How we travel in the age of coronavirus

Unfortunately, coronavirus is still circulating amongst us, and just as we've changed most of our daily habits, we must also change the way we travel!

Travel, at least for several more months, will not be the same as we knew it.

From the process of booking a flight ticket, renting a car, staying in a hotel, right up to how we get around in the new place we're visiting for our holidays.

But how can we travel and go on holiday during the coronavirus era? What should we look out for, and where is the greatest risk of catching the virus?

 

Bookings in the age of coronavirus

Regarding flight and ferry ticket bookings, not much has changed here. Booking flights online was and still is the best option for finding cheap tickets from the comfort of your home.

And if previously you didn't often visit a travel agent because you'd find better prices online, now you have another reason to find your tickets online: social distancing and minimising travel and gatherings!

So, online ticket booking is now a 'must', not just for financial reasons but for our personal health too!

 

Safe car rentals

Renting a car requires some contact when you pick up your vehicle, and you also don't know if a thorough cleaning and/or disinfection has been carried out after its previous use and before you.

Through Travelo, you can proceed with car rental without a card, paying online either with a debit card or via bank transfer.

This way, you significantly reduce personal contact at the company counters, as you will only need to pick up your vehicle and sign the contract.

We recommend you bring your own pen so you don't use anything communal that might have been contaminated.

The cars you book through our website arrive disinfected, clean, and ready for use by the customer without fear of contamination.

How to travel by plane

Air travel requires certain actions and conditions to ensure everyone's safety.

First of all, as we mentioned above, you should have made your booking online and arrive at the airport with your boarding pass.

Many airlines, to avoid overcrowding on the plane, have abolished hand luggage and offer 1 free checked bag to all passengers.

For example, Aegean has made it mandatory for all luggage to be handed in at the check-in counters or at the aircraft entrance before boarding.

According to the company, this avoids overcrowding in the aircraft aisle and speeds up departure.

If you have booked Aegean tickets, now – and until further notice – your suitcase goes into the luggage compartment, and you can only carry a bag or a personal item with you.

Both in the airport area and on the plane, throughout the duration of the flight, you must wear a fabric or surgical mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Wearing a mask is essential.

We recommend, especially during the summer months, a fabric mask (essentially for the protection of those around you) or a simple surgical mask (offering slight protection for you too). The use of ffp2/ffp3 masks, especially during the summer months and for long journeys, will make you sweat and create an uncomfortable situation.

 

Travel by ferry

When travelling by ferry, much of what applies to air travel is also true. In all areas of the ship, as well as during boarding and disembarkation, all passengers and crew must wear a mask.

An exception is if you are using a cabin with someone from your own household – such as a family.

On ferries, unlike planes, a maximum capacity of 55% of the ship's full capacity applies.

When you book ferry tickets, you will be extensively informed about the protective measures you need to take during boarding and disembarkation to prevent overcrowding in front of the doors.

Finally, to be able to travel by ferry, you will need to complete a questionnaire stating that you have not been in contact with a known coronavirus case, have not recently travelled abroad, etc.

 

What to do at the hotel

Hotels must pay attention to both collective hygiene and the individual hygiene of each guest.

Specifically, disinfection and thorough cleaning should be carried out in every common area, as well as special cleaning after each room change between guests.

On the other hand, travellers should avoid overcrowding in the hotel's common areas and generally prefer accommodations with independent spaces for their personal safety.

Travel in the age of coronavirus won't stop, but the way it's done has certainly changed! It requires particular attention from all of us so that we can continue doing what we love: travelling!