I am back from my ten day adventure in the Netherlands. I have learned some things that may help you to reduce the stress level of COVID era travelling.
1. no matter what you will experience stress especially if you have not travelled yet since pre-covid. Just don't let it paralyze you. There was a women on my flight who had a panic attack and they asked for psychiatrists on board. She was just scared.
2. Pre plan most details of your trip by checking the airline requirements, hotels, cruise lines and especially the governments of the countries you will be visiting and your own for return entry. Follow and print the instructions out. Recheck the websites every few days as the governments keep changing the rules on us.
3. If required book your PCR tests early (at least 2- 3 weeks) with reliable providers that have good reviews about getting out the test results in the time they say on their websites. Its going to cost you (CDN up to $200 and in Europe about 100 euros) for a 24 hour turnaround)
4. Bring cash and credit cards as I found many places are cashless and you have to use a card - i.e. fast food, bakeries etc.
5. Make multiple copies of your Vaccine certificates - on your phone/ipad, paper copies. As you will have to show proof of vaccine pretty much everywhere - hotel checkin, airplane check-in, cruise line check in, etc.
6. Be prepared for longer wait times and line ups at airports, restaurants etc. You have to get to the airport 3 hours early no matter where you flight is going. They check your paperwork at check in and at customs and again just before you board the flight.
7. Bring lots of face masks - you will need to change them every 2 - 3 hours while flying as they get damp from breathing. I use N95 masks as my glasses don't fog up and they have more layers of protection.
8. If you are able book everything yourself as this way you will know what your are getting into. While travel agents are great and helpful, if they do the bookings - read the paperwork carefully. Can you cancel? What are the covid requirements?
9. Be pleasant and patient with everyone. I noticed people on my plane were unusually quiet, subdued and polite to everyone. Not like what you hear on the news.
10. Overall if you can't deal with the unknown, just don't go yet. I was constantly worrying re my PCR test as would the provider get me the results in time. Would I be covid free? If this is to much for you - delay. I couldn't as they wouldn't let me change again.
Hope this helps
Marcia
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