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March 16 2021 - 3 min reading
Now that travel abroad is allowed, travel brings both curiosity and associated expectation and excitement. Despite all fears, the desire to travel is now greater than ever.
However, it is advisable not to neglect some precautions for your protection and the protection of others and thus avoid contagion. In any situation, you should keep a distance of at least 2 meters from other people and avoid, whenever possible, spaces with a large concentration of people. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and wash your hands often, especially before and after using the bathroom, before eating and after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose and whenever possible, disinfect your hands with an alcoholic solution.
Attention to local restrictions
Although since March 15th it is allowed to travel abroad from Portugal, travel restrictions may vary from country to country. Therefore, before traveling it is advisable to do an information search on the guidelines and measures in force at the destination, as well as on the rules to be followed at airports, railway stations, bus terminals or even borders. The best sources for collecting this type of information are the websites of the local health authorities, in the case of Portugal, the General Directorate of Health.
Travel by plane
Because of the way air circulates and is filtered inside airplanes, most viruses do not spread easily. However, if the planes are full, it is more difficult to maintain social distance and the same is true of time spent in airports and waiting rooms, where there is a high probability of being close to other people. The use of a mask is mandatory for passengers on airplanes, in the air and on the ground.
Travel by plane
Because of the way air circulates and is filtered inside airplanes, most viruses do not spread easily. However, if the planes are full, it is more difficult to maintain social distance and the same is true of time spent in airports and waiting rooms, where there is a high probability of being close to other people. The use of a mask is mandatory for passengers on airplanes, in the air and on the ground.
Traveling by car
If your trip is by car instead of a plane, some prior planning is advisable because, although traveling in your own vehicle can offer some autonomy and avoid contact with more people, you need to think about the stops that will be necessary along the way.
Thus, we suggest some measures that can make travel safer and more comfortable in this pandemic season:
• Make as few stops as possible (but it is mandatory to stop when you feel the least fatigue!);
• When refueling, if possible, use disposable gloves and wash or disinfect your hands before and after refueling;
• Prepare your own meals for the trip and thus avoid having to enter places with other people.
Traveling by bus or train
If the trip is by bus or train, in addition to wearing the mask, you must maintain a minimum distance of two meters from other passengers. This is still a risky means of transport - if the journey is long and lasts for a long period, the distance may not be enough to avoid contagion. Also in these cases, you should follow the precautions mentioned above for car trips, such as wearing a protective mask whenever you are inside the transport and at the station, wash your hands before entering and when you arrive at the destination and observe a good breathing label.
At the destination, if transportation to the hotel or accommodation is required, renting a car can be a good option. If you go by bus or metro, again, it is necessary to maintain social distance, wear a respiratory protection mask and use hand sanitizer. If you use a taxi service, it is important not to sit next to the driver, always wear a mask and, preferably, handle your own luggage. You should also avoid contact with your hands with surfaces that are touched by many people, such as tables, handrails, door handles.
What to pack
When preparing your bags for departure, there are certain items that you cannot forget, including some basic medicines and accessories, such as respiratory protection masks, disinfectant alcoholic solution (with a minimum 70% alcohol content), disinfectant wipes for surfaces (with a minimum percentage of 70% alcohol) and a thermometer.
For people considered to be at risk, over 65 years old or suffering from underlying clinical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or who are immunosuppressed or obese, care must be doubled.
It is also very important to bear in mind that if you feel sick before traveling, the most sensible thing to do is to stay at home and, if necessary, seek medical assistance.