I remember the exact moment when Covid-19 started to affect travel. It was March 2020, and I was in the UK, watching a news broadcast about the country’s decision to shut down all travel. At the same time, I received a notification on my phone that my flight back to the United States the following day had been canceled. Thankfully, I managed to rebook my flight and make it back home safely. Little did I know that this would be the start of months and years of limited travel, closed borders, and a lot of bread-baking (my focaccia came out beautifully).
That UK trip was my first solo trip abroad and it reignited my passion for travel, reminiscent of the family trips I took as a child. I longed for adventure as an adult, and once the world began to adjust to the new normal brought about by Covid-19, I decided to hit the road again.
Little did I know that “hitting the road” would become quite literal. In 2021, I returned to the UK and lived there for six months. After another six months back in the US, I made the decision to move to Australia, where I currently reside. Throughout the year 2022, I traveled more than 65,000 miles (104,700 kilometers) and visited four different continents. Some places had strict Covid-19 protocols, while others were more lenient. Based on my experiences, I have valuable tips to share for long-distance travel in a post-Covid world.
First and foremost, it is essential to keep your travel documents with you at all times. This includes your photo ID, passport, and Covid-19 vaccination record. However, it is also a good idea to take clear photos of all your documentation and store them on your phone. Backing them up to the cloud and emailing them to yourself provide extra layers of security in case your physical documents are lost or damaged.
Another helpful tip is to use tracking devices like AirTags to keep an eye on your luggage. I personally put an AirTag in my purse, backpack, and all of my checked bags. This allowed me to easily track the location of my belongings during my travels. In one instance, when my checked bags were left behind on a flight from the US to Australia, I could see the bags on a map and even show the baggage agents their exact location. This made the process of retrieving my bags much smoother and less stressful.
When traveling to another country, it is important to have the appropriate plug adapters for your devices. Different countries have different plug standards, and it can be frustrating to have only one adapter. I recommend bringing multiple adapters to ensure you can charge your devices without any difficulties.
Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of any prohibited items when traveling internationally. Each country has its own set of restrictions, which can change frequently. It is advisable to check the tourism or state department website of the country you are visiting before your trip to avoid any complications at customs. Leaving prohibited items at home will save you from potential headaches and delays.
Packing your carry-on bag strategically can also make your travel experience more convenient. I always pack my carry-on bag in a way that allows easy access to the items I will need during the flight. For example, I keep essentials like tissues, gum, snacks, and charging cables in the outer pouch of my backpack, which is easily reachable. The inner part of the bag holds items I may need but won’t require immediate access to.
In conclusion, traveling in a post-Covid world requires some additional precautions and preparation. Keeping important documents on your phone, utilizing tracking devices for your luggage, having the right plug adapters, familiarizing yourself with prohibited items, and organizing your carry-on bag effectively can enhance your travel experience significantly. By implementing these tips, you can navigate through the new normal of travel and enjoy your adventures with ease and peace of mind.
