Since Covid-19 is not going away any time soon, some families can’t hold back their traveling plans, whether its for leisure, work or family related reasons, it’s time to plan it well because traveling not as simple as it used to be pre-covid19 and we definitely have to embrace the new normal unfortunately.

1- Choose your destination 

If you’re planning a family getaway, you should choose your travel destination based on your country travel restrictions so get to know which countries are you allowed to travel to, read those updated travel restrictions and keep checking on any updates till your travel date. Skyscanner is great when it comes to picking destinations & comparing flights.

Here are some destination ideas for your family vacation.

-Maldives

-Turkey

-Bahamas

-Jamaica

-Dominacan republic

-Croatia

-Tanzania

*These are not the safest but received a safe travel global safety stamp by the world travel and tourism council

*Countries above have no quarantine days and already welcoming tourists.

2- Know each family member risk status

As much as traveling seem like the perfect breather in those hard times but if you’re planning to take older adults like grandparents its best not to, as they are advised to limit their travel because of the high risk of severe illness from covid-19.

3- Pick your accomodations very well

Don’t just go with those deeply discounted rates you see online. Keep in mind the hotel reputation and cleaning/hygiene restrictions and guidelines.

If you’re going with Airbnb its advised to bring your own sheets and wipe all surfaces.

4- Transportation 

You can never know what is safer than what when it comes to means of travel transportation, airports, bus or train stations. But its best to choose short distance trips where you can control better your surroundings and try to stay away from long flights.

Make sure you know your airline flight, cancellation and booking policies before you book your flight.

5-Pandemic bag packing

Get your hygiene, disinfecting wipes, hand soap, masks and gloves ready and packed.

Health insurance cards, Antipyretic medicines for you and your children, thermometer and enough snacks and drinks so you prevent number of stops. Shop your hygiene travel friendly bag here

6-Educate your children about staying safe

Talk to your kids about how important it is to keep washing their hands, sanitising what they touch, keeping the social distance.

Don’t freak out if they play with other kids closely but keep reminding them during your trip about that distance with clear explanations.

7-Plan your itinerary ahead

By planning your full vacation days ahead you’ll reduce the risk of finding your self in crowded places and you’ll enjoy your time knowing you took advantage of your trip.

So try to opt for outdoor activities, you can even make restaurant reservations and shows which are taking those safety measures quite seriously so you keep your family safe.

WHO recommendations for international travellers here

Travellers returning from affected areas should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days and follow national protocols of receiving countries. Some countries may require returning travellers to enter quarantine. If symptoms occur, such as fever, or cough or difficulty breathing, travellers are advised to contact local health care providers, preferably by phone, and inform them of their symptoms and their travel history. For travellers identified at points of entry, it is recommended to follow WHO advice for the management of travellers at points of entry. Guidance on treatment of sick passengers on board of airplanes is available on ICAO and IATA websites. Key considerations for planning of large mass gathering events are also available on WHO’s website. Operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases on board of ships has also been published.