How Will Travel Change After Covid?

With Americans now leading the world in Covid cases, we've been banned from the EU and many other countries. As of today, 26 states have been told they should not travel at all, and there isn't one state in the US that meets the Harvard Global Health Institute's risk-assessment standards to be on track for containing Covid within their state. That said, leisure travel is being highly discouraged for the moment, so let's talk about what will happen after we get this virus under control and travel is safe again:

photo credit

It should come as no shock that people are going to travel differently when they can, as well as how they change the way they live. For me, I will probably travel the same amount as before, but will take more precautions. 

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A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap (@srayle) on Mar 9, 2020 at 10:55pm PDT

Get your own AirplanePockets

I have been moving toward more germ-free for the last few years and I know that I won't be going around the world being as unaware of people and germs as I have been in the past. I do try to keep some amount of distance and I carry wipes and hand sanitizer, but I know I don't use them as much as I should. That'll change. 

The Barrier Method makes such pretty masks.

I think you're going to see more people wearing masks throughout and after this, not just those from Asian countries. I'd love to see this normalized. I also think more people will give you space when in public, especially when in lines and on public transportation when there's room available to do so. I'm hoping there will be stricter cleaning procedures, including seeing people clean items they're touching or going to touch. 

I hope we can also be kinder to people we meet and interact with, because if this has taught us anything, it's that we're all human and we are all on this crazy world together, going through the same things, and you only have this one life.

If you're still looking to travel, maybe think about a road trip that's close to home, and don't forget to put together a coronavirus safety kit.


Will you travel or approach life differently after we are able to do so safely again? Whether you'll do more or less, let me know in the comments.

Roadtripping With Your Dog

If I could, I'd take my dog everywhere. Unfortunately, she isn't welcome everywhere even though she's small and better behaved than most children. With more people hitting the road this summer than ever, because it's safer than air travel and being around a bunch of people, you have more options for bringing the dog with you on any trips.

When we travel, we usually leave her at home with my mom, but if we road trip it, chances are pretty good that she's going along for the ride. (See what I did there?) If your furry best friend likes to jump in the car and take a vacation (even a short one), here are some great tips to make it friendly and fun for them as well.

Keep cool

So, its pretty hot in the car and in the summer. Our car doesn't have that fancy dual a/c switch to control the front and the back separately (I have a Kia Rio, it's not THAT big), so to keep the dog cool while driving, we basically have on Max AC and point the vents all at the ceiling so the air gets to her and we freeze our faces off. Another great idea is a Kool Collar. It has a mesh side that goes against your dog's neck that simulates evaporation sweat - because dogs can't do that and wear fur coats all the time - by using ice or their fancy ice packs. We use it at home, we use it at the beach, we use it at the park. No panting. My dog loves it.

You can also invest in a cool mat, which can be put in their crate or bed. They are a bit slide-y, but they make a big difference in keeping your dog's body temperature down. We have a pressure-activated one, which means it doesn't need anything special, but I bet your dog might like it if you could pop it in the fridge or cooler for a bit before you start traveling (don't let it get too cold though). 

Hydrate! 

Just like you, dogs need to keep hydrated. If you don't have one of those non-spill bowls that are all the rage for travel times, stop for water breaks for everyone, but mostly for your pup, because they don't have thumbs for opening a water bottle. Rikka won't drink while we're moving, so I keep a collapsible silicone bowl in the car and a thermos of ice water. 

Yes, my dog has her own carrier bag, because she's old and gets tired easily.

Make pit stops 

Your dog also can't let you know they are dying for the potty. All that extra water has to go somewhere. Check out the rest areas along your way and plan to stop every few hours to let them do their business and stretch their legs. If you also have kids, you're probably doing this anyway. Then you won't be driving 19 hours straight and swear off road trips forever like that last time.

Comfy up the car

Make sure your dog feels comfy and safe in the car, especially if they get nervous like mine. We bring her bed so we can also bring it inside wherever we stay for the night. She also has her own car seat that allows her to see out the window, be contained and also take a nap.

