International borders are reopening and families everywhere dare to start making holiday plans again. Needless to say family holiday planning during COVID-19 pandemic just got a bit harder.
Since the beginning of the pandemic we have travelled to New Zealand, Tasmania, Slovenia & Croatia. Other than wearing facemask in airports and during flights (which is a pain) – the trips were otherwise normal. It is great to see many people living normal again. It is especially priceless to see our boys get to act like little boys should. Life goes on. While away we don’t stress about Covid everyday, like many people still doing in Perth.
We would like to say Thank You to the countless Instagram families we follow from around the world. It has been very inspiring for us to see so many of you starting to travel again.
So let’s get into it! Here is our step by step guide on How to Plan a Safe Family Holiday during COVID-19 pandemic:
Choose a safe destination
If you have been following our blog for a while, the #1 tip on making your family holiday a successful one is: your choice of destination. Pandemic travel is no different.
You can plan every single detail of your family holiday but if your choice of destination is awful, then it is all for nothing!
Not all countries are as stringent when dealing with COVID-19. Mixing with people from everywhere, from countries with different risks of Covid can potentially affect your holiday plans.
Read travel advice for your destination and your transit location via Smarttraveller.
Avoid Covid hot spots. What is their daily case number? How many active cases are there? Are there restrictions in place?
Consider types of travel you may previously dismiss
Since the pandemic we started hiking and grown to love it. Choose a destination where there are plenty of outdoor activities. Think free city walking tours, exploring parks, electric scooter rides and beaches.
Traditional Asian family holiday pastime activities like shopping in big malls and dining in busy popular restaurants need to be on hold for a while longer.
Avoid peak or holidays season travel
It will be wonderful to be able to holiday like we used to during important dates like Christmas, or visiting relatives during Chinese New Year. But for now, these are potential super spreader festivals.
Your best time to travel during pandemic is when case numbers are low with zero restrictions. Will restrictions remain the same next week? How about a few months from now? No one knows.
Consider holidaying before the big day or go during off peak season.
Choose warmer holidays
Viruses can spread any time of the year but in general they thrive in dry, colder conditions.
Chances of getting sick during winter holidays also increase as your time will likely to be mostly spent indoors.
Avoid crowded places
Visiting bigger cities like Tokyo will be riskier than smaller towns like Queenstown. Social distancing is almost impossible in the densely populated metropolitan areas.
Start sneezing in central London and dozens will stare. You can sneeze all you want in the Tasmanian wilderness, there won’t be another soul for a few kilometres.
No travelling with multiple families for now
Traveling together with relatives or other families can be fun. Quarantining together for one week because one person got Covid – not so much!
Free cancellation is a must!
Especially when it comes to flights and accommodations.
In 2021 we visited New Zealand and Tasmania. But we did have two holiday cancellations. We rescheduled our original New Zealand holiday (one day before the trip date) because travel bubble was abruptly paused! Later we cancelled our spring Sydney holiday (case numbers went through the roof in NSW!) and switched to Tasmania instead.
Had we not booked using free cancellation option we would have been thousands of dollars out of pocket.
At the moment most popular airlines have expanded their flight change policies to increase flexibility. For accommodation, we always take advantage of Booking.com free cancellation.
Decide Airbnb or hotels
Which would you prefer?
Airbnb Superhost properties are usually spotless – but their cleaning procedures are not standardised. Hotel chains would usually have a more formal cleaning procedures.
But then with hotels you have many other guests (likely from other countries), common areas like the lobby, restaurant, and elevator can potentially spread Covid.
For us we currently still prefer apartment style properties from Booking.com.
Travel Insurance: don’t leave home without it
We use InsureandGo travel insurance. Make sure:
1. Your policy specifically covers COVID-19
2. Read exactly what it covers. Usually it will cover things like medical care, cancelled flights, hotel quarantine or return flight if you catch Covid.
3. If the country you’re going to is suddenly considered high risk – are you still covered? Will you need to cancel?
Generally insurers will provide cover you if you catch Covid, but not in cases of lockdowns or rule changes.
Prepare all (the extra) documents
This is a new must bring item for everyone. For the foreseeable future, you will need to bring proof of International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.
For Australians the International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) is a secure method to store and show your vaccine status when travelling. Having it will exempt you from pandemic related entry restrictions in many countries. Save your Covid certificate in your digital wallet and print off a paper copy to take with you as well.
And last but not least, check your Passport expiry date. An estimated 1.3 million Australian passports expired during the pandemic!
Your destination entry requirements
Different travel restrictions of varying requirements are currently in place across the globe. Entry requirement from where you live to the country you’re visiting can be changed anytime (even during mid flight!).
Organise any required arrival arrangements before hand. This may include place for quarantine or pre booked COVID-19 testing. Regulations will likely differ depending on whether you’re fully vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Check airlines website or destination country official tourism website for more info.
Arrive at Airport earlier than you would before
As everyone travel again we need more time to move through airports.
Extra document checks and navigating through airport safety procedures means it is taking a little longer to get from check-in counter to boarding gate.
Checkout our family airport hacks to go through things a little quicker.
Prepare a pandemic pack
Bring face masks, disinfectant wipes, thermometers and travel size sanitisers. Also bring along your usual Vitamins to help with your immunity during the trip.
Checkout our travel healthy tips
Get the Kids ready
Prior to traveling, speak to your kids about the importance of social distancing.
Remind kids to stop touching random surfaces. Get them used to wearing masks (if needed) and regularly sanitise or wash their hands.
Keep safe while flying
Social distancing inside the airplane is not possible (except maybe in first class). Interestingly most viruses do not spread easily because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes.
Most airlines are stringent with their cleaning procedures, but you can re-disinfect your seats, tray table, screens, windows etc to be doubly sure.
For now, to be able to fly, Australians must be fully vaccinated (or be exempted), wear face masks inside airports and during flights.
Organise private transport
At your destination, how comfortable will you be in a cramped train or bus shoulder to shoulder with strangers?
For the foreseeable future, we prefer to go to places where we can hire a private car.
Download local COVID-19 apps
This will enable you to check in to various venues and alert you of any developments in areas that you have visited.
Follow local rules and avoid penalties.
Bye Bye Cash
Holidaying in New Zealand during pandemic was our first time ever visiting a country without seeing the local currency.
Minimise handling foreign notes or coins.
Alfresco dining is preferred
During our Slovenia & Croatia trip we typically dine out once a day – either for lunch or dinner. When restaurants are too busy (or when our boys are tired) we would buy take away to eat at our apartment.
Though it may not be available in all destinations, try to find restaurants with outdoor dining. It is a great chance to relax and for people watching as well!
Remember the basics
Anywhere your family are planning to go the basics remain the same:
- Wear a mask
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
These basics goes a long way to avoid getting sick.
