There's a lot going on in the world.
Some people have told me that they don't want to fly anymore. Others are concerned about traveling in general.
Over the past few years people have been worried about terrorist attacks and mass shootings. There is the Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Now it's the Coronavirus which is more contagious than most viruses.
What's a traveler to do? What's a solo traveler to do?
Here are some tips for safety to deal with your concerns.
Safety Tips to Quell Your Travel Concerns
For those who tell me they have concerns about returning to solo travel in these uncertain times I have a few tips for when you decide to travel again.
- Choose a destination carefully. We all respond differently to the stress that a destination may offer, so do your research and follow your own gut, not that of anyone else. Consider the risk a destination presents and whether that's okay with you.
- Travel domestically for greater security. When you travel domestically you are better covered for medical issues. You will also be able to return home with greater ease should you have a problem.
- Want to go overseas?
- Check your government's recommendations. Here are the travel alert pages for countries from which we have the most readers. Know that governments always err on the side of caution and are slow to take advisories down.
- Register with your government. Use these links to register your travel plans with your government. If you're not from one of these countries simply google “register my travels” and your country name.
- The UK government no longer provides this service.
- US: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- Canada: Registration for Canadians Abroad
- The Australian government no longer provides this service.
- Buy travel insurance. Travel insurance is always important but it's even more so in these times. Read the small print carefully. Even “cancel for any reason” insurance may not include a pandemic. And, if a pandemic is covered, what are you covered for? Will you have your expenses covered for two weeks of quarantine? What about hospitalization? Read Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must.
- Be a respectful and safe visitor. Whether traveling domestically or overseas, it may be tempting to go places where the incidence of the virus is lower. Be aware that you may be inadvertently bringing the virus to them. You may be a greater threat than the people at your destination. Be prepared with face masks, hand sanitizer, and any other personal protective gear to be a good visitor.
- Embrace the local culture in major cities. Stay away from the major tourist spots where the crowds will be by embracing the local culture. Statistically, there is less likely to be a problem in non-tourist spots.
- Travel off the beaten path. An enjoyable tip for safety is to really avoid the crowds by taking a road trip through the countryside.
- Share your itinerary. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends. If your plans change let them know.
- Carry your country's embassy information. Along with your passport and other documents, carry information on how to contact your country's embassy or consulate should you need help.
- Get travel insurance and read the fine print. Regular readers know that I always travel with insurance. I have since I started traveling in my teens. I've made claims and they've been paid. I've probably broken even over the years.
- Look for good in the world. Now that you've made great choices and put all your plans in place focus on the good in the world. The vast majority of people are good. The travel you'll do will be good. Focus on that as you count down to your trip.
