Bro, Go Travel! is a website that encourages others to travel, and this is why it’s difficult to write an article that even remotely does otherwise. Then again, I’m not writing to discourage anyone from traveling. As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about travel, I write this post to address some challenges that travelers face in this time of the coronavirus (or COVID-19).
If you decide to travel, the most important thing is to be informed, stay safe and understand that there will be circumstances beyond your control that may affect your plans.
Travel Restrictions
Governments and organizations are advising against travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many countries have implemented additional visa requirements, travel restrictions, screening processes, and lockdowns to protect their citizens from the spread of the virus. In layman’s terms, the process to travel has become more rigorous; in addition, the places travelers can go is much more limited now than before the pandemic.
Flight Cancellations
Moreover, airlines are either canceling or scaling back on their flights. This presents risks not only to individuals who have purchased tickets in advance, but also to travelers who are already abroad. More than ever before, going abroad comes with the risk of being stranded. With limited flights, logistics become more complicated and ticket prices become more expensive.
Attractions and Businesses Closed
At this time, treating and preventing the spread of the virus are higher priorities than tourism. Restaurants and shopping areas are closed. Attractions and night clubs are as well. For those who decide to travel, it definitely will be a more isolated and different travel experience.
Furthermore, this virus is effecting everyone everywhere. All you have to do is observe what’s happening in your local region to have an idea what it’s like in other places. It would be a hard lesson to travel across the world to a place to then find that it has suspended business activity. Worse than traveling to a place with limited tourist activity, is getting infected and/or spreading the virus.
Uncertainty
The impact of COVID-19 can be felt in almost all aspects of our lives, including the economy. Companies all over the world have taken measures such as having their employees work from home, allowing employees to take unpaid leave, as well as laying off personnel. Assess your financial situation and be prepared for emergencies that may arise.
Conclusion
Traveling is important to many of us. We fly thousands of miles to places all around the world, and now it’s being suggested that we stay home. The flight cancellations and closed borders are enough to drive a person mad. I definitely felt a punch in the gut as circumstances started, and continue to unfold.
Hoping that things get better, I’ll continue to post travel material. If you’re interested in sharing any personal travel experiences on Bro, Go Travel!, contact me at brogotravel@gmail.com, and I’ll gladly include your post on the site.
Stay safe, healthy and informed! Below are some resources to keep you updated on travel and COVID-19.
Thanks Bro, for your great travel blog. I’d love you to give a minute and subscribe here, too. Thank you in advance.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-mary-travelbest-guide/id1477949855
Dr Mary Travelbest, thank you for visiting my site! I look forward to following your podcast.