This week marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, and so much has changed so radically for so many of us that one wonders if anything will ever be the same as it was before. For so long, the world has waited for the easing of restrictions, for a return to some form of normal, and the impact of waiting has been so devastating. Many have been strong enough to wait it out, self-isolating and keeping close to home. For some, though, the confinement has been unbearable, and they’ve decided to assume the risks so that life can continue, though somewhat changed.
We are part of the second group. We were travelling when the pandemic hit the United States in full force. In a single week, we ran a mad race ahead of shut-downs and border closures, starting in Seattle and running to Phoenix, Arizona; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; and Grenada, before finally being forced back to the U.S.A. when borders to Grenada closed to foreigners. We waited a few months, but couldn’t sit still, and when restrictions started to ease in the spring of 2020 we packed our bags again, visiting the Southeast U.S.A., the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, Nevada, Turkey, Mexico, and most recently Dubai. When we tell people what we’ve been up to, a lot of what we see on the faces of friends and strangers alike is one of frank surprise. Nearly everyone is shocked by our willingness to dine out, ride airplanes, and stay in hotels.
Let it first be said that we believe COVID-19 exists. We’ve run across any number of people who call it a hoax, but we are not among them. The science is clear, and through the science we have found a balance for ourselves that has allowed us to continue seeing the world, as the world allows. So many have asked what it’s like to travel now that we thought we’d share our experiences and a few tips for safe travel.
- MOST IMPORTANT: wash hands frequently.
- Carry hand sanitizer and wipes for instances when hand washing isn’t available.
- Always wear masks when in public, even outside.
- Avoid crowds and crowding, or any situation where close quarters contact with a lot of people may occur.
- Get COVID-PCR tests before traveling
As far as airplanes and airports are concerned, we’ve never seen them cleaner. There are fewer people traveling, so the airports are nearly spotless, and never packed full as they can be. Social distancing is practiced during boarding. Many airlines continue to block middle seats, and ALL of them require your mask to be in place for the entire flight. Flight attendants enforce this rule, strictly, and though it’s uncomfortable, it’s a small price to pay for the privilege of being on the plane. And we learned that airplanes have powerful filtration systems onboard that scrub the air once every four minutes, even on the larger planes.
Hotels and B&B’s have likewise bent over backwards to keep their spaces sanitized, and provide the means to keep them sanitized during our stay (such as providing hand cleanser stations around the property). All of the hotels we’ve stayed in have strict mask-wearing protocols in place. The same can be said for restaurants, where social distancing has eaten into their profit margins deeply, and they are doing everything they can to maintain their businesses.
We aren’t being cavalier about any of these things. We recognize that some people are uncomfortable with this kind of risk, and we respect that. We’re fortunate to be healthy, and don’t have loved ones we could endanger by taking these risks. And, we recognize we’re taking risks. But we’ve found a way to keep ourselves virus free and still enjoy all the world has to offer.
Are you traveling yet? What precautions are you taking? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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