       She likes the bed, but can't jump up or down, so we made her own little version on the floor when we left.

Make their crate awesome 

I'm not a crate person, but only because my dog spent much of her life in one her first three years and I was sad for her, so I gave her the choice. She spent less and less time in there, so we put it in the garage. If your dog loves their crate, or it's the best way to travel with them not climbing all over everyone and getting in the way, make sure it's comfortable enough to spend hours at a time in. Get them a cushion or blanket so it's soft and inviting.

Jerky's the best, no matter where you are 😁 

Bring home with you 

Just like I like to have a little bit of home with me, dogs feel comforted by something familiar. Bring along a fave blanket/pillow/bed and some toys and they'll be happier.

Stay on schedule

If you feed and walk your pup on a schedule, try to keep as close to that timetable as possible (even if you're giving extra walks and treats - because exercise makes you hungry). It'll keep them from getting confused and feel more normal even in a different place. 

Do some research 

Make sure you know where you can take your dog and where you can't. Find the number of a vet near where you'll be staying. Just in case. Look for dog parks and pet-friendly dining establishments. Many people bring their dogs to the Oregon beaches, so a lot of stores don't mind you shopping with a well-behaved pooch.

Plan ahead

Make sure you're prepared for all the things you're going to do or might happen while you're away from home. Here's a list of what to plan for:

• bring an extra collar/leash, because you never know when one will get broken or lost.
• their fave food is obvs to some. Don't take this as an opportunity to have them sample new cuisines. It'll just make them sick.
• Invest in Doggles. We have a pair of Doggles sunglasses for Rikka to enjoy sitting out in the sun. If your pup likes to stick their head out the window, a pair of dog goggles are good for protecting their eyes from flying debris and might save you a trip to an unknown vet.
• Going hiking or somewhere hot? Get your pup some shoes. Their paws are pretty sensitive, so you gotta protect them, just like your own feet. If you can't keep the back of your hand on the asphalt/sidewalk for 10 seconds comfortably, don't expect your dog to be able to walk without burning their feet.
• Bring a life jacket. If your dog likes to jump in the water, make sure they're safe. There are a lot of great ones, including ones that have both a handle and a ring for a leash clip. 
• Pack a carrier. My little one gets tired fairly easily, so when she starts to lag behind we scoop her up and carry her in a doggie sling (see above pic). She can rest and still be part of things. It's also good for when we head into some shops. 
• Download some phone apps to find dog parks, rest stops & dog-friendly restaurants. I like iexit and dogfriendly.
• Things happen. Look up your route along the way and find emergency vet addresses and numbers to have on hand just in case.
• Don't forget meds/supplements if your dog normally takes them. You can always keep them in the cooler with your snacks and beverages.
• Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and flea medication.
• Bring along a first aid kit with items that will work for your dog (gauze, self-sticking wrap, a soft muzzle, etc), because you never know what might happen on a trip or how your dog will react.

Don't forget to bring along your Coronavirus safety kit when you travel to stay safe and healthy! 

How do you like to travel with your dog?

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Where CAN We Travel?

I won't be traveling right now, but I've been looking at places I could travel if I wanted. I had seriously considered a few destinations, but the thought of spending 4+ hours on an airplane didn't sound appealing to me. I know a lot of people are hoping to get out of the house and just get away, so let's look at where we can go instead of looking at all the places we can't.

Many destinations aren't open to us: The 27 countries in the European Union being the biggest, then the UK, Canada, Mexico, and the few states that require a 2-week quarantine when visiting. Here are the ones* that are open or will be open soon:

Antigua and Barbuda

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 7 days of your travel date. 

Aruba

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of your travel date, or those from select states can choose to take the test upon arrival at their own expense.

Bahamas

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 10 days of your travel date.  Starting 7/22, Bahamas will no longer accept travelers from the United States.

Bermuda

Travelers will need to provide two negative COVID-19 tests; one within 5 days of travel and one upon arrival.

