I recently returned from my first international trip since the pandemic began. It felt great to be out in the world again! There are a few new procedures and policies that I experienced that I foresee being the new norm for a while.
Your Flights Will Change
Don’t book your flights too far in advance. If you do, expect them to be modified and/or canceled before your scheduled departure. The plus side is, you have the luxury of not accepting the changes and you can rearrange your flights if you don’t like what they have offered. On the downside, you will have to redo your flights…..again. My flights were booked about 4 months out and 2 of my legs were changed before my departure. Schedules are constantly changing as airlines try to rebuild their routes. As countries change requirements, airlines are also forced to amend where they fly to accommodate for this.
Things to Expect on Layovers
Have your paperwork printed off and ready. Anything you think you may need, print it. I had 2 copies of my negative PCR test results, just in case I misplaced one or the agent forgot to return it to me. This piece of paper is GOLD…..you will need to show it at every gate before you board each plane outside of the United States. That being said, allow at least 2 hours between your connections, as you will need additional time to check in and sometimes go through extra paperwork or health checks. Try to view this as a positive thorough service. How horrible would it be to arrive in a location after your flight, just to be turned away?
I carried my insurance card, a printout of my medical/evacuation insurance, a copy of my passport, itinerary, my vaccination card (even though I only had my first shot) and I even had my positive Covid test results from back in December……you just never know.
Use Your Travel Company
We live and breathe travel. We are constantly monitoring and paying attention to the ever-changing travel restrictions and requirements. HE Travel has always been and will always be concerned with the safety of our clients and that includes traveling during COVID. Some clients wish to travel, others do not. We are here to make the process as seamless as possible for those who do.
Be Patient
Every country is changing restrictions and requirements regularly. Please be patient and trust that we are paying attention. Updating you on the status of a destination 4 or 5 months before a tour is basically a pointless conversation. Our goal is to still deliver all tours as planned, with the added COVID test where required (which we arrange as necessary).
Click here to read about our Namibia Tour
Click here to read about our Botswana Tour
