Onam is just around the corner and many of us would be making travel plans. It is important to make sure that we take necessary measures to remain safe during our trips . Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you.
Mask up
No matter where you are heading, don’t forget to mask up. There will be a tendency to go easy during vacation time. You might be having your family inside your car but still, keep those masks on. It’s always safer to keep those masks at weddings and hotels. Keep rubber gloves inside the car too. Face masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and digital thermometers are some of the things that you must carry while travelling during COVID-19.
Prepare yourself for your destination
While planning your travel during this pandemic, you must check whether your preferred destination is a COVID-19 hotspot or not. Moreover, if you opt for a road trip, you must ensure that you do not plan any stops at such hotspots. Instead of choosing a popular destination that may attract large crowds, you can enjoy your vacation in a small town or plan a trip to that nearby hill station.All the tourist places were shut down for weeks because of the pandemic and natural causes would have brought in a change in its topography. There was a recent incident of a Navy officer drowning in the Marmala waterfalls en route to Vagamon.Though he was a keen swimmer, the changing nature might have betrayed him. One can’t predict how the beaches will behave now. Therefore the wise thing to do would be to not opt for any adventure and just go according to the advice of travel guides or locals.
About the vehicle
It is advisable to use your own car. If at all you need to hire a vehicle, make sure it is properly sanitized. Places of frequent contact like door handles, steering wheel, gear knob, seat belt and switches should especially be cleaned. You can stock sanitizers in the door pockets which helps in regularly disinfecting your hands.
Don’t go by the budget
When you are taking your family, book the best and reliable hotels. Make sure the rooms are properly clean and disinfected. They are many budget hotels that are very particular about keeping their hotels sanitized. Stay only in hotels where you are confident about their hygiene. Regular sanitization of rooms, contact-free transactions, limited guests, and other social distancing policies are some of the most important aspects that you need to check, before booking a hotel room.
Keep away from public places
Don’t stop at crowded places. It is also advisable to opt for room service than dine at restaurants. If possible, avoid swimming pools, gyms, and yoga centres of such hotels.
On the way
If you are taking your car, it’s a good idea to carry paper cutlery. And if possible enough food and drinking water. In case you are planning to buy food on the way, discard their paper cutlery and use the ones you got from home. It is better to avoid tea shops, instead keep a good quality flask filled with tea or coffee. Stock newspapers inside your car. It helps in waste disposal. Also, keep sanitizing tissues.
Forest trips
There are various road routes in Kerala that give the impression of driving through the middle of a forest. The Athirapally-Valparai route for instance. While travelling on such routes, the wild animals might be in the vicinity; therefore it is advisable not to stop the car to enjoy nature. Keep in mind the recent reports about elephants roaming in the Thattekkadu route if you are planning to take that road. And keep an eye on that speed.
Make sure the vehicle is in good condition
Clearly, it’s been a while since you have travelled a long distance. Naturally, your vehicle might not be in the best of shape. Servicing the vehicle before the trip might be a good idea.
Social distancing is the key
It will be difficult to keep social distancing during the holiday season. Especially if you love your group selfies. Remember that there is always a risk of people who are asymptomatic to be with us. Better be safe than sorry.
