Travel has undergone a significant transformation in 2021, all thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travelling during the pandemic comes with a fair share of risks. However, all those wanting to explore breathtaking destinations in 2021 need to ensure all of the necessary safety measures are in place before embarking on a hearty vacation/tour.

Here is an A-Z travel safety guide that can be looked into by those who wish to travel in the times of COVID-19. Right from booking hotels in India to making flight bookings, prospective tourists should remain careful every step of the way.

Do Get Medical Check-Ups Done Beforehand and Maintain Social Distancing

It is recommended to get done with comprehensive medical checkups, especially for COVID-19. Senior citizens should be cautious before planning to travel because the disease is highly contagious and spreads at a canter. Plus, it is important to maintain social distancing at all times no matter what location you’re travelling to.

Also, hand sanitizers need to be kept handy, no matter whichever tourists are travelling to. Moreover, it is important to travel in smaller groups to avoid overcrowding. Moreover, only the best hotels in India (the ones having adequate safety measures in place) are booked. Fortunately, Oyo Rooms has the best COVID-19 safety measures in place for all kinds of travel enthusiasts.

Wearing a Mask is a Must

As obvious as it might sound, wearing a mask at all times is necessary whilst travelling in the COVID 19. Be it in flights or whilst hotel check-ins, masks should never be removed in public. While using public transport, it is essential to wash and/or sanitize your hands with a sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Also, it is always a good idea to carry multiple masks along to be on the safer side. People travelling frequently can also ask the hotel management for additional masks.

Go for Cashless Transactions

Be it hotel bookings or making flight arrangements, it is always a good idea to go opt for cashless transactions. The problem with currency notes is: they change hands quite frequently, which in turn might give rise to infections as an average currency note changes hands 40-50 times a day (approximately). Therefore, it is advisable to use cashless transactions at hotels and while travelling on public transport to minimise physical contact with people. It is heartening to note that most of the hotels in India accept online payments.

Choosing A Travel Destination is Important

• Before finalising a destination, it is important to keep the following factors in mind:
• Is the travel destination safe?
• Are the COVID-19 cases in and around the destination increasing?
• Are the hotels in and around the area well sanitized and hygienic?
• Avoid touching your face and nose frequently.
• Hand washing and sanitization need to be carried out frequently, especially before and after meals.

Also, there are many states in India that have imposed travel restrictions. Entering several states in India is possible only after producing a recent copy of a negative COVID-19 report. So, it is important to get a COVID-19 test done at the earliest. Also, do make it a point to surf the best website to book hotels in India. Remember to look for the best deals on hotel bookings, but do not go for cheap hotels in India just for the sake of saving a few bucks.

Make Sure the Hotels are Clean, Tidy, and Sanitized

This point needs to be reiterated endlessly as hotel rooms are used by multiple people. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to make sure that the rooms you are staying in are clean tidy, and sanitized. Also, maintain social distancing whenever room maintenance is being carried out by the housekeeping staff.

Moreover, it is advisable to eat within the confines of the room by going for room service. Plus, have a few eatables of your own, such as cereals, oats, and fruits to minimise contact with the housekeeping staff and the outside world. Again, do not go for budget hotels just for the sake of saving money because not all hotels and living spaces can provide tourists with the best safety measures (and amenities) in the COVID-19 era.

Avoid Crowded Places at All Cost

Crowded places need to be avoided at all costs, no questions asked. Travel to areas that aren’t mainstream travel destinations because, in this way, tourists and travellers would be able to stay away from vast scores of people. Take this for an example; hotels in Shimla are bound to be overcrowded during summertime since Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. Therefore, it is important to look for tourist destinations that are not atop everybody’s travel list. Also, book hotels in India only after checking the facilities and amenities provided by the management and the staff.

Also, while staying inside the hotel premises, it is best to avoid gyms and swimming pools as both of them are used by a lot of people, all at once. The same is the case with elevators. It is always a good idea to use the staircase instead of the elevator as using the elevator frequently would end up defeating the very purpose of social distancing.

Avoid Public Transport as Much as Possible                      

This is one of the most important things to take into consideration while planning to travel during COVID-19. Travelling on a crowded bus can increase the risk of COVID-19 infections. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to maintain adequate social distancing in buses and trains.

If possible, make use of personal vehicles while travelling to avoid physical contact with strangers. Get the fuel tank full and embark on a hearty little vacation this summer. Also, using personal vehicles, such as an SUV, would make it possible for the tourists to make stoppages frequently. Those using personal cars and bikes can always stop at their convenience to have a snack or to use the toilet. Those travelling solo during COVID-19 would find it immensely useful to opt for personal vehicles instead of public transport.

Also, avoid opting for valet parking at hotels in India while checking in.

After You Travel

Keeping all of the safety measures in place during the outbreak of COVID-19 is certainly not enough as travelling would increase the risk of contracting the virus even if all of the precautions are taken care of. It is important to get a vaccine shot as soon as the trip is over. A 14-day self-quarantine should also be taken by those travelling frequently. Following all of the precautionary measures can go a long way in stemming the transmission of COVID 19.

Travel safe, folks.

OYO