The pandemic that’s kept most of us locked indoors for almost a year has now morphed into the new normal. Robust vaccination initiatives have helped countries all over the world open up again. Though various health and safety protocols are still in place, it’s finally time to start getting back out there again.
One of the industries most affected by the pandemic has been tourism and hospitality. Luckily, traveling again has been on top of almost everyone’s to-do list since restrictions have started letting up. The feeling of being in a new city, experiencing a different culture, or coming back home to see friends and family, is on the horizon.
Though traveling has never been a particularly carefree experience even before the pandemic, the new normal has turned things up a notch. Additional restrictions, paperwork, and logistical concerns require advanced planning to ensure everything goes smoothly on your trip.
The essentials for your trip depend on a multitude of factors. How far away is it? Is it international? What will the weather be like? All of these need to be considered ahead of time, so you enjoy your travel escapades in the new normal hassle and worry-free.
Use a travel agent
Health and safety protocols and vary from state to state, let alone between different countries. Using a travel agent can help plan out your itinerary, book your flights, settle your accommodations and provide you with a comprehensive list of the dos and don’ts of the place you’ll be visiting. If you’re traveling to a place that you’ve already been to or even coming home to your friends and family, you’re more inclined to skip this step.
However, even on shorter journeys, you can still benefit from a travel agent in the know regarding travel protocols in the new normal. They can help ensure you have a great trip ahead of you, even in the new normal.
Mask up!
Even if you’re fully vaccinated or your travel destinations don’t necessarily require the use of face masks, you’ll feel better having a couple of spares in your bag. Use a pouch, a little drawstring bag even just a separate pocket in your backpack or briefcase.
It will save you the hassle of having to go through a mad dash to find some at the airport or in a completely new city. You should even be going as far as to bring multiple masks on your trip. You can have disposable masks and more stylish reusable ones.
Dress comfortably
Dressing comfortably doesn’t mean sacrificing your style. Getting back into the swing of things mean finally being able to express yourself through your fashion again. Just make sure to take new flight protocols into account and the long hours you’ll be spending on your drive or flight.
Long pants and long sleeve shirts are great because they’re easy to move around in and serve as an extra layer of protection. Closed shoes such as tennis shoes or running shoes are also great for long drives and plane rides.
Pack efficiently
The climate of your destination greatly influences the clothes you’ll be bringing, but regardless of whether it’s a tropical or cold climate, you should pack multipurpose pieces. Sticking to multiple basics that you can mix and match showcases your style and helps lighten your luggage. A few statement pieces can be thrown into the mix like jackets, coats, hats, and other accessories will help add a flair of creativity to your basic elements.
Fantastic accessories like real hip-hop-style jewelry pieces such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces can help bring your outfit to the next level without adding too much to your carry-on. Authentic pieces also withstand the constant sanitizer and hand washing we go through when traveling.
Carry a bag
The amount of paperwork you’ll be carrying, from vaccination cards, test results, boarding passes, your passport, and your itinerary, can all be hard to keep track of. A belt bag, briefcase, or cross-body can help keep all your essential documents in one place and allows for easy access.
Water-resistant fabrics and leather-made bags make for great travel bags as they not only look great but are also spill-proof and don’t rip as easily as a canvas tote would. You should also be carrying disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, especially if you’re going to be riding public transportation on your trip.
There are certainly some more things to add to your checklist when traveling during the new normal, don’t let that deter you. As long as you’re staying safe and planning, a great and memorable trip should be ahead of you!
