Playing It Safe While Travelling During The COVID-19 Crisis
We wish we could give you better news. However, it’s likely not news to you that the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t miraculously disappeared. As a result, the travel industry is still being hampered. We understand, of course. The health and safety of all people is a top priority right now. That’s why it’s imperative to play it safe while travelling during the COVID-19 crisis.
International travel hasn’t opened up just yet. However, as we pointed in our last blog, there are softer restrictions allowing Canadians to fly domestically. Have you considered visiting another Canadian city? What is the safest way to go about it?
Determine if there are any travel restrictions to overcome.
As Lisa Mayor and Saman Malik report for CBC News, not all provinces are fully open to travellers. They point out that, while Canada is slowly reopening, there are many checkpoints and travel restrictions across the country. The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan aren’t banning travellers from other provinces or mandating 14-day isolation periods. However, they are advising against non-essential travel at this time.
Manitoba and Nova Scotia, on the other hand, have some stricter regulations in place. The provinces haven’t shut their borders, but they are insisting that visitors self-isolate for 14 days. “Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have restricted non-essential travel to certain remote northern regions, reports Mayor and Malik, “Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and the territories are currently banning visitors from other provinces.”
Stick to all COVID-19 protocols.
Don’t forget that when visiting another Canadian city, you should follow the same safety guidelines you would at home. That means continuing to wear a mask when visiting public places. Maintain at least two metres of distance between yourself and others. Ensure that you wash your hands often. Carry along some alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you when you’re out venturing through the sites.
“Avoid large crowds or crowded areas,” advises the Government of Canada, “Avoid contact with sick people, especially if they have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing…Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Take precautions against respiratory illnesses and seek medical attention if you become sick.”
Research the hotels you may wish to stay at.
Is it safe to stay in a hotel? The answer likely depends on the hotel itself. This is no time to be shy. Get in contact with hotels to ask them what their cleaning protocols are. Also inquire about the physical distancing practices being carried out on their premises.
You should also ask if their rooms are being left empty for a period of time after guests have stayed there. Three-day windows between guests are ideal. You may also want to bring disinfectant wipes with you, just to be on the safe side.
At Taitam Technology Vacations, we are prioritizing the health and safety of our members. If you have a Taitam vacation membership, you’re well aware of how connected you are with an extensive collection of resorts, properties and exciting experiences. However, between now and the next time you travel internationally, a domestic flight may be in order.
If so, please speak to one of our Vacation Advisors. They can answer any domestic travel questions you have and also guide you in acquiring a Taitam Membership Plan, if you don’t have one already. Call us at 416-234-0202 today!
