As Travelers, What Can We Learn from the Coronavirus?

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Canceled vacations, social distancing, and self-quarantines are our new normal for the next few weeks. In trying times like these there is always something to learn. So, As Travelers, What Can We Learn from the Coronavirus?

Today I thought we’d take a break from the cruising posts and talk about the health pandemic we’re facing in our country and the world right now. I’m sure like me that you are more than burned out on this entire subject. Yet in times of crisis, there is always something we can learn to make our lives a little better in the future.

There’s a part of me that’s a bit frustrated at the moment and I can’t help but wonder if we’re going a little overboard with school cancellations and self-quarantines. Don’t get me started on the food and toilet paper hoarding! I was just at the grocery store the other day hoping to grab some veggies for a little stir fry that evening. The produce section was picked through. No carrots and broccoli to be found!

On the other hand, I get it. We’re dealing with a really contagious virus and if we’re not careful our country’s health services are not going to be able to handle so many people getting sick. It’s a busy time of year for them anyways and adding a viral pandemic to the situation definitely makes their jobs considerably more difficult.

Our world as we know it is being turned upside down and many industries are taking a financial hit especially the travel industry. I find it ironic that the month I choose to talk about cruising is at the same time the industry is getting hit really hard because of COVID-19.

As a traveler, I find these moments so discouraging. I actually feel fortunate that I was able to take my cruise vacation last month since so many travelers currently have to cancel their travel plans for the rest of this month. I think right now is a great time to pause and reflect and consider this question.  As Travelers, What Can We Learn from the Coronavirus?

Boost Your Immune System

I’m a big proponent of vitamin supplements. I notice a difference in my immune system when I take them and when I don’t. Elderberry and high-dose vitamin D are part of my year-round regimen, not just cold and flu season. I used to until I caught a horrible summer cold a couple of years ago. Lesson definitely learned! I will admit that I may get a bit lax at times and forget to take them but I’m very diligent when I’m getting ready to travel especially this time of year. Flu shots, sunlight, and fresh air are also great methods of boosting your immune system.

Maintain Your Healthy Lifestyle

Exercising, eating your fruits and veggies, and getting enough sleep are some of the best ways to keep your immune system in check. This goes for before and during your vacation. Schedules can get crazy before a vacation, I know, but eat the salads and squeeze in those workouts. Your body will thank you for it. During your holiday fit in a couple of workouts or active activities into your itinerary. It’s these little things that help in the long run.

Wash Your Hands

I know. We’ve all heard this a million times this past month but seriously, wash your hands! It’s one of the simplest and most efficient ways to keep yourself from getting sick. It never hurts to keep a packet of baby wipes and hand sanitizer on hand for emergencies, too.

Consider Buying Travel Insurance When You Book Your Travel

It seems like travel insurance is becoming more of a necessity than an option for your travel budget. Like all insurances, it’s annoying having to buy it but when you need it, it’s a lifesaver. Of course, not all travel insurance plans are created equal. Be thorough when reading what each plan covers so you select the best one to cover your needs. Make sure you choose a plan that covers an epidemic like this because not all plans do.

Yes, many airlines and cruise lines have adjusted their cancellation policies temporarily because of this epidemic. However, I wouldn’t recommend assuming that they always will plus you never know when they will actually implement those new policies if they do.

Have a Travel Agent Book Your Travel

I mentioned this in my Five Reasons Why You Need a Travel Agent post but I’m going to say it again. Travel Agents are Your Advocate When Things Go Wrong. The Coronavirus pandemic is a prime example of things going wrong. Just think of all the travel arrangements that have been and are being canceled just within this past week because of flight cancellations, theme park closures, and cruise lines suspending service. To top everything off, it’s Spring Break! One of the busiest travel seasons of the year!

Those that booked through a travel agent will have everything taken care of for them by their booking agent. Those who didn’t, well, they are on their own and have to deal with canceling everything themselves. Keep in mind we’re talking about thousands upon thousands of people canceling travel plans. That’s a long time to be sitting on hold.

Another thing to keep in mind is that travel agents have established relationships with vendors. They know the best vendors to work with in a crisis like this and vice versa. Just saying!

Don’t Travel When You’re Sick

I think something everyone dreads is being cooped up in an airplane with someone who is sick. I mean you’re sitting there feeling like a sardine and then someone starts coughing. You can’t help but get a little worried that your immune system is getting compromised. Just keep that in mind if you ever find yourself getting sick right before a trip especially if you have a fever. It’s those moments that you purchase the travel insurance for. So unless you’ve been cleared by the doctor to travel, just don’t. Stay home, rest up, and postpone your trip to a later date. Yes, it’s a bummer but how much fun are you actually going to have if you’re sick? You’ll have memories of being miserable rather than truly enjoying the destination.

This is not the first time the travel industry has been impacted by epidemics of this nature. Remember the Zika virus from a few years ago? Babymoons and honeymoons were canceled and changed right and left. But we were able to move on from Zika and in a few months, God willing, we’ll have moved on from coronavirus, too. Unfortunately, we know all too well that this is not the last viral pandemic. I’m sure there are going to be quite a few more in our future. However, we live and we learn and hopefully the next time something like this rolls around we’ll all be a little bit wiser. Oh yeah and don’t forget, wash your hands!

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