Post-Pandemic Travel Planning Kit

Whatever your personal stance on wearing masks, it’s a good idea to wear one when travelling through all busy places, such as airports and train stations. With some countries now enforcing the wearing of masks as compulsory in certain places, you’ll want to take more masks than you think you’ll need – they’re easily lost, and you might even be able to help someone in need.

If the idea of a prepping for an overseas trip seems more trouble than it’s worth, then look closer to home and enjoy the beauty found throughout Canada. There’s a lifetime’s worth of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered no more than a few hours' drive from your home.

From the beautiful Okanagan Valley to scenic Banff – it's time to look again at what Canada has to offer.

‘Fit to Fly’ health certificates are needed for many destinations around the world and you need to sort it out before you arrive at your destination. The best source of information regarding flying regulations would be the relevant government immigration website – don’t rely on hearsay or travel blogs.

For Canadians travelling abroad, we recommend this website: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

As governments around the world try to make sense of this new reality, we should expect some delays when travelling as people need to be properly checked to ensure everyone’s safety. This is important when transiting through countries or waiting to go through immigration – hold off booking any transport until you have your bags in hand.

Even if you think you’re fully covered with top-tier insurance, it’s highly advisable to check again. If one of your family has a fever and is denied entry, what does that mean for the rest of you? In some cases, it may be sensible to buy specific COVID-related travel insurance.

It’s also worth paying close attention to international travel restrictions stipulated by certain countries. If you travel before restrictions are lifted, it may invalidate your insurance.

A nature break makes more sense these days. After months cooped up in your house, surely the idea of clean mountain air, hidden beaches, and wide-open landscapes is the stuff of dreams. You can safely maintain social distancing from bustling crowds and enjoy time with just you and your loved ones.

As an alternative to a hotel stay, consider booking a vacation rental or even getting back to basics on a camping holiday.

Once your suitcase zips off on the conveyor belt at check-in, who knows how many people will handle it before you pick it up at your destination. That’s why it’s sensible to clean it with a disinfectant wipe once you get to your hotel. Focus specifically on the handles and wheels – the real dirt traps!

This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s worth making the point: wash your hands! Every time you get back to your room and especially before you eat, give them another wash. You don’t need us to explain how to do that, right?

If you’re longing for a well-deserved dose of soft sand and swaying palms, keep your options open and browse different destinations because there are some remarkable bargains to be had on accommodation these days. Many places around the world have the holy trinity of sun, sea, and sand in abundance so it pays to be flexible.

Even though the rules and regulations have relaxed, it’s still better to proceed with caution. If you’re on the beach, choose a secluded patch and try to hold off eating lunch until a little after lunchtime instead of bang on 12 noon, when the restaurants will be busiest. If you’re travelling through the city, don’t take public transport at rush hours.

After opening door handles or handling cash, it makes sense to clean your hands with hand sanitizer (if you can’t wash using hot water and soap) when you’re out and about.

If you’re taking a flight, remember to buy a travel size bottle as the 100 ml liquid rule is still in force.