How to prepare to travel together as a family?
If you do choose to travel, check for any travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, quarantining and testing requirements in your local area and all places you’re planning to visit (check websites of Ministries of Health, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and local health authorities). Keep in mind, these policies may change with little advance notice and your travel plans may be disrupted.
According to an advisory by UNICEF, if you or your family get sick or are exposed to a person with COVID-19 during your trip, you may be isolated or quarantined and your return may be delayed. Some healthcare systems are overwhelmed and there may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas if you or your family become ill or are injured during the trip.
Check ahead what options are available at your destination for transport, food and accommodation. Remember that some businesses and services may be fully or partially disrupted in affected areas, including public transport, shops and restaurants, as well as popular tourist attractions – so check for the latest information on changes to services and procedures.
Additional considerations
Make sure you and your family are up to date with your routine vaccinations Make sure to carry personal medications enough to last for the entire trip. Choose the safest mode of transportation. Try to avoid air travel and cruises, where physical distancing may be difficult for prolonged periods. If using public transport, follow key precautions – physical distancing, limit touching frequently touched surfaces and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Plan to avoid travelling at peak times and take routes that are less congested. During your trip, plan to avoid visiting crowded spaces, poorly ventilated enclosed spaces, as well as any social or mass gatherings such as concerts, events and parties. Carry your own food and drinks.
For overnight stay
If you plan to stay at a hotel or other accommodation, check in advance what prevention measures they have in place: Are staff wearing masks at work and practicing physical distancing, frequent hand washing? Are extra precautions in place, such as plexiglass barriers at check-in? Is there an appropriate ventilation system in place? Is the hotel implementing updated policies for cleaning and disinfection? When you arrive, disinfect any high touch surfaces in your room, including keys, doorknobs, remote controls, etc.