Table Of Contents

1. Pre-Travel Research
   • Vaccination Requirements
   • Covid Restrictions
   • Route Planning
2. Covid Testing
   • Test Pricing
3. Travel Insurance
4. Airport Packing Checklist
5. Masks
   • KN95 Mask
   • Ear Savers
   • Cloth Masks
6. Additional Packing Checklist
7. Medication
8. Covid-19 Airport Tips
   • Expect Delays
   • Avoid Touch Surfaces as Much as Possible
   • Wash your Hands
9. Mental Preparation

Pre-Travel Research

Before you book travel to any destinations, you need to consider various country’s requirements for incoming travellers. This step is the most important one to ensure you’re prepared with the correct documentation before arriving at the airport.

Vaccination Requirements

Many countries are beginning to change their requirements for foreign entry, and they may start to require a vaccine passport. Currently, Canada is requiring US travellers to be vaccinated to book travel within Canada. It’s always best to check in advance if this is a requirement for the country you’re visiting. And if you aren’t already vaccinated, get your shot! Otherwise, you may need to consider alternative plans.

This fantastic interactive map gives you a snapshot of information on different countries’ Covid-19 Travel requirements. It’s updated regularly, but I would also check the country’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

Covid Restrictions

Another thing to consider when booking your travel destination is Covid-19 restrictions. Covid-19 restrictions may vary from mandatory masks in public spaces to some tourist destinations being closed due to covid. 

Now, don’t let these restrictions keep you from travelling. Of course, if the one bucket list thing you want to see isn’t open, then for sure, maybe put that trip on the backburner. But if you’re like me and just miss being somewhere new, just plan on a different kind of trip. Think more walking tours, fewer indoor museums. More patios and picnics and fewer indoor restaurants. When I was in Sweden over the Christmas holidays in 2019, so many things were closed for Christmas. And yet that didn’t stop me from adapting and having the best vacation possible!

Route Planning

I wasn’t a fan of layovers before, and I’m even less of one now. Layovers mean more time wearing your mask, touching more surfaces and generally just being more exposed. So think carefully about how much you’re really saving by booking a layover vs. a direct flight.

Covid Testing

Most foreign travellers will be required to present a negative covid test to get onto an international flight. This does not apply for domestic travel. (At least at the time of writing this post – Aug 2021.) For this reason, many people have decided to travel domestically to avoid those fees for the test. Most countries require the negative tests to have been taken up to 72 hours in advance of the flight.

And when re-entering your home country, you will also need to present a negative covid test to return home. Sometimes taking the test will allow you to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine, but other times it is required regardless. Even if you have been vaccinated as you can still spread the disease. Because of this, countries are requiring mandatory testing for everyone. In country’s like Italy, you not only have to present your negative Covid test before getting on the plane but they also test you upon coming into the country.

Test Pricing

The price of these tests is pretty expensive! In Canada, a single PCR test costs $159. Testing sites are generally found all over the city you just need to do some research. But some cities also perform them inside the airport and can be ready in as little as 10-minutes. Prices in the USA, prices range from $119 to $299, depending on the turnaround time. In the UK, testing starts at £129. Depending on how many people there are at your travel party, this cost can REALLY add up! Since you need both a test coming into the country and going home. So travelling domestically might be a great idea to avoid those costs.

Travel Insurance

Whether or not you have been vaccinated, there is always a chance of contracting Covid-19. Even if you took all your precautions. While the chances are very low if you follow all the health and safety regulations, ensuring you have travel insurance is one way to have peace of mind. So if you do get sick, you won’t be left with astronomically high medical bills. Many workplaces offer travel insurance as a part of their medical insurance. So it’s always worth a call to check. Depending on where you’re located, the options for insurance will vary greatly. Be sure to do your research and find the best option that fits your budget. And always be sure to check if Covid-19 related costs are covered.

Airport Packing Checklist

Packing for the airport takes on an entirely new meaning during Covid-19. Ensuring you have everything you need to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible is so important. So just add all these additional items on top of your normal packing checklist.

Masks

Masks are mandatory both in the airport and on the airplane. While you can take them off briefly for eating and drinking, you’re going to wearing these masks for a long time. And unless you’re used to wearing a mask for 8+ hours, you really need to prepare for this situation. Think about how long your flight is and add on the two-three hours before and one hour after the flight. I would even go so far as to recommend testing out your intended mask at home for that amount of time to make sure you know it will be comfortable. If it’s not, consider the options below.

