2020 is a year like none other in living memory. Pandemic-caused disruptions abound, affecting virtually every industry and daily life aspect.
Travel is just one of the things impacted by Covid-19. Some people feel safe enough to try it again, but they can only do so if they take the proper precautions.
Let’s look at the different ways that people travel and how the pandemic is complicating things.
Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are a travel method, but they’re for pleasure rather than for business. If you plan to go on a cruise this year, you should probably have a cruise ship injury lawyer on speed dial.
The simple fact is that it’s challenging to hide from something like the coronavirus while on a cruise ship.
That’s because:
- It’s hard to practice social distancing unless you remain in your cabin
- It’s difficult to do things like dance, eat, and mingle while wearing a mask the whole time
You might have your heart set on a holiday this year, but even if one of the cruise lines is running, it’s definitely in your best interest not to go. You might lose your deposit, but missing out on vacation isn’t the end of the world, and it’s not worth risking your life.
Airplane Travel
Airlines are in trouble this year. Fewer people are willing to fly during the pandemic, and it’s easy to see why. When you’re on an airplane:
- You’re in an enclosed environment
- You’re surrounded by people who might have the virus but be asymptomatic
Pleasure travel via airlines is down, as is business travel. Many who travel for business regularly are trying to have their meetings via services like Zoom. Unless they absolutely must be somewhere else in-person, they’re not flying anywhere near as much.
If you feel like you have to fly this year, be sure to wear a mask the entire time you’re on the plane. It has to cover both your mouth and nose. Remember that if you take it off, even to do something like eat or drink, you are putting yourself and individuals around you at risk.
You should also remember to wash your hands frequently as you walk through the airport. The virus can live briefly on surfaces. Attempt to avoid touching your face as well.
Car Rentals
Driving during the pandemic is something that’s happening more frequently now. It’s a safer form of business travel because you’re not in an enclosed environment like you would be on an airplane.
You can also deal with rental agencies like Hertz or Enterprise while wearing a mask if you need to talk to someone. If you have dealt with them before, you probably don’t even need to go up to the counter to speak with anyone.
You can pick up your car without ever having to interact with one of the sales representatives, making it safer for both you and them.
Some of the agencies are running commercials emphasizing that you don’t need to have direct contact with anyone, and that’s probably going to encourage more of an industry bounce back than we’re likely to see with airlines.
Buses and Trains
You might still be taking public transportation as a travel method. You can do it, provided that you take the same precautions that you would when you fly.
Walk through the train or bus terminal wearing your face mask. This is a place where people gather from different cities and states, and some of them might be virus hot spots. You might live in a locale where the virus is under control, but you’re temporarily in a place where it’s easy for exposure to occur.
Keep six feet from people in the terminal. When you get on the bus or train, try to keep a safe distance from others as much as possible. Many trains and buses are operating with reduced capacity so that you don’t have to sit directly next to someone.
As you look at the different ways to travel this year, it’s undeniable that if you need to go somewhere, the safest method will probably be your personal vehicle. If you own a car, or you can borrow one from a friend or relative, then that’s the way you’re least likely to expose others to the virus or risk exposing yourself.
Vaccines are in the works, but until they get here, there’s an element of danger concerning travel. Be cautious as you decide how best to get to your destination.
Photo by Victor He on Unsplash.
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