COVID-19 and the return of travel

June 29, 2020

How to prepare for travel under the new global conditions?

As international travel begins to slowly open up again, we all have a responsibility to do it safely. To protect yourself and others against COVID-19, we at Human Entrance wish to share some tips and tricks. The use of these tips will maximize your health and safety. While some of these may seem obvious, we think its good practice to go over the basics as even the most frequent of travelers will be a little out of shape at the moment.

To start off, let us review the fundamental guidelines:

Maintain a safe distance of about 2 meters where possible
Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds when possible.

Outside of the fundamental guidelines set by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) here are some key tips to remember:

Pre-travel

Ensure you are healthy for travel; Do not travel if you feel faint, have a fever or any other symptoms.
Make sure you bring all the necessary paperwork of any medical history.
Pack the essentials and anticipate travel needs, such as:
- - Bringing enough of your medication and prescriptions.
  - Packing enough hand sanitizers, wipes, face masks, tissues, disposable bags, gloves, travel thermometer; and
  - Depending on the type of travel, packing your own food/snacks. Airlines are offering a reduced meal and drink service on most flights.

General Travel Tips

Use pre-check-in and check-out services to limit face-to-face interaction.
Be mindful of where you store your hand sanitizer – if exposed to hot temperatures for lengthy periods of time (i.e. in a hot car on a summer day), it can quickly become flammable, while also decreasing its effectiveness.
Disinfect your suitcase (wheels and handles are most important part to clean!).
Contact lenses vs. eyeglasses – consider wearing glasses while traveling to avoid dry eyes and removing contact lenses.
Use your own sanitizing supplies on “high-touch” surfaces.
Limit use of cash. Use credit and/or debit cards, Apple Pay, or another electronic means when possible.
Anticipate temperature screening.
Carry your own pen.
Use single use plastic bags, and limit reusable bags; and
Use a disposable item to push buttons on elevators or ATM machines.

Driving to your New Location

Preparation is now more important than ever, so plan your route in advance. You may run into temporary closures, adjusted hours, or limited services. For example, service-areas (i.e. rest stops) or in-person toll services may be suspended.
Wear disposable gloves while refueling vehicles
Bring snacks and drinks to avoid purchasing from gas stations or convenience stores.

Flying to your New Location

Bring your face covering! It is required to board most flights.
Download airline app for touchless boarding to check in and receive boarding pass.
Anticipate changes to security procedures and pre-boarding/deboarding process.
Anticipate limited or eliminated food and beverage services; and
Check up to date guidelines from airports for the personal allowance of hand sanitizer and other liquids.

Hotel Stays

Verify if hotels are open and have capacity limitations in advance.
Use your own sanitizing supplies on “high-touch” surfaces in your room. This includes wiping down exterior and interior doorknobs and handles, the TV remote and bathroom fixtures.
If you plan on staying for more than one night – forgo housekeeping services to limit the number of people who come in and out of your room.
Forgo valet parking to limit number of people driving your vehicle; and
Forgo concierge and baggage services.

Dining Out

Request disposable in room dining menus, salt and pepper shakers, limit condiment bottles
When possible, use contactless delivery or takeout meal services.

Household Goods Shipment

Use virtual surveys.
Avoid using recycled moving boxes.
Provide hand washing and disinfectant supplies for the movers.
Do not shake hands.
Sanitize “high touch” surfaces in your home, including exterior and interior doorknobs and handles.
Recommend opening doorways/windows to increase air circulation during the pack and unpack.
Thoroughly disinfect your new home before unpacking and settling in; and
Dispose of all packing materials once the move is complete

Car Rental Services

Reduce queuing. The easiest way to skip the line or stand in a shorter line at the rental car counter is to join the company’s rewards program; and
Use your own sanitizing supplies on “high touch” surfaces in the car. This includes seats, steering wheel, door handles and other hard surfaces.

Links and Resources

Are you wondering which disinfectants to use? Check out the below link on disinfectants that are most likely to be effective against COVID-19, including brands such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol® Disinfectant Spray, and Virasept.