It’s fair to say that so far, 2020 has been a tough, and for many, a tragic year. Since the first case of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 was reported. Everywhere you turn someone’s either talking about it, reading about it, or stockpiling sanitiser for it.
We know that these uncertain times can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, especially when it comes to travel. Ensuring that our travellers stay safe, healthy and informed is at the top of our agenda. So, with that in mind, we’ve pulled together all the important information you need to know about travelling before, during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19).
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Let’s get real. It’s not pretty, but it’s important to know exactly what we’re dealing with. COVID-19 is a new type of infectious coronavirus spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when someone who has the virus coughs or sneezes.
It causes respiratory problems, meaning the common symptoms are often the same as the common cold or flu – fever, tiredness and dry cough.
That said, we’re travellers, not virologists, so please seek professional medical help if you are worried or are showing any symptoms.
Should I still travel during the coronavirus outbreak?
Many areas of the world remain safe and free of travel restrictions, but ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and whether you feel comfortable boarding that plane, boat or train.
The risk of catching COVID-19 is said to be low for most people. It all depends on where in the world you are, so be sure to check the World Health Organization (WHO) coronavirus situation reports and your government’s own site for daily updates, and to plan your travel accordingly.
Interestingly, the WHO says: “Travel bans to affected areas or denial of entry to passengers coming from affected areas are usually not effective in preventing the importation of cases but may have a significant economic and social impact”.
As travellers, we feel more than ever that we need to pull together, to stay connected with the world and to support all the local communities out there who rely on tourism. Plus, those people at home who are sadly suffering from xenophobia and racism as a result of the outbreak.
Even if that means changing where you visit, postponing your trip, or booking a refundable trip for later in the year, we believe that choosing to travel has a more powerful and positive role in the world beyond Instagram and getting a tan. (Both of these things, also okay with, obvs).
If I decide to travel, what should I be booking?
As with any travel, there are always associated risks. That two-week trip to Thailand, or month-long road trip around New Zealand could just as easily be affected by natural disaster, political unrest, or some other not-so-nice incident.
Travel for us has always been about freedom and discovery, which is why a lot of what we sell already has flexibility built into it. For example, all our student and under 31 BlueTickets (plus a lot of our adult tickets too) are date changeable and refundable for a local admin fee, plus, we are offering one free date change on all new BlueTicket bookings. You can also book now pay later on many of our flight tickets, meaning that you can bag a bargain now but pay the balance before you fly. Or cancel, if that’s what you decide to do.
Likewise, our preferred touring partners such as Contiki and G Adventures all offer lifetime deposits if you need to cancel or rebook your trip. While there will always be costs to cancel your travel plans, booking our flexible travel range should help to minimize these. Be clear with our Travel Experts what your priorities are, and they’ll sort the rest.
As always, we’re on the phone 24/7 for support and sales. We’re hardcore like that.
How can I stay safe and healthy whilst travelling?
Hands up if you’ve ever got sick from travelling? Everyone then.
As travellers, we’re already experts in the field of wet wipes, hand sanitisers and rehydration salts. Now more than ever, it’s important to deploy all your hygiene measures and common sense to stay safe at home and on the road.
Following these basic public health guidelines is the best way to reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (that’s the same amount of time it takes to sing the chorus of Britany Spears’ ‘Oops!… I Did It Again’, just FYI). Or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when hands aren’t visibly dirty.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Seriously, no one wants to be covered in your bodily fluids.
- Try not to touch your mouth and nose.
- Follow proper food hygiene practices, especially in hostel kitchens.
Bonus: don’t go around licking people. It’s never a good idea!
If you have any other questions or concerns about your upcoming or future trips, please reach out to us. We’re still that best mate who’s here to help whenever you need it. Unless it’s at 3am after a Full Moon party on Koh Phangan. Then we need sleep.
Find and secure your flight now with our book now pay later program. Happy (and healthy) travels!