ferries, taxis etc. Most people are trying to following rules, but many wear masks the wrong way. Don’t expect others to be good at following the rules.
• Masks are to be worn in shops and restaurants (other than when you’re at your table). The same goes for your hotel. The rules at swimming pools vary. This is another good reason to e-mail and ask about the Covid-19 precautions and rules before booking. You don’t want to choose a hotel where the pool is closed.
• The concept of hotel breakfast will most likely be different. Some hotels have switched to a la carte breakfast, others are keeping the buffet. Ours had the buffet, but the staff brought the food to you. No guests were allowed near the food.
• Restaurant tables and hotel rooms are thoroughly cleaned between guests.
• Physical menus are a memory of the past in restaurants. Instead, there will be a QR code at the table which you may scan using your smartphone. If you don’t have internet, the staff will be more than happy to share the wi-fi password.

Digital menu in Capri, Italy

• Staff members are always wearing masks.
• In Italy, attractions are mostly open as usual, but there may be restrictions in place. For instance, in Pompeii, you had to pre-book your ticket, and you had to walk in a certain direction in a set path. This measure is to minimize potential crowds. However, since it’s rather empty over there, crowds are not likely to be an issue.
• Buses, ferries and other modes of transportation may not operate as stated on Google Maps or other timetables online. Double check these things with your hotel, as they have the most current information. They can also make calls on your behalf and ask questions about current hours of operation etc, in the local language.
• When entering restaurants, you may have to fill out a form with your personal information. This makes it easier for restaurants to reach you if any Covid-cases were to occur.

Breakfast at the hotel, you can see my mask to the left in the picture.

Generally, rules were easy to follow and travelling in Italy was simple. You get used to the regulations quickly, and it may also change your perspective on Covid-19, Covid-safe tourism and the future of travel.

At the end of the day, travelling abroad shouldn’t be less safe than staying home. I do, however believe that you should evaluate each situation you would be putting yourself in when travelling, and think about if they are safe, both for you, and the people around you.

Take-off from Naples Airport with the volcano Vesuvio in the background

Would I travel again in 2020?

The answer is yes, I would. I had a lovely time in Italy, we managed to do all the things we wanted to, and it was not nearly as crowded as normally during this time of the year. However, I would take every precaution possible to ensure that my next trip runs as smoothly as my previous one. I would also research the destination thoroughly before booking. My trip to Italy was booked a week before departure, but I had done research for about three weeks prior to booking. During these times, final decisions and bookings should made last minute, both to prevent cancellations and unexpected changes in restrictions.

Let me know if you have any questions regarding my trip or travelling during Covid-19 in general. I’d be happy to answer them.

Have you taken any trips during Covid-19? Please share your experiences in the comments.

The beautiful town of Positano seen from the water