13 Tips To Consider When Planning Future Travel

4/11/2020

We were ALL devastated when travel suddenly screeched to a halt. Whether you are a passionate traveler or a homebody, most of us have the need to travel at some point...it might be for a family special occasion, holiday celebration, business travel or a much needed vacation. Don't wait! Now is the time to start planning future travel.

With the appearance of COVID-19/Coronavirus, it's brought different elements to traveling and you have to be ahead of it in order to stay safe and still have fun. If you've had a trip cancelled or just need to get away, now is the time to get your spirits up and start planning a new adventure. But you need to be smart about it and be prepared for unexpected situations.

My Solid 13 Tips To Consider When Planning Future Travel:

1. Consider Different Types Of Vacation Experience

It's no secret that I am passionate about cruising. There is something about gazing at the ocean from my veranda, enjoying fine dining, unpacking once while being swept away to a new destination every day. BUT we've all seen on the news how this experience can also harbor the unexpected and that might make you uncomfortable to get back out to sea right away.

When planning travel, if you've never been a cruiser and nervous about starting now, consider a tropical all-inclusive resort and relax beachfront. You'll still enjoy water excursions, various activities, amazing dining venues, and first-class service. Or take a road trip to a beautiful mountain resort where you can indulge in spa treatments and winter sports.

I mention resorts because they are not usually quite as crowded as a cruise ship and there is a lot more space to spread out. For example, Baha Mar in the Bahamas is easy to get to and has packages with dining credits and activities the whole family will love (I've been looking into this one myself!)

Baha Mar in the Bahamas

Amazing pool at Grand Hyatt

Ahhh...this balcony view!

2. Travel Insurance

Here's the deal. When COVID-19/Coronavirus was considered a pandemic, insurance companies would not cover trip cancellations or expenses for that reason. The only way that you can slightly get ahead of it is to put purchase "cancel for no reason" insurance immediately after making first payment on your cruise or vacation. I say "immediately" but typically you have 21 days after first payment. However now, they have started including pandemics and epidemics in the fine print of the insurance policy. Therefore, if you have to cancel at the last minute because of a diagnosis of COVID-19/Coronavirus, you will still be entitled to a portion of your prepaid vacation back.

Always carefully look at cancellation policies when booking your next vacation to ensure you have the flexibility to easily change or cancel. Although my advice is to purchase travel insurance so when you start your vacation, you are covered for any unexpected situations along the way.

3. Supercharge Your First-Aid Kit

I never travel without a first aid kit. It contains the usual bandages, antibiotic ointment, seasickness medicine, antihistamines, and pain reliever. Double up and then bring more.

4. Pack Extra Clothes

Who doesn't?! I've always been an over-packer but if you've tried in the past to get away with bringing 3 outfits for a 7-day trip, you might want to reconsider. If you are detained in your travels for any reason, most likely you won't have access to laundry facilities or shopping. Fold up a few extra pieces of lightweight clothing in a side pocket of your suitcase just in case. This is also good practice when you encounter delays due to mechanical problems or in-climate weather. See my packing guide here.

5. Take The Time To Disinfect YOU

Many resorts and cruises offer laundry service. Even if there is a small fee, it's worth it to send your traveling clothes to the laundry as soon as you arrive to your destination. Once you unpack, take a long hot shower and put on your vacation-wear. Tuck your traveling outfit in a laundry bag (typically found in the closet) and have sent to the cleaners. Not only will you wash away all of the germs and dirt from traveling, but you'll start your vacation feeling refreshed and ready to go.

6. Bring Supplies

If you've learned anything while social distancing and self-quarantining, you should know to pack disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves and a mask. Carry these items with you so that you can have available to clean your personal space while on an airplane, and cruise or hotel room. When you first arrive, pull out your disposable gloves and disinfecting wipes, then start cleaning. These are the areas you’ll want to hit:

AIRPLANE

Seat belt latch
Seat arms
Table tray latch and surface on airplanes
Carry disinfecting wipes and gloves to restroom (throw away all after opening door, but before returning to your seat)

ROOM (HOTEL or CRUISE SHIP)

Door knobs (front door, closet door, balcony door)
Dresser knobs or pulls
Remote controls
Telephone
Alarm clock
Sink faucets
Shower door edge
Toilet flusher

Don’t forget to remove the gloves from the furthest edge and flip inside out, then wash your hands thoroughly. YES, it sounds exhausting. but abiding by this routine should give you piece of mind when settling in to vacation mode.

