Traveling in a World Shaped by COVID-19

It’s March 2020, and I am enjoying what would be the last few days of an incredible adventure with my safari clients when I get that dreaded text message, “you need to get out of the country, they are closing the borders due to COVID-19”. In just a few short weeks COVID-19 had gripped the world and its rapid spread to the far reaches of the globe was beyond comprehension.

It has been 18 months since I returned from that trip and the toll that this virus has had on our planet has been almost dystopian in the way it impacted and, in many cases, shut down our way of life. Every community and every industry, even in the farthest reaches of the globe, has been impacted by the pandemic.

A virus that we thought would last a few weeks, has multiplied and mutated, and weeks have turned into months, and months are inevitably turning into years. So instead of looking for things to go back to “normal” we are now left to accept that that this is our “normal”, and we must learn to adapt to a virus that lives amongst us.

The biggest vaccination campaign in history is underway. More than 5.69 billion doses have been administered thus far across 184 countries.

For all of our shortcomings and missteps as a species, we are also incredibly resilient, and resourceful. So instead of succumbing against the great odds that COVID-19 presented, we decided to fight back the best way we knew how, we adapted. In record time we developed a number of vaccines, and the industries we depend on evolved and adapted as well. None more so than the travel industry.

So, after what felt like an eternity of relatively no travel, it was time to venture out again. It was time to once again explore the world that I love. I craved those special moments in the company of those great wild beings that have over the years become beacons for me to find myself time and time again. Every part of me needed the nourishment of adventure. I yearned to spend time in those great wild spaces that nourish my soul, my heart, my soul and every part of me yearned for my beloved Africa…

So, even though the world was different now, one shaped by COVID-19 and its infamous variants… it was time. Time to cast of that bow line and go on an adventure.

Covid-19 has challenged us like nothing else in modern history, but it does not define who we are as a species. Humankind has always been defined by discovery and exploration, it is just who we are, it is ingrained into the very fiber of our being.

Most stores and many restaurants were closed at all the airports we travelled through, prepare for this.

Airports were mostly down to essential services with very few stares open fr shopping. This did not impact travel at all, but its with keeping in mind if you have a long layover.

So, what’s it like to go on an adventure in 2021 and travel in the COVID era…

With vaccines being administered worldwide and countries welcoming travelers once more, it was once again possible to travel, albeit with several new requirements and precautions.

So here are some lessons learned and my experiences from my first COVID era adventure.

The travel industry, much like every other industry in the world, is desperately trying to adapt and evolve to a constantly mutating and changing pandemic environment. So be patient at airports, hotels, and all other places that are staying open to facilitate travel. Remember the people working in these industries are human and just like the rest of us, they are anxious and uncertain in the face of this pandemic as well, so show as much empathy as you can.
Most countries entry requirements now require a negative COVID test administered at least 72 hours before arrival. There are different types of tests available, and not all tests are accepted in all countries, so make sure you know exactly which test is acceptable in the country you are traveling to. I learned this the hard way, and had to scramble at the airport to get another test done at the airport prior to checking in. This was not only extremely nerve wracking but also extremely expensive and set me back $500.
You will be required to have a separate COVID test both your flight out and your return flight, so while these are not expensive, it’s still important to factor in when budgeting for your trip.
You will be required to wear your mask at all times while at the airport, as well as for the entirety of your flight. This seemed daunting at first but ended up being really easy to do. Again, airline staff are just trying to do the jobs and keep everyone safe, so just make it easy on everyone and comply with this simple requirement.
Pack extra face masks, hand sanitizer, etc.
Most airlines now offer a premium economy cabin, if possible, I would suggest you book this. It may cost a little more, but the seat setup and spacing allow for much better social distancing and the upgraded services help ease the fact that you must wear a mask throughout the flight.
While international travel is starting to “take-off” again, airports are extremely quiet. It only to me about 5 minutes to get through security, something which would have taken at least 30 mins pre-pandemic.
Most stores and restaurants at airports are still closed. Prepare for this, by packing some snacks in your carry-on luggage, this will be a life saver, especially if you have a long layover at any airport.
Be prepared for constant COVID document checks, temperature screening and sanitizing, throughout your trip. Not only did we have our temperature and COVID documents checked multiple times at all airports we traveled through, but also during multiple check points when entering reserves and upon check-in at the safari lodge. I really welcomed this, it made me feel more at ease traveling.
While on safari, certain lodges require you to wear a mask in all indoor lounge and dining areas. They are more relaxed with this on open safari vehicles and outdoor areas.
Safari lodge staff follow strict COVID protocols. I LOVED this!
It’s important to remember that you will be required to get another COVID test before returning from your trip. You will need to produce the results of your negative test when checking in. Most safari lodges can help facilitate this by having the testing facility send someone out to the reserve to administer the test. The other option (the one I chose) is to head to the airport a few hours before your return flight and get tested there. I’m not sure about other airports, but OR Tambo in Johannesburg has multiple mobile testing facilities setup. I used one of these and got my results in 15 minutes.

So, this begs the question, is it harder to travel these days… and the simple answer is no, travel isn’t harder, its just… different.

Many airports now have strict Covid-19 protocols, like sanitizing stations, seats blocked off to facilitate social distancing, and not to mention a number of testing facilities on site.

There are so many things that I have learned on this trip, and many things I would have done differently. But one thing is for certain… I wouldn’t change going on this adventure. Like all adventures, it was INCRDEDIBLE, and made me realize once again just how much I love traveling, going on adventure, and spending time in the great wildernesses of our planet.

Sure, travel has changed dramatically over the past year, there are new rules to follow and different precautions to take, but what hasn’t changed is that going on an adventure is still the greatest thing we can do for ourselves. It feeds the soul like nothing else can. Just as it always has been, traveling gives us freedom from shackles that bind and burden us. Travelling allows one’s soul to exhale… it allows us to reconnect with the world, it helps us grow, and molds us into better versions of ourselves.

So, at a time when we have a pandemic that challenges our way of life, we must now, more than ever, spend time doing the things that breathe life into us.