COVID-19 Travel Resources + Personal Travel Update
Amidst this global pandemic, travel is at an all-time low. People across the globe are cancelling spring break trips and summer vacations (myself included) with very good reason. But for those of us who find travel not only life-giving but something core to our way of life, what does this mean for us? When can we start planning trips again? The uncertainty is unsettling and, unfortunately, there are a lot of questions that we just can’t answer definitively right now.
This is exactly why I wanted to take the time to compile some of the most helpful articles and resources I’ve come across specific to COVID-19 and travel. I’ll continue to add to the list as I discover additional helpful resources. Please comment or DM me additional links you think should be added!
COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES
Travel Restrictions
When will international travel return? - The Points Guy, 16 May 2020
A country-by-country guide with updated information on their current travel ban status.
Will I be Able to Travel this Summer? - Afar, 20 April 2020
A great resource specifically for those of us interested in both domestic travel around the US and travel to and from Europe this summer.
Coronavirus Travel Restrictions, Across the Globe - New York Times, 23 March 2020
All the various travel bans listed in one place.
Coronavirus and National Parks, What’s Closed - National Parks Traveler, 21 March 2020
A list of National Parks affected by COVID-19.
Covid-19: BBC Travel Coverage - BBC
BBC’s on-going coverage of coronavirus specific to travel.
Travel and Coronavirus: Everything You Need to Know - CNN, 23 March 2020
CNN’s general overview on travel bans and restrictions due to the virus across the globe.
Travel FAQs with the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Here’s a list of commonly asked travel questions related to COVID-19 with answers directly from the US CDC.
Travel Rights
How to Make Flexible Travel Bookings in Uncertain Times - Afar, 19 May 2020
If you are trying to make travel plans this summer, use this article to help you make bookings that won’t cost you if plans or circumstances end up changing at the last minute.
US Department of Transportation
Visit this page if you are an American traveler looking for an outline of your exact travel rights regarding flight delays and cancellations.
You are Entitled to a Refund for Your Cancelled Flight - The Points Guy, 25 March 2020
The US Department of Transportation has given American travelers rights, this article will help you become familiar with them.
Medicare Coverage outside the US - Retire Guide, 25 June 2020
If you’re an older adult making plans to travel once borders open up again, refer to this free, user-friendly guide that will tell you if your Medicare plan covers you abroad.
Travel Grief
How to Plan a Trip Without Knowing When You Can Travel - LivermoreLens, 18 May 2020
8 simples steps for planning a post-pandemic trip. You don’t need to know when you can travel to plan the trip of your dreams!
The 5 Stages of Travel Grief - Afar, 25 March 2020
Read this article if you are grieving a cancelled trip you had been looking forward to for months.
Getting a Travel Fix From Home
14 TV Shows to Stream That’ll Transport You Around the World - Afar, 25 March 2020
Visit elite NYC in HBO’s “Succession” or enjoy wildlife from angles most people will never experience in-person on Neflix’s “Our Planet.”
BTS Just Dropped a Webseries to Help You Learn Korean at Home - Travel and Leisure, 25 March 2020
Learn Korean with BTS!
Board Games for Travelers Stuck at Home - Afar, 25 March 2020
Had a trip planned to a National Park? What about playing National Parks Monopoly? Think you need to cancel your trip to Greece? Try playing Santorini!
How to Master the Art of Flaneuring Around Your Neighborhood - Afar, 25 March 2020
Nourish your travel bug from the comfort of your own neighborhood.
A Safe, Practical Guide to Getting Outside While Social Distancing - Afar, 20 March 2020
Getting exercise and fresh air is key to staying healthy, here’s how to do it responsibly.
The No. 1 Hotel Brand is Bringing it’s Famous Wellness Programming Online - Travel and Leisure, 25 March 2020
Get tips for staying balanced at home for free courtesy of Six Senses Resorts and Spas.
Take a Free Cooking Class at London’s Historic Borough Market - Lonely Planet, 23 March 2020
The Borough Market is trying to keep their community connected by streaming free cooking classes on Instagram and Facebook hosted by some of the market chefs!
Virtual Tours to Help You Pass the Time - Refinery 29, 23 March 2020
Although virtual tours are no match for the real thing, you can certainty still soak up some culture by exploring some of these virtual museum exhibits.
PERSONAL TRAVEL UPDATE
My travel plans, like so many frequent flyers, have been disrupted by COVID-19. Here’s the status on the trips I had planned over the next 6 months.
London: Cancelled. I was planning to be in London with my Dad for about 10 days in mid-April for business. We both decided it was our responsibility to forgo this opportunity for our own safety and the safety of others.
Paris: Pending. My roommate and I have a girls-trip to Paris planned for mid-May. We have yet to cancel because we are holding out hope that things could potentially turn around! Additionally, airlines are being extra accommodating regarding change and cancellation fees so we don’t have much to lose by keeping our tickets. But due to the European Union’s 30-day restriction on non-essential travel and foreigner entry, I would guess there is a good chance this trip does not happen.
Morocco: Pending. My family has a vacation planned for the end of May in Morocco. Similar to the Paris trip, we don’t really have anything to lose by holding on to our tickets. So, for now, we’re waiting to see how things unfold over the next month before fully rescheduling it.
Even if the above trips don’t happen in the next 6 months, I know I will find a time some day to do them all! Keep your heads up, fellow travelers. This too shall pass.
In the meantime, I’ll continue to share travel content to provide entertainment for those staying at home and continued travel guidance for when the dust finally settles.
