It’s complicated. While that has been my go-to relationship status, it has now become the world’s travel status. COVID has certainly put a damper on many retirees plans to see the world. I, for one, envisioned a much more nomadic retirement. Traveling during a global pandemic is just not simple. But even though it isn’t quite as easy (or advisable) to take those jaunts to places unknown, there is still plenty of opportunity to gain the benefits of travel even if you can’t go far.
The one thing that is certain, travel today needs to be flexible, and yet, you must also plan meticulously. Travel regulations are changing constantly, and you need to be ready to pivot with Plan B, Plan C, and maybe even Plan Z! The pandemic has taken a toll on our ability to just “pick-up and go” but creativity, and some advance planning, is really all it takes to reap the rewards of travel in this day and age.
The benefits of travel are broad. Before planning, really think about what it is that you want to gain from the trip. Are you wanting to experience new cultures? Try new things? Are your travels an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends? Are you seeking new adventures with the people in your life? Or are you looking for a chance to recharge, reduce stress or remove yourself from your day-to-day responsibilities? All of the above?
By far the safest way to travel is to use your mind. If now isn’t the right time for you to get on a plane or into a car, consider becoming an “armchair traveler”! It is the cheapest way to travel and while not quite as satisfying as seeing things in person, it does have its benefits.
The Armchair Traveller
The concept is simple. You immerse yourself in your destination but from the comfort of your chair. The pluses – no jetlag, no need to pack, no need to worry about the weather. You can be gone as long or as short a time as you’d like. All the stress that comes with the unpredictability of travel is gone.
Start by choosing your destination. For this, let your imagination go wild!! As an armchair traveler, you are not confined by budget, physical ability, or safety. You can literally go wherever you want, whenever you want. You just don’t leave your chair.
Once you know where you want to go, let the fun begin. Identify books, both fiction and non-fiction about your destination. Find out about movies and documentaries on the subject. Explore the food, music, and art from your destination. Look for images and videos of the sites to see. If there is a different language spoken, get a beginner’s guide to the language and start picking up a few words. Even if they speak your same language, there are bound to be new idioms you can learn.
You can even include family and/or friends in your armchair travel. Make it a family activity. Engage your friends in your “travel” plans. Set up an armchair travel group. Discover everything you can about your destination together. Some ideas to get you started:
- Hold a movie night with a double-feature set in your chosen destination.
- Arrange a potluck or progressive dinner party with the cuisine of your destination. Each course could be from a different region. Be sure to set the mood with music from the place.
- Choose a book to read that takes place or is about your destination of choice. Engage with fellow armchair travelers to discuss the book.
- Take virtual tours of the main attractions at your site. Explore the museums and monuments. Learn a little about the history and culture of the place.
Virtually exploring a country or region may not be quite as satisfying or life affirming as seeing it in person but for the time being, it might be your best option. The good news is that when travel becomes safer, you’ll know much more about that destination.
The Domestic Traveller
If travelling from the comfort of your home doesn’t quite do it for you, consider domestic travel as an option. You don’t have to go far to experience new things and have new adventures. You’ll need to do your research to see what areas are safe, find out about the vaccination and testing requirements. In the United States, each state has its own regulations. These can range from quite strict to very loose. Since the rules can change on a moments notice, you need to keep yourself informed. The most up-to-date information can be found on the state’s website. When you are planning your trip, be sure to check daily.
If you are looking for a little less complicated way to travel domestically, you can take a journey within your state or region. Travelling within your own neighborhood has its advantages. The distance is usually not that great. A long weekend or even a day trip can provide a nice vacation. Look at the area around you with new eyes. Become a tourist in your own backyard! Exploring can be as simple as taking a drive. Often we live within only a few hours of a tourist destination but we never take the time to go and visit. Now’s the time. Set aside a week or a weekend and get out there and see the places around you.
The International Traveller
International travel has its own set of challenges. Countries can go from level 1 to level 4 and borders can close on a moment’s notice. Even if the border is open, there are numerous hoops to jump through just to get on the plane. Each airline can have its own requirements for testing, vaccination status, and masking. And within those requirements, you’ll have detailed rules for the type of testing or masks that are allowable. As with domestic travel, the key is to keep yourself informed, check the regulations often, and stay flexible.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers an intuitive Travel Regulations Map that provides country-by-country guidance on COVID-19 travel. Quick, easy, and accurate, the site is updated regularly and publishes the date for each country’s last update. If available, a link to the country’s health website is also provided. This is the best one-stop information site for current travel.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a travel website that provides domestic recommendations and guidelines for travel around the world too. The World Health Organization also offers travel advice as well as a dashboard where you can check COVID-19 related statistics and see where hotspots are developing.
Planning ahead for international travel is important. If you don’t have a passport, submit your paperwork today! The wait time for passports and interview appointments can be long. As much as 6 months and interview appointments are hard to come by. The airlines are being quite generous with changes and cancellations so take advantage of good airfares and book early. Make sure you understand the change/cancellation regulations before you book. Some airlines will only give you credit towards another flight rather than a refund.
As you consider where and how to travel, keep in mind that you may find many of the attractions closed or restricted at your destinations. The best travel these days is crowd-free and includes plenty of time outdoors. Instead of traveling to a city to visit museums, maybe a trip to the beach or a lake is a better option. COVID-19 has brought back the road trip! Load up the family or friends. Booking an AirBnB or VRBO house for the family will likely work better than a hotel. Not only in keeping your vacation space to your family unit but also in avoiding public restaurants by ordering take-out food or cooking at your rental.
However you decide to travel – armchair, domestic, or international – COVID doesn’t have to be the end of your adventures.