7. Travel Straws

It’s a win-win! Bring your own straw. Eco-friendly and metal travel straws allow you to drink your beverage without touching the glass.
BONUS: A copper straw keeps your cold drink perfectly COLD (especially in my favorite Royal Caribbean souvenir cocktail glasses!)

Best tip for staying healthy when traveling - bring your own metal straw.

8. Bring Up To A Month Of Extra Prescription Medicines

A month might sound excessive, unless it's a life-saving medicine that you need to survive. If you can't get the actual medicine filled ahead of time, ask your doctor to future date a prescription to carry with you.

9. Know Your Escape Route

While you are away, unexpected things happen. There could be a pandemic (COVID-19/Coronavirus - who would have thought?!) or you get sick or need to get back to a family member at home. Always know your surroundings when visiting a new destination. For example before you cruise, research beforehand if there is an airport at each of your port stops and how often flights leave for your home airport.

10. Change Up Your Seating

When you fly in an airplane or ride on a train, keep in mind the window seat is less susceptible to germs. You are further away from others walking up and down the aisles. I know giving up that highly coveted aisle seat might be difficult, but sit next to the window and you are guaranteed to have the best aerial photos on Facebook.

Recently Updated: Many airlines are not using the middle seats for social distancing during COVID-19. For example, Southwest Airlines doesn't block them off so that families may sit together, but if it's empty, the flight attendants will not push for travelers to use them. Keep in mind, during the COVID-19 situation, face masks are required on most airlines. Don't forget to bring (not pack) a facemask, disposable gloves (bathroom!), gel hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

11. Avoid Self-Serve Buffets

This will be changing on it’s own in due time, but if a buffet doesn’t have a person serving at each station, order a sit down meal at your table. Never hesitate to call ahead to ask about the type of meal service available. The more a restaurant learns what is important to it’s customers, they’ll start making adjustments. Recently I have seen self-serve stations in grocery stores' prepared food sections starting to make a come back, but I'm still reserved to use them.

12. Where To Put Your Card Key?

Some cruise ships and resorts still use a card key system for room entry, identification, or scan for purchases, including food and beverages. Get a lanyard! I know...it’s not the most fashionable look. But with your card key on the end of a lanyard encased in a plastic sleeve, you can easily show it as it hangs from your neck. Even if someone has to scan it, they don’t touch the card and you can easily wipe down the plastic pouch at the end of the day.

13. Be Comfortable

Be comfortable in planning where you want to go. Use this time of insecurity to explore local resorts or take shorter flights. If you've given up seeing your family for momentous occasions because of circumstances, make a vacation out of visiting them.

Be comfortable in what you spend on vacation if your financial conditions have unexpectedly changed. I am a believer in regularly taking a holiday or vacation to remove yourself from the everyday routine and stress. Cut back on the number of nights away or find hotels in your desired destination that include complimentary food options or free nights with a minimum stay.

Be comfortable that restaurants, resorts, or cruise ships have the health-safety and medical needs you may require. Many times, this will be listed on their website, but be comfortable inquiring by phone or email beforehand.

Click on each name below for favorite cruise websites. Before you book, see if they have any additional requirements at this time before cruising:

Do NOT give up traveling! By following my solid tips to consider for future travel, you are doing all you can to prepare. Travel WILL come back, although it may look a bit different for a while. See what Travel and Leisure recently had to say about this. If you are ready to go, my travel guidelines should help you plan well, pack accordingly, and break a few bad habits while adding a few good ones. By being well armored, travel can become fun again and something you'll look forward to planning.