The Covid-19 pandemic is not over, but many countries have reopened for tourism. This means you can once again travel to other countries.
Being able to travel abroad freely again does not mean you should neglect health protocols. Here are some things to keep in mind while traveling and after returning from abroad.
Tips for Safe Travel Abroad
Most countries have opened their doors to foreign tourists who have received their full Covid-19 vaccination, including booster shots. They also no longer require Covid-19 testing if you are fully vaccinated.
To ensure your vacation remains safe, continue following health protocols to protect yourself. Here are some tips before and during your travels abroad:
- Ensure you have received your full Covid-19 vaccination, including the booster.
- Keep a safe distance from others in public places.
- Continue wearing a mask, especially in crowds and indoor areas with little fresh air.
- Avoid contact with people who appear sick, such as those coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Frequently clean your hands with hand sanitizer, as well as soap and clean water.
- Avoid eating and drinking in public transportation or in large crowds.
Traveling by Airplane
The high airflow and efficiency of air filters on airplanes help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus onboard. However, airlines still recommend wearing masks properly during the flight.
Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling by plane:
- Maintain distance from other passengers, especially when queuing.
- Wear a mask according to guidelines to ensure effective protection.
- Check-in online whenever possible.
- Always carry and frequently use hand sanitizer.
- Store personal items like keys, wallets, and phones in a carry-on bag to reduce handling during security checks.
- Pack food in airtight plastic containers and keep it separate from other bags.
What to Do After Returning from Vacation
Viruses are invisible to the naked eye. Even if you were cautious during your trip abroad, it doesn't mean you're free from the risk of infection.
Covid-19 symptoms can take 2 to 14 days to show after being infected. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Diarrhea
To prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, here's what to do after returning from your trip:
- Continue wearing a mask during your return trip.
- Avoid close contact with others and keep a safe distance.
- Before contacting your family, especially babies and the elderly, make sure to wash your hands, clean yourself, and change clothes.
- Take a Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen) if you experience any symptoms of infection.
- Stay at home and avoid contact with others. Use separate dining utensils and bathrooms from other family members.
- Watch for any symptoms of illness in yourself and your family for at least the next two weeks.
Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Conduct a Covid-19 test on family members who show symptoms after contact with you.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and other home remedies? Click here!
- dr Hanifa Rahma
CDC (2022). After Travel Tips. Available from: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/after-trip.
Mayo Clinic (2022). COVID-19 travel advice. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965.
BetterHealth Channel. Overseas travel – health tips. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/travel-health-tips.
Mayo Clinic (2022). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963.