Expert Travel Tips and Predictions for Safe Pandemic Journeys
Expert Travel Tips for Navigating Pandemic Travel
As the vacation season approaches, many adventurous souls are planning to travel despite the ongoing pandemic. Experienced travel organizers have shared their insights on what to remember if you’re planning a trip during these uncertain times. Here’s a concise and practical guide to help you navigate pandemic travel safely and smartly.
Expert Advice for Traveling During COVID-19
Check the IATA Website
Before flying to another country, always check the IATA (International Air Transport Association) website. It provides the most up-to-date information on entry and transit rules, as well as lists of required documents. This will help you minimize the risk of unpleasant situations.
Hotel Booking Tips
We live in a time of stable uncertainty, making it difficult to predict what will happen even a month from now. Avoid using the “Book with Prepayment” option. Instead, opt for hotels that allow full payment upon check-in. Many hotels are currently empty, so booking a room shortly before your arrival can often secure you a good discount or even an upgrade.
Use Travel Bank Cards
Travel bank cards offer numerous benefits, including cashback, the ability to get free insurance, and the opportunity to collect miles. These miles can be exchanged for hotel discounts or to compensate for airline ticket purchases, making your travels more affordable and convenient.
Buy Tickets from Airline Websites
In case of flight cancellations, the refund process is simpler when you book directly through the airline. This can save you time and hassle, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Get a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
Ensure that the vaccine you received is valid in the country you’re traveling to. A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is essential for hassle-free travel and entry into many countries.
Explore Local Telegram Channels
Local Telegram channels, where fellow countrymen living in your destination country communicate, are a treasure trove of useful information. You can get answers to your questions and even make new friends among the locals, enhancing your travel experience.
Get Travel Cancellation Insurance
Travel cancellation insurance is inexpensive and will cover all your financial expenses related to a canceled trip if you’re unable to travel. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of money and stress.
Predictions for 2022: Prices and Destinations
It’s challenging to predict the exact list of countries that will be open to tourists in the near future. However, this year, many travelers have explored the Balkan Peninsula. Many countries in this region are open to international tourists and offer rich natural beauty and a colorful tourism experience at relatively low costs.
Russia is also likely to become a leader in the tourism industry. The country is vast, with many beautiful places and attractions. It has already simplified entry for foreigners by introducing electronic visas.
Experts recommend monitoring specialized online platforms and Telegram channels for travelers to understand which regions will be accessible in the future. They believe that luxury tourism will remain in demand as it’s the only segment that isn’t decreasing in price and continues to grow. Luxury tourism typically costs around 5,000 euros for 1-2 weeks and often includes wellness programs such as spas, massages, and various spiritual practices. It can also involve thematic travel, such as visiting locations where movies were filmed.
Experts also warn that we should prepare for price increases. Airlines have already announced that airfare prices will rise, and there will be fewer discounts and sales than before.
Top Destinations for 2022
Despite the challenges, experts have identified countries that may become the most visited in 2022:
- EU countries (Hungary, Romania, Austria, Iceland, Montenegro)
- Countries dependent on tourism (Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico, Albania, Georgia)
- CIS countries as new tourism ideas (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Moldova)
Useful Online Resources for Travelers
- Vinsky Forum
- Telegram channels: “Typical Visa Applicant,” “How to Get There,” and “Pack Your Backpack”
Another trend noted by experts is that due to fears of traveling abroad, trips have become more conscious. The value of simple human communication has increased, as has the popularity of domestic tourism.