KN95 Mask

There are so many different types of masks, but for flying, I would highly recommend wearing a medical mask. The KN95 mask is FDA-registered and filters up to 95 percent of airborne particles. Plus, the beak-shape of the mask keeps the front from pressing against your mouth all the time and feels way more comfortable. 

Ear Savers

Even if you don’t find masks uncomfortable in day-to-day life, there is no way around the fact that your ears might get sore after wearing the mask for a long time on the plane. That’s where “ear savers” come in. These extendable straps help hold the mask straps on the back of your head and the straps won’t dig into the backs of your ears. Especially if you are on a long-haul flight, these are a MUST-HAVE! You can also make your own DIY version if that is your thingl. No matters the ones you get, you’ll be glad to have them after a few hours of wear. I thought I would be fine as I wear my mask all the time and don’t find it uncomfortable at all. But after 8+ hours I had already added those ear savers to my cart.

Cloth Masks

I love cloth masks not only because they are reusable but because, well, I LOVE an accessory. Cloth masks come in as many colours, varieties and designs as you can imagine. It’s incredible how you can even tell a bit about someone’s personality just by the masks they wear. So even when we can’t read each other’s expressions, we still get a taste of someone’s character by their unique mask. Cloth masks are definitely not as good at filtering particles out. While they aren’t my first choice on the airplane, they are great for indoor activities and walking around once you get to your destination. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have a mask to match all your outfits. Just another way of making these safety measures more fun.

Additional Packing Checklist

• Hand Sanitizer: It goes without saying that a travel-size container of hand sanitizer is pretty essential. Great for when you can’t get to a bathroom to wash your hands. And remember to get one with an alcohol concentration between 60–95%. The higher the %, the more effective at killing germs.
• Hand Cream: Hand in hand with sanitizer is some high-quality hand cream. With all that hand washing, sanitizer and dry air on the plane, your hands will be aching for some moisture. I would recommend cream with vitamin e to really help dry skin.
• Lysol wipes: Although some planes offer you a Lysol wipe when you get onto the plane to wipe down your seat, other airlines don’t. And I have been wiping down my seat with Lysol wipes even before the pandemic. Plus, they’re great to have to do a quick clean of other surfaces in the airport.
• Pillows and blankets: Airlines aren’t giving out free pillows and blankets anymore. These are what you would expect to get on a long flight. But no more. So if you really loved using these, you’ll need to bring your own. Blankets are also a great thing to have on hand as they can be used for picnic blankets when eating outside to avoid crowded indoor dining.

Medication

If the worst happens and you get sick on vacation, it’s always good to travel with medication. Acetaminophen is excellent for fever and body aches. Fever often comes with dehydration, so I carry a few packs of powdered Hydralyte or Pedialyte with me. A sore throat might be easily soothed with a cup of peppermint tea and honey. I keep peppermint tea bags with me when travelling for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antihistamines are great to reduce stuffiness and congestion, often something you can suffer from after a flight due to the dry air. But remember, if you think you have Covid-19, you should always go to a hospital and get tested right away.

Covid-19 Airport Tips

Expect Delays

Travel during Covid-19 has some additional delays. Cleaning takes extra time, so if the flights were late arriving, they would be even later departing. So be prepared for that and try to keep a cool head. I feel like everyone is a bit more on edge right now, so being calm and having a relaxed attitude will go a long way. Not just with yourself but with the staff members who have to deal with so many different things on board. By booking a direct flight you’ll also save yourself the stress of flight delays affecting your connections.

Avoid Touch Surfaces as Much as Possible

Although the transmission of the virus is more prevalent in the air than on surfaces, it’s still a good rule of thumb to avoid as many touch surfaces as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by bringing your own food to avoid sitting inside a restaurant. Even those food kiosks are high-touch areas and if they can be avoided that’s one way to keep safe. Bring a large empty water bottle with you so you can simply refill your water without buying bottles from the shops.

If you can find an empty area inside the airport to eat or drink, that’s your best choice. These less high traffic areas will be cleaner and you will be able to get a little more distance from people than at the gate.

Wash your Hands

Remember, after touching anything, it’s a good idea to wash your hands. “But I have my sanitizer,” you might be thinking. Well, according to the CDC and medical professionals, hand washing is still the gold standard. And while “hand sanitizer may kill viruses and certain bacteria, but it does not ‘clean’ your hands like soap and water do.”

