In the world of international business, travel for related tasks takes place every day. But, what about travelling for business during a pandemic? While most things are on hold right now, some professionals still have to carry on as usual. This means being prepared to travel while there are serious risks of contracting Covid-19.
Luckily, if you’re one of these individuals, there are ways in which you can minimise your risk. Below, we’re going to take a look at the top travel hacks to practice when travelling in current climates.
International business travel hacks
Responses to the global coronavirus pandemic require multiple countries to cooperate when it comes to safe travel. If you’re due to travel for business in the near future, there are many ways you can prepare yourself. Here’s what you can do to keep safe when travelling internationally during the pandemic:
1. Do your research
Start by carrying out some simple research to get coronavirus rates information. We recommend looking at the rates in the location you’re travelling from and where you are going. This will give you a clearer idea of how likely it is to contract the virus and what sort of rules may be in place. If you’re travelling from a location with a high rating, consider how essential the trip is compared to the risks.
2. Take the right tests
Before you leave for your trip, you will be required to take a coronavirus test to obtain a Fit to Fly certificate. Likewise, upon your arrival in the UK, you will have to follow the protocol in place. As it stands, you are required to quarantine for ten days. However, you can take a private test with a Government-approved Test to Release provider. If your test comes back negative, you can reduce your isolation period, but the test can only be taken on the 5th day.
3. Consider your mode of travel
Travelling by plane is understandably a risk to everyone and if you do travel this way, be sure to wear your mask as instructed. Where possible, you should also consider taking a train as an alternative. Trains allow for better practice of social distancing and will decrease the likeliness of spreading the virus. When you board a plane for a flight, wipe down your seat, seatbelt, and other areas with sanitising wipes and avoid using the shared toilet if you can.
4. Only take a carry-on bag
If it’s possible, only take a carry-on bag with you as you’ll reduce possible contamination that comes with contact. Since you’ll be the only person to handle your own bag, you won’t have to worry about others handling your luggage. If you do have hold luggage, keep sanitising wipes handy to wipe the bag down when you collect it.
5. Choose a Coronavirus-friendly hotel
Where you can, we advise staying in a Coronavirus-friendly hotel. These hotels are carrying out extra sanitising procedures to ensure less contamination. Your meals will also be delivered to your room in such environments to keep social interactions to a minimum. If you can’t find such a hotel, we recommend that you carry out extra sanitising precautions yourself and cook where you are staying.
6. Pack the right things
There are many ways to keep safe and prevent the spread of germs from your own hands. First and foremost, take enough travel-sized sanitiser and spare masks for your journey. Secondly, you may also want to consider taking a portable charger for your mobile device. In airports, you’ll be able to scan your tickets and can pay for things using contactless cards stored in your device, saving unnecessary contact with others.
7. Be mindful of the rules
If you’re travelling to another country, the rules may be different to back home. While it may be tempting to eat out or go to an entertainment venue if this is allowed in the country you’re visiting, we strongly advise against it. Instead, choose to be mindful of the rules and treat your trip with business in mind. The last scenario you want to be in is a long isolation period when you return to the UK, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the local rules around social distancing, wearing masks and how many people can be together – or face the risk of your health, as well as local law enforcement or fines.
As you’ve come to see, there are many ways in which you can act to travel safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. If there is a way to avoid travelling at all for business, we highly recommend protecting yourself and others. Should you find that you must travel for business affairs, be sure to follow the hacks above to ensure that you are keeping yourself safe and reducing risk for others who are travelling.