COVID Safe Travel: How To Safeguard Against Outbreaks While Overseas

We can stop dreaming and start booking our next long-awaited adventure. It’s time to get serious about all things COVID-safe when it comes to the ‘new normal’ of international travel.

After years of adhering to social distancing and lockdowns, it may seem counterintuitive to jump onto a packed long-haul flight; however, rest assured that the risk of catching COVID-19 on a plane is surprisingly low. High vaccination rates, mandatory masking, and hospital-grade filtration systems make air travel one of the most COVID-safe activities. A recent Mayo Clinic study found that in-flight COVID-19 transmission between passengers was less than one in a million – a stat that will have even the most risk-averse traveller breathing easier!

There are several precautions to help minimise the risk of contracting the virus, and we recommend having a plan in place should the worst-case scenario arise. Here’s our handy guide to keeping you COVID-safe overseas (and no, that’s not an oxymoron):

Before you get on the plane

Ensure your vaccinations (COVID and others) are up to date and abide by your destination country’s requirements.
Your vaccination certificate is now your second passport when travelling overseas—have a digital and printed copy on you at all times.
Check your travel insurance fine print—do they cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, and repatriation in the most severe instances? Several countries now stipulate having cover for COVID-19 as a precondition for entry.
Do your research on local public health orders in your destination countries, and find out how to get tested should you develop symptoms.
Complete pre-arrival tests and compile necessary documentation.

COVID-safe packing list

RAT tests (also called lateral flow tests)—it’s easier to have them in your suitcase ready when you need them for peace of mind.
Face masks are mandatory on all flights, and depending on the airline, this generally includes school-aged children. You should also expect to wear masks on public transport and ride-sharing services when you reach your destination. It is strongly recommended to wear a mask indoors or where physical distancing is not possible to protect yourself and others. With evidence demonstrating that wearing a mask reduces transmission by up to 79 percent, masking up is a no-brainer when it comes to keeping you safe.
Prescription medication—bring enough to last the trip plus a potential period of self-isolation after you arrive back home.
Carry your own pen to avoid using communal ones.
Put together an essential COVID-19 first-aid kit, including cold medications such as day and night decongestants, paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, and throat lozenges.
Bank/credit cards so you can opt for contactless payments.
Hand sanitisers and antibacterial wipes (you might want to give your airline seat a once-over on the armrest, tray table, and window shade if you are next to one).

While travelling, follow these golden rules:

Mask up when indoors
Wash hands regularly
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and practice physical distancing where possible.
Remain vigilant for symptoms and test and isolate should they develop.

Get the low down on more COVID-safe travel tips at our Geek’s Guide, and contact us for the best offers on round the world flights.