As the United States and many other parts of the world continue to open up after the lockdown alongside the introduction of the vaccine, many are enjoying a general return to normal in many ways. But while many of us are able to do many of the things we enjoyed from our pre-pandemic lives, certain new concerns have emerged or existing ones have been heightened. Case study? A growing reluctance to get on a plane and go on vacation amid safety concerns.

Traveling right now is a personal choice and of course it’s okay to be careful. However, information is helpful in relieving persistent worries. With that in mind, read on for the best post-lockdown travel tips from hotel owners, travel experts, and mental health professionals to ease worries about staying safe and healthy when you are away.

Below, experts give 10 travel tips after the lockdown and answer frequently asked questions to relieve the stress of upcoming trips.

1. What important safety tips should travelers keep in mind when flying?

“Important safety tips include wiping your seat, seat buckles, and tray tables before your flight, removing and washing your travel clothes as soon as you get to your accommodation, and keeping your immune system healthy by eating a healthy diet and taking vitamin supplements as needed.

“People should also remember that wearing a mask during the introduction of vaccinations has not gone out of fashion. To further slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid unnecessary caution, wear your mask around strangers and especially in a severe condition, human trafficking or crowded places. I recommend avoiding crowded places and opting for travel activities like park picnics, beach days, hikes and walks to safely enjoy a new destination. “

—Gabby Beckford, travel expert and travel blog author Pack light

2. What can travelers do before departure to reduce fears and to feel optimally prepared for their flight?

“I’m seeing a lot of travel anxiety right now. We’re still in a global pandemic and it’s natural to be concerned about activities we haven’t done in a while, like flying, but being prepared can help with relaxation. ”Your fears. To help, check out those [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)] Travel guidelines and those of your airline, wear your mask, bring your disinfectant wipes, and bring a good book or your headphones for a distracting movie. You can also consider practicing grounding techniques, such as For example, breathing in your stomach, counting lights or seats, or naming something that is perceived by each of your five sensesS. Finally, focus on your destination and the temporary nature of each flight. Even if it’s not a great flight, you’ll soon be where you want to be. “

–Elisabeth Abbott, LMFT, psychotherapist

3. What important safety-related items should people be packing?

“Make a checklist of the things you need to have fun while being aware of the pandemic. Make sure you take protective equipment and accessories with you, including hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Packing the right toiletries is important as they play a huge role in your health and hygiene. Make sure liquids, gels, and creams are all travel-friendly sizes. Try to use a clear plastic bag to wrap your essentials so it’s easier to find what you’re looking for in general and at airports in case your baggage gets tagged. “

—Chadricks Everette, owner of Booking platform for group trips Dipaways

4. What changes do I have to expect when I fly for the first time?

“Any changes you should expect will definitely have to do with COVID, such as promoting social distancing, getting on five rows at a time, and fewer interactions in the air, like no food on board or just simple snacks and water.“

– Idea Michelle, Head of Influencer and Brand Collaboration at Black travel trip

5. What security measures have the hotel put in place to ensure the safety of guests?

“Constant hand disinfection, all meals are served outside in the gardens, the staff is wearing masks, all public interiors have been reorganized, the seats are detached and the windows are constantly open.” [Editor’s note: To understand what safety measures will be in place at your specific accommodation, call ahead of time to ask.]

—Meryanne Loum-Martin, owner of Jnane Tamsna, a boutique hotel in Marrakech, Morocco

6: What are the safest destinations to visit right now?

“Every time you travel on public transport, you take some risk. Which travel destinations are considered safe depends heavily on each person’s personal safety standards. However, being a safe traveler generally means being informed. I strongly recommend travelers to visit travel.state.gov to find out about various travel advice, required documents, and restrictions that apply to different travel destinations.

“Overall, when you travel, always respect the laws of the country you are visiting, and remember that residents and businesses are still on the verge of recreation. Remember to show grace to others and be grateful for the opportunity to travel again. “

—Shavonne Burns, Atlanta flight attendant

7. What changes from pre-pandemic travel should people expect to travel post-lockdown?

“The main changes are the freedoms vaccination cards give you – I recently had flights between Turkey, Greece, Germany and Cyprus and all of them have stated that a full vaccination will not require a COVID test for at least two weeks. [Editor’s note: Before travel, be sure to verify the requirements of your destination, which are all subject to change.] Other changes could include different curfews in different locations and different masks, temperature controls and hand sanitization regulations. “

—Beckford

8. What are the most up-to-date airline security policies and where can I find them?

“The entire business structure of an airline is geared towards getting passengers and crew members to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible. This is why flight attendants are trained security professionals and why the Department of Transportation requires passengers, crew and the airport from commercial airlines. ”Staff to be checked by TSA. However, more emphasis is now placed on your safety, which goes beyond your physical safety, but also on your health and the aircraft. This is regardless of your vaccination status or even a negative test. “

—Burned

9. Is travel insurance necessary?

“Travel insurance may seem unnecessary, but we strongly recommend it. Given the current state of the pandemic, insurance will protect you from unexpected travel disruptions. Make sure your insurance coverage includes emergency medical assistance or evacuation. Even better if it covers cancellations. The credit card used to book your trip may already contain insurance. “

—Everette

10. Where can I find local policies and guidelines on COVID-19 restrictions and updates?

“I always refer customers to the CDC website for accurate, up-to-date information. The CDC website contains travel guidelines for US and international locations, as well as a search tool that users can use with health departmental websites for their travel destinations for any restrictions or recommendations. Browsing these well in advance of your trip will help you prepare, which can relieve anxiety. “

–Abbott

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