Mental Preparation

One of the biggest things I found caught me off guard when I took my first flight during the pandemic was the noise of people talking. It had been so long since I had been in a confined space like this, and I was so surprised how the rabble of voices totally threw me off. You also might find that your anxiety is peaked when travelling, as even pre-covid, travel can be a stressful experience. A great way to combat this is with a comforting podcast, a soothing piece of music or even just a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. I know some people love the Calm app and use that to help with their pandemic anxiety as well. Remember, everyone feels a bit anxious these days, so don’t worry, it’s not just you.

Obviously, travelling during this period in history is an ever-changing situation and can be a stressful activity. And for some people, they would instead prefer to just take a road trip or enjoy time at home. And that’s absolutely fine! If you’re looking for some great virtual travel articles, I have some amazing ones that will allow you to transport yourself without leaving your sofa. But for those who choose to travel, be safe and follow these tips. Hopefully, if you do, you’ll be able to get back out there and see the world once more.

Happy (& safe) Travels, Adventurers!

The post Useful Tips for Air Travel During a Global Pandemic first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

What started as just me watching his journey across America, turned into me watching Dad become a little travel blogger. Even in mico-posts. Reading his commentary of the voyage made me realize where I get all my creativity and drive to share my journeys.

For as long as I have been travelling, I have been writing about it. At first, it was just in notebooks, then as I grew up I started a Livejournal. Then when that folded, I started then a Blogspot account. Now I have thecreativeadventurer.com to share all these memories and moments with the rest of the world. I have always wondered where this desire to write and record came from, and during this horrible pandemic, I think I might have figured it out.

My dad was the first person who really inspired my desire to travel. He travelled all over the world for work, and despite now knowing he probably saw little else than airports and conference rooms, I loved hearing about all the places he would go. When I was 14 he took me with him on a business trip to London. It was my first trip travelling to another continent and, unbeknownst to me, it would be my first time travelling on my own.

When we landed after a red-eye flight, we got to our hotel in Islington and dad handed me a handwritten page of paper which would be my guide to the city. He had meetings all day but still wanted me to be able to go out and experience London for myself. Every single direction was meticulously written down and opened up the city to me like a storybook. I was hooked, and it was his guide that made it so easy for me to explore even as a teen. I think if Dad hadn’t been an accountant, he would have been the Canadian Rick Steves.

Since my dad has a private Instagram account, I asked if he would be ok with him to share some of his stories here with you. He happily agreed and I think that even during this intense time of uncertainty and worry, his little journey across our middle earth is an interesting document of this time in history.

Goodyear, Arizona | 2,475 miles to go

Departure from Goodyear, Arizona. Tough to leave this weather. Returning in the fall? Long drive ahead.

Saguaro Lake | 2,197 miles to go

1st stop at Saguaro Lake, Tonto National Forest. Who knew there was another lake in Arizona!!

Payson, Arizona | 2,141

Pitstop in Payson, Arizona. Lots of elevation gained (and lost). Payson is quaint on old Main Street. Best thing I can see is the magnificent views north to the Mongollon Rim.

Mongollon Rim| 2,116 miles to go

On the Mongollon Rim, near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Seems like top of the world (or at least this part). Spectacular vistas. But, I found snow!!!! Too soon.

Over the mesa near Holbrook, Az to the edges of the Painted Desert.

Petrified Forest National Park | 2,063 miles to go

Detour to Petrified Forest National Park. Pretty amazing wood! A very windswept mesa today. The scale of this “forest” is awesome.

New Mexico | 1,949 miles to go

New Mexico, finally!! Red rock has been a constant feature as I neared New Mexico. Crossed the continental divide (7,300 ft elevation) 33 miles before arriving in Grants, NM where I will bunker down for the night in the shadow of Mount Taylor.

El Malpais National Conservation Area | 1,899 miles to go

Detour into El Malpais National Conservation Area as the sun rises in the east. Near the Continental Divide. Long magnificent stretches of sandstone cliffs and wind blasted bluffs. Views of ancient volcanoes and lava flows. And, great view of La Ventana Arch, one of the largest natural arches in New Mexico.

Petroglyphs National Monument | 1,820 miles to go

Visiting the Petroglyphs National Monument. A field day for petroglyphs is here for sure in the Boca Negra Canyon. Nature emulates art for me at one point. Can you find the flute player?

Albuquerque Old Town | 1,815 miles to go

Stop in Albuquerque Old Town to see the historic buildings. Today “ghost town” could be added to “old town”. Despite this, it definitely shows off a variety of the historic west styles.

