The Government has allowed hotels and resorts to open and receive guests. As you can see from videos posted on social media as well as conventional news channels, many Hospitality groups have been busy during the lock down working on safety and hygiene measures in order to create a safe environment for all guests. For your benefit, I have included some these video links on safety and hygiene at the end of the post, so be sure to read on.
I am sure many of us are looking forward to travelling again; a break from the mundane routine that we have come to accept as part of the lock down. It has not been easy; for many it has been frustrating. Safe to say, we all have at some point or the other wished the corona virus away.
But, sadly, if wishes were horses, then life would be so much easier. We must accept that the new normal is here to stay and what we were used to, what we had taken for granted is in the past.
So, without further ado, lets start planning our travel. It is safe to hazard that for many of us, our travel post lock down will be to a destination near to home, probably not more than a 7 hour drive. Since virtual classes have started for kids, it is also likely that we will be planning our trips around the weekend.
1. Plan - plan your trip early on and book your room. This will ensure you avoid disappointments regarding availability, type of room, requirement of travel pass etc.
2. Kids - If you have kids, you want to ensure they pack some essentials - electronic gadgets with chargers, back up battery, some toys (if you have toddlers), comics/books.
3. Elders - If you plan to travel with your elders, please ensure they are comfortable with the idea of a road trip. Also, check with their physician for recommendation if required.
4. Medicines - Remember to carry an essential medical kit. This should have your medicines if any and some OTC medicines for headaches, pain, band aids, disinfectants etc
5. Platform - Everyone loves a bargain, so, it is entirely your choice to book directly via the resort/hotel website or use online booking platforms like #Yatra, #Makemytrip etc or even your local travel agency. But, whichever platform you use, please ensure you review the safety guidelines of the resort/hotel to your satisfaction.
6. Drive - If you are driving to your destination, then ensure you check your car and if needed get it serviced. You want to be sure of your and family's comfort during this trip. Review your route on #GoogleMaps for distance, time, pit stops etc
7. Safety - It is likely that you will encounter very little traffic on the roads, so dont get over excited. Keep to the rules, stick to speed limits, wear seat belts and keep your eyes on the road.
8. Avoid - As much as possible, avoid starting your trips late in the day. You want to reach your destination safely and when daylight is burning.
9. Google Maps - Do not be afraid to ask for directions. Keep your #GoogleMaps on as you can get traffic updates, review pit stops, restaurants, cafes, get information on petrol pumps, hospitals etc near to you
10. Pit stops - You want to try and do some research ahead of your trip for reliable pit stops. Check with the hotel/resort, speak to your friends and colleagues who may have recently traveled if they have any recommendations. This is important as you may need to make a stop or two for refreshments and restroom breaks.
11. Refreshments - At this time, I am not too sure if it is a good idea to stop anywhere for meals, but there a lot of well known food chains that have restaurants and cafes on highways. It is an extra effort, but check if any of the chains have an outlet on your route and review their COVID safety guidelines. Plan to stop and have your meals only if you are convinced. If you are not convinced, then carry some snacks with you.
At the Destination
1. Resort/Hotel - Most resorts will request you to send in your arrival time ahead. It will help the resort ensure your room is ready for you and you spend minimal time at check-in. As you will see from the videos below, resorts & hotels have been working on creating a safe and hygienic environment.
2. Temperature check - Resorts/Hotels have ensured they have thermal scanners, thermometers to check your temperature on arrival, so be prepared for it. This is for your safety as well as for others.
3. Arogya Setu - If you have not got the app on your mobile yet, please do so. It is important
4. Identify documents - keep your identity documents on hand. If you have them in e-format, this is helpful as you can email them to the hotel and minimize contact
5. Room - Like the rest of the resort, your room should have been sanitized and checked before your arrival. At check-in, review once again safety guidelines and ask for additional information if needed.
6. Baggage - It is advisable to travel light as you may need to carry your own bags.
7. Restaurants - Most resorts have already planned using digital menus so you can get them on your digital devices. It is likely that you are going to miss the buffet set ups of yore, but then, this is the new normal. Please do remember to eat healthy as much as possible.
8. Experiences - What is a holiday without creating memories? So, go ahead, check on the experiences and activities available. Don't be too disappointed if some options are not available. Some national monuments and public facilities are yet to re-open for the public. Plan accordingly and as much as possible, try to spend your time outdoors. This is what you came for.
9. Local sensitivity - Please remember to be sensitive to the local culture and people. The lock down impacted them as well and they are hopeful of normalcy. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
10. Personal safety - Please remember to wear your mask when you are in the resort premises or sightseeing. Also, remember to sanitize your hands as often as possible. Most resorts will have sanitizers available for you in common areas and will also get you a face mask if you need one. (you may need to pay for the mask, so dont be surprised and expect a freebie)
11. Respect individual spaces - Remember, you share the resort with other guests, so when in public spaces such as restaurants, lobby and during group classes and activities, respect individual spaces.
12. Medical assistance - If for any reason you require medical assistance, dont be afraid to ask. It is better to get timely medical assistance than to suffer the consequences later.
13. Payments - As much as possible, use digital wallets such as #GPay, #Paytm and/or your credit/debit cards. Some mobile phones allow you to have e-cards, so if your phone has this function, remember to use it. Avoid cash if possible.
14. Feedback - You had a well deserved break and much needed holiday. Remember to share your feedback with the resort/hotel. This will help them to review and improve their existing practices.
15. The Drive back - All good things come to an end, so do holidays. Plan your departure well in advance and remember to leave on time, you dont want to reach too late in the evening. If you need provisions for the next day, call your local grocer ahead or use apps such as #BigBasket and plan ahead.
16. Online Forums - It is a given that many of us will share our experiences on social media, sharing our photos and feedback on #Instagram, #Facebook or on online forums such as #Tripadvisor etc. Try to keep your feedback as accurate as possible.
#Travel Safe, #Be Safe
A very timely and relevant post indeed for the travel enthusiasts .
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am glad you found it relevant and useful.
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