Before COVID, I had no hesitation about flying from London into Sao Paulo for dinner. The next day, I would fly back to London. I’ve spent weekends in Mexico City and Montreal. I believe that life is precious and that it is important to make the most of each opportunity. When you return home, it will be possible to feel tired.
So it’s fair to say that I was somewhat shocked by the events of the last two years.
It’s not in my nature to write off travel.
I lived during SARS in China; I was in Ulaanbaatar the 2008 riots; in Bangkok, snipers were placed on rooftops of shopping malls and grenades were thrown against the Skytrain in 2010. In Japan, I flew during Typhoon Hagibis when all direct flights from Europe had been cancelled. So you can see that my stubbornness is not easy to overcome.
Here are some lessons that I have learned from travelling during the pandemic. They will serve as inspiration and information for you during this period of uncertainty for global travel.
You can feel safest in public places like airports.
All major airlines require passengers to wear masks and modern planes have HEPA filter systems. HEPA systems remove 99.97% aller airborne viruses and bacteria. They are also used in operating rooms.
There are not all products that will work for First or Business Class. I feel comfortable with the distance between passengers when they are in enclosed suites, such as those offered by Emirates First or Qatar Business Class.
This is far safer than unfiltered indoor air in a restaurant. The nearest table is only a few feet away from your seat.
Consistency and consistency are key
When the pandemic erupted, one of the first things that I did was to look at the data on tourism and travel as a percentage of global GDP. The top-ranked countries tend to be more consistent and pragmatic. They cannot afford to not be. The Maldives are the perfect example. Their rules are very simple and rarely change. You can enter regardless of your origin or location so this luxury lifestyle during pandemic has continued as was.
You can travel to these countries with greater certainty than visiting those that are less touristic and less important.
Some once in a life time opportunities are available
I visited Rome in July 2020. The Trevi fountain was there in the middle of the afternoon, on a weekend… it was totally deserted. I spent 30 minutes in a room alone with a Mondrian (a Van Gogh) and Rodin as I walked through the Vatican museum.
These are experiences that you would find almost impossible to recreate regardless of your budget.
You can enjoy your spot if it’s empty and you don’t have to worry about safety. COVID is not spread when there are no people around.
Different PCR tests do not work in the same way.
You should choose a facility that has a significant capacity for PCR testing. You want a quick turnaround and soft-spoken nurses. I have had PCR results that left me with extreme dry heaving. It was more painful than a night in with Watership Down. Some were an absolute joy, with samples taken with precision and minimal discomfort. Unilabs in London is my favorite. They promise results in 48 hours. However, they usually take much less time. I have been able to access my test immediately and it is the most comfortable I have ever experienced.
Aster health in Dubai is a special mention. Not only did they deliver results within 24hrs, but they also sent a nurse who administered our tests in our room at Four Seasons.
Conclusion
Overall, I’m glad I traveled as much as I did in 2020. I’ll be back to the Maldives next week. My travels have revealed one thing: other than low occupancy in hotels, and low yields for planes, the workers in the tourism industry are thrilled to welcome visitors.
People will judge you for traveling irresponsibly if you don’t follow the rules of using sanitizer and mask wearing. Travel shame is definitely on the rise.
But, responsible travel is possible if you adhere to the guidelines. You’ll not only be able to have some amazing experiences, but you’ll also help ensure the survival and growth of an industry that has been most severely affected by the pandemic.
