Your 9-point checklist for a covid-free holiday

Most people are craving a holiday particularly because Covid put paid to their summer vacation plans, but there is a lingering doubt about the feasibility of such plans.

While hotels, airlines, airports and the hospitality and travel industry in general is taking the necessary precautions and measures for your safety and well-being, if at all you do decide on taking up travel and a vacation, it is on you to be as cautious and careful while you are being adventurous. Exercise these crucial checks right from when you start packing for your holiday, for a covid-free vacation.

1. Check travel insurance
Confirm that your travel insurance covers Covid, has a hospital network in the area you are visiting, and also offers a flight cancellation cover. Ensure these whether you are booking through a travel aggregator or buying your own plan, whether you are planning a domestic or an international holiday.


2. Carry health insurance documents
Do not forget to carry your TPA card or health insurance documents. If you need to be hospitalised, these will be critical in cashless reimbursement, unless you want to pay from your own pocket.
3. Travel with someone who knows Covid care
It’s important that whoever you travel with is aware of and well-versed with patient care in case you test Covid positive and need to be quarantined.

Also read: Should you plan a vacation now? The answers to these 5 questions will help you decide

4. Be ready for cashless transactions
Since most hotels and airlines are encouraging contactless, digital transactions and advance checkins, it’s best to be tech-savvy (if you are among the few who are not) and to carry out mobile money transactions.

5. Pack games
Given that hotels do not yet offer spa, swimming pool and gym facilities, and only some offer limited outdoor activities, you will be bored witless unless you go prepared with board games, cards, frisbee and other stuff to entertain yourself.

6. Check if the hotel offers Wi-fi
If you are combining work with vacation, check before booking whether the hotel offers free Wi-fi . Even if you are not working, you and your kids may spend time on phones and gadgets since many of the fun activities for adults and kids in hotels are still barred.

7. Check travel regulations
Make sure you check inter-state travel rules and compliance before booking. Some states still require a pass for crossing borders, while some hotels are demanding Covid negative certification.

8. Start early for flights
Since the safety and hygiene drill, as well as the staggered boarding procedure at airports will consume more time, arrive early and be prepared for a longer stay at the airport.

Also read: 3 out of 5 people ready to holiday: Survey

9. Villa, suite may be a better option
While making hotel or resort bookings, check if you have the option of villas or independent family suites. These will be safer as they will cut your interaction with other guests and reduce your frequency of passing common areas with higher touch points.