Schools out and summer holidays are in! After months of confinement, we want to travel.

The good news is that countries where the coronavirus pandemic appears to have eased are gradually opening up their borders again. It’s important to know what safety measures are in place though. 

Is It Safe to Travel Now?

COVID-19 is still out there so whether you stay at home or vacation abroad, take precautions. Typically, our inhibitions are down on holiday. Sitting on a busy beach or in a packed bar isn’t safe right now. Consider safer options like self-catering, staying in a villa and driving to your destination. The most important thing to do when you’re away from home is maintain a six-foot (or more) distance from people you don’t live with.

The travel industry has gone to great lengths to encourage us to travel this summer. Airlines are keen to point out that high amounts of clean outdoor air and all recirculated air passes through a HEPA filter. Other measures taken include:

• Intensive cleaning of travel hubs, aeroplanes, hotels and self-catering accommodation
• Transport and hospitality staff required to wear masks
• Planes are now being fogged with electrostatic disinfectant that sticks to surfaces like seat belts.
• Many travel hubs and hotels have installed plexiglass at their check-in/reception areas

As the information is ever changing, before travelling make sure you check out the current Government Guidelines for advice regarding the country you’re planning to visit. Internationally, some destinations require proof of a negative COVID-19 test; other destinations test passengers on arrival. Many have mandatory 14-day quarantines, sometimes requiring you to submit a quarantine plan for approval or download an app. Where non-essential travel to a country is no longer advised, holidays may be postponed or cancelled.

How to Travel Safely with Covid-19

Whilst it’s impossible to remove all risk whilst travelling, there are things you can do to minimise it.

• Use antibacterial gel regularly
• Wear a face mask where you may meet people not from your area (shops, supermarkets, takeaways, bars, banks, post offices, on transport and at travel hubs
• Avoid touching your face
• Try not to touch surfaces, anti-bac hands when you do
• Social distance wherever you can
• Travel at off-peak times 
• Avoid crowded beaches
• Use contactless payments where you can instead of cash
• Avoid using lifts where you possible
• Use room-service or self-catering options; avoid restaurants
• Wash your hands when you arrive back at your room and before you leave
• Avoid public restrooms where possible
• Disinfect frequently used items (car keys, room cards and mobile phones etc.)
• Protect fellow travellers by coughing and sneezing into your elbow

Where to Travel After COVID-19

1. Europe 

Greece is one of the least affected places in Europe. We recommend Lefkada, a breathtakingly stunning, cinematographic worthy island located in the Ionian Sea. It's connected to the mainland by a small bridge so easily accessible by car. Less developed than some of its neighbouring islands, be prepared for wild natural beauty, scenic mountainous landscapes and beautiful beaches including its most famous Port Katsiki. Nothing can beat watching the sunset over the bay of Nidri, the smell of a barbecue in the air and a glass of Greek wine, finer than you’d expect, in hand.

2. International

If you’re after fun, a kaleidoscope of colour, the beat of reggae, welcoming smiles and sunshine, Jamaica’s the place for you. Situated in the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is opening its borders once again to the international traveller. Ideal as a fantastic winter destination, peak season is November to April.

The country is diverse with towns, waterfalls, mountains, caves and plantations. Jamaica’s noise assaults your senses and is great for people-watching. Sip a warming rum from your sun-lounger, smell the Jerk cooking and forget your stresses. Simply put, you can’t help but get into the pulsating rhythm of Caribbean life. It makes you smile.

3. The Staycation

You don’t have to go abroad to get a holiday fix and improve your well-being. If you don’t fancy air travel right now, jump in the car and head straight to Norfolk. A major benefit is that it’s now considered a low risk for COVID-19 to be passed in the open air. Luckily, Norfolk is full of fresh air, green spaces and beaches including our favourite, Brancaster Beach. With its stunning expanse, you can always find a tranquil corner.

It’s also a fantastic place to take the kids with many family friendly activities like the North Norfolk Railway, Norfolk Lavender, The Broads, Thetford Forest and Banham Zoo. Pack the bikes too and enjoy cycling across Cromer Ridge for stunning views along the coast. Norfolk offers peace, a relaxed pace and the great outdoors, vital for our health, well-being and soul.

Wherever you end up holidaying next, the Scentered Well Being Ritual Aromatherapy Mini-Tin is your essential travel companion. These wonderful aromatherapy balms support mini mindful transitions, at every stage of your journey, from walking into a busy airport, getting to sleep on a flight to arriving at your destination feeling revived and refreshed, this pack will support you.