Old Town Albuquerque – signs and art. Especially for Laura, who enjoys these things (but has a much better eye for it and camera skill!).

Tucumcari | 1,639 miles to go

Tucumcari and historic Route 66. I have been on I-40 for a long stretch now. It follows near or on historic Route 66. I ducked in to Tucumcari where there are known to be a lot of original commercial and heritage buildings that folded after I-40 was built, and some that still struggle to hang on. A fascinating slice of history.

Amarillo, Texas | 1,576 miles to go

On to Texas. Nice greeting sign!! Most amazing fact … 20 miles after entering Texas I encounter commercial energy production. No surprise!?? Well, it’s not oil. A wind farm. Thirty four miles long. I repeat, 34 miles long, all along the I-40. They do ‘em big in Texas.

Shamrock, Texas | 1,437 miles to go

On the way out of town, paused at the U-Drop Inn, another Route 66 anachronism, but still in business. This morning’s light rain and fog helped the neon jump out. You might love the juxtaposition of the two fueling options in the last two pictures – both were available at the U-Drop!!!

Oklahoma | 1,422 miles to go

Into Oklahoma. The fog and rain are trying to prevent my enjoyment of this (new to me) state. I think I am getting the hang of it. Farming. Red soil. New crops. Also found Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station. An example of a two story filling station / home combo. Apparently Lucille was a legend in the Great Depression for providing assistance to traveller’s, earning her the nickname “Mother of the Mother Road” (the latter being a reference to Route 66).

El Reno, OK | 1,299 miles to go

Detour to historic Fort Reno in El Reno, OK. Part of the difficult history with the native peoples. Fort Reno was established in the period following General Custer’s roundup of the people at the winter camp of Cheyenne chief Black Kettle. They had no reservation here at the time and one was quickly established and needed a nearby fort, so Fort Reno was built. Now home to several organizations, including the US Calvary Association.

Oklahoma City | 1,272 miles to go

Duck into Oklahoma City to stretch my legs before lunch. Home of the Thunder at Chesapeake Center. Smaller downtown than I expected. Beautiful botanical gardens immediately south of the downtown for a quiet walk.

This purple flowering tree. So, I know this is a repeat but from my observation these trees are not just cultivated, as they were at the OKC Myriad botanical garden. I have seen them all over the place in the region around OKC, sort of like lilacs. Research completed now! They are the Oklahoma Redbud. Their deep purple colour makes them easy to spot, even at roadsides. And, since I have you now and flowers are unlikely in most parts of Canada, I am throwing in some bonus flower photos from around the botanical garden!

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield | 1,001 miles to go

Stopping in Missouri at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, the site of a major battle in the American Civil war and the first in Missouri, apparently also the first with the death of a Union general (Nathaniel Lyon). The battle is so named for the creek in the valley, pictured at the end. The house pictured had a wide view of the battlefield and served as a hospital for the Confederates, who brought Lyon’s body here after the battle. Sadly, this battlefield saw a large loss of life.

Springfield, Missouri | 989 miles to go

Crossed into Missouri this afternoon. Stopped in Springfield. Found “the largest fork in the work” at the offices of The Food Channel. And, more Route 66 history – A Rte 66 car museum; The Gillioz Theater, opened in 1926 to cater to Rte 66 travellers; and, I learned why Springfield is known as the birthplace of Rte 66 (John Woodruff of Springfield first proposed the number for the Chicago to LA highway; he later became the first president of the Rte 66 business association). And, lovely tree blooms. And, no snow!!

Missouri RV Park | 976 miles to go

Missouri rain. Breakfast in the rain this morning, followed by two hours of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Comforting (?) to see the army on the roads keeping me company as I drove. I seem to be moving faster than the storm as I have emerged to stretch my legs. Not sure if I will beat the rain to St. Louis!

Ozarks | 940 miles to go

Detour into the Ozarks. I got ahead of the rain! Quick “scenic” drive into the Ozark outback. Very rural and very, very hilly! Love the Advanced Animal Control covering armadillos!

Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis | 788 miles to go

Stretching my legs at Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis. Internationally recognized as one of America’s oldest and largest sculpture parks. Large number of walking trails. Lightly busy today and everyone social distancing. Rain caught me again just as I left!