Croatia

Though they are officially part of the EU, Croatia has decided to open it's borders to US citizens as well. Visitors must present proof of negative COVID-19 testing, proof of accommodation - you must book ahead - and also have a return tickets. If you are going for a family event - a wedding, funeral, or graduation - they must have an invitation, death certificate copy or an announcement.

Jamaica

Tourists will be subject to temperature checks and health screenings upon arrival. COVID-19 tests will only be administered on a volunteer basis for those that show symptoms or have elevated temperature and may be subject to quarantine.

Mexico

If you're thinking of a road trip, you won't be able to do so until July 21, as land borders are closed for the time being. States within Mexico all have individual open dates though, so check before planning your trip, as some are not open at all for non-essential travel.

St. Barts

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of your travel date. If you plan to stay longer than 7 days, you will need to be tested again on the 7th day. 

St. Lucia

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 48 hours of your travel date. They will also need to be temperature-screened upon arrival. Phase 2 is slated to begin on August 1.

Serbia

At this time, Serbia has no COVID restrictions or quarantine terms in place. 

Tanzania

While Tanzania has dropped all COVID restrictions, visitors will be screened at the airport and those with fever will be moved to secondary screening. They also advise against US travelers. Visitors will need to fill out a Health Surveillance Form to be turned in to Port Authority upon arrival.

Turkey

Turkey also has no restrictions in place. Travelers will be subject to airport screening, but there is literally no information about Covid or Coronavirus on the GoTurkey website. They do have something called the Safe Tourism Certification Program, but there is not one mention of the pandemic or the virus.

United Arab Emirates

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 96 hours of your travel date. If not, you will be tested upon arrival and will have to isolate until the results come back. Travelers must also have health insurance covering COVID-19 or sign a declaration agreeing to cover the costs of treatment and isolation.

Destinations open at a later date:

July 12

Barbados will be opening this weekend, though it doesn't look like Americans can get a commercial flight there until July 25th with JetBlue. Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of your travel date. If not, you will have to take one upon arrival at your expense.

July 15

French Polynesia

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of your travel date. Travelers who tested positive for the virus more than three weeks before their trip will have to show an “immunity certificate” as their proof.

Maldives

From the Ministry of Tourism report: "According to the guidelines, tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicative of negative status for COVID-19 prior to entry into Maldives. Tourists who are visiting Maldives during phase 1 of opening shall book their entire stay in one registered establishment."

St. Maarten

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of your travel date. They will also need to be temperature-screened upon arrival. Those exhibiting fever or other symptoms will be administered a rapid test on-site, at the traveler's expense.

July 22

Turks and Caicos

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 5 days of your travel date.

August 15

Belize

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of your travel date, need to book an approved accommodation, and register on the Belize Health app.

Other things you should know

Beyond knowing if you can travel to certain destinations and when you need to get a virus test, make sure you also do your research for places you plan to visit:

• Do you need to wear a mask inside, outside, on the beach?
• Do you need travel insurance? Can you get insurance that covers COVID?
• Is there a curfew in place?
• Are some cities better than others?
• How do the case numbers compare to where you live now? How are they handling the cases they have?
• Are the activities you want to do open? 
• Are there other restrictions in place that will make your trip unenjoyable?
• Will you be able to use public transportation?
• What hotels and other accommodations are open for your travel dates?

If you don't already have an up-to-date passport, you might have trouble getting one during all this. There's a huge backlog right now, meaning you're going to be far down on the list. If you're dead set on flying to an international destination, here are some tips to renew or apply for a new passport.

If you aren't sure if you should travel, then that might give you the answer you need. If not, Fodor's has a great article about travel during Coronavirus.

Make sure to do all your research before booking a trip anywhere. Ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks involved. You'll have to fly both ways to visit, which means sitting in close proximity to a potentially infected person (or persons) for hours at a time, and then again anywhere you go that's inside. 

Are you looking forward to a trip this summer? If not an international one, perhaps a road trip is more your speed, and don't forget your Coronavirus safety kit.

*All information current at time of posting. These countries can change their requirements at any time.