Tower Grove Park, St. Louis | 779

Stop in to Tower Grove Park, St. Louis. Apparently it’s a “classical Victorian” style park. Reminds me a bit of High Park in Toronto, but a bit flatter. Opened to the public in 1872. In a perfect spot for me to eat some lunch, although the rain is catching up to me (as you will see). It’s cool today but that hasn’t stopped a lot of lovely bloom and colour, including Hyacinths, Magnolia, Forsythia, and a red berry bush that I am not familiar with. Lots of active social distancers here as well. See if you can spot the red bird (cardinal ?) in the video near the end. Pushing on to Indiana! (John – you should spot Beethoven in here!)

Terre Haute, Indiana| 609 miles to go

Stop at the “Crossroads of America” in Terre Haute, Indiana. Interesting and fun architecture. Love the piano!

Found two unusual things in Terre Haute, Indiana. First, in an alley behind the Verve (a music club and cocktail bar – see prior post) beside the band entrance (marked by the sculpted faces above the entrance) there is a Kcymaerxthaere marker (plaque). Kcymaerxthaere is the name of an alternative universe that is part of a storytelling art project. You can read more about it at Kcymaerxthaere.com.

Second, a short distance east of Terre Haute I found the Smith Memorial Labyrinth, patterned from the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France. The Smith version is meant as a place of reflection in Hawthorne Park. And, it’s 575 paces long (I measured!). Two odd finds in Indiana!!

Gaston, Indiana | 471 miles to go

Waiting for the morning fog to clear (I hope!). Aiming to be in Canada today and home by tonite. Wondering what other travellers I might encounter on the road? So far, I have seen car license plates from 27 states.

Fort Wayne, Indiana | 424 miles to go

Hello to Fort Wayne, Indiana. And, yes, there really was a fort! The first trading post was built here, on the Maumee River in the mid-1600s. The first dirt was built in 1697 to solidify French claim on this region. The current buildings are a reconstruction of the 1800s fort that withstood a siege in the war of 1812. As you can see, being near water brought some of the fog back. Not difficult to be social-distanced with only two geese and me in the park! Spooky views of the Maumee River

Fort Defiance | 379 miles to go

O-H-I-O!! Stop in to Fort Defiance. Must be “fort” day! Dates from 1794 and saw use. In the war if 1812. Nothing left of the fort but the foundations, grassed over. Interesting Canada connection. According to a placed stone marker, “all land north to Canada is surveyed on a baseline from” the point where the Fort Defiance flagstaff sits. Who knew!!

Toledo, OH | 304 miles to go

Fleeing to Canada – reached Toledo, OH. Stopped to stretch legs and nibble some lunch at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. Flower season has not yet arrived but I found a few blooms, including crocuses. I also enjoyed their Artist’s Village and Secret Wood, by myself!

Detroit | 255 miles to go

Detroit, really? Well, it is a fort day and I needed one more leg stretch. Believe it or not, I found Fort Wayne, and it’s not a rerun and it’s not Indiana. It’s in Detroit, by the river. Wayne is just a mighty popular guy. This fort was closed today, other than a few buildings. Built in the early 1840s when the Americans feared their relations with Britain might lead to a British attack. Didn’t happen, but the fort was re-manned in 1861 when the Americans feared a Canadian (really British) attack during the Civil War. OK, time to put The Canadian border at Sarnia into the GPS!!!

The Bridge to Canada | 297 miles to go

This is it! There is the bridge to Canada. But, am I ready?

Gassed up (check). Car cleaned and last of Arizona fruit chucked (check). Documents in hand, literally (check). Wait – does that unshaven, bed head face really resemble me (check?!). Yeah, but those Arizona plates won’t help! What will? Thankfully I have stored messages from family and friends to offer up. And, the clincher – the tattoo on my hand!! Here I go….

Sarnia Border | 187 miles to go

BACK IN CANADA!!!!

Pinery provincial park | 149 miles to go

Heading home – now by the eastern shores of Lake Huron, passing The Pinery provincial park. Many family memories here. Sadly, in the circumstances, it is closed.

Flesherton, ON | 29 miles to go

Nearing home in the southwestern Ontario countryside – a nice little restaurant in Flesherton, ON that Pam and I quite enjoy. Sadly, and understandably, closed.

Collingwood | 0 miles to go

I have arrived. After logging 3,960 km (2,475 miles) this home is a sight for weary eyes, even if there is still snow! Let the 14 day quarantine begin!

I know these are weird times, but maybe this little journey brought a smile to your face and made you think about all those beautiful things that are still out there in the world. We’ll be able to enjoy them someday soon, but until then, let’s virtually explore this great world of ours!

The post Travelling Home During Coronavirus first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.