The unexpected advent of COVID-19 in our lives has disrupted us, ruined our plans, cost us in sacrifices and renunciations and caused great uncertainty about our tomorrows. 

Priorities have changed and so has the way we travel and embark on a journey. We are still far from a situation of complete freedom of movement and moving from one place to another creates a few more problems than before. That doesn't mean we've given up exploring, moving around and getting to know each other, albeit with some extra care.

We have been traveling for years and like everyone else we have had to adapt to a NEW WAY OF TRAVELLING. 

These are our personal suggestions to keep on dreaming, discovering and living the travel experience in a safe way.

ORGANIZATION FIRST

We can no longer simply think of a destination, get vacation leave from work and go. Little to no travel organization, just a destination and its imagery. Well, now we need to consider the arrangements in place if we want to get to our destination. If there are local restrictions or use of security devices required to access the various events or businesses.

A good organization can make a big difference, to plan the trip in advance and update close to the departure allows not to run into unpleasant surprises such as fines or in the worst case not being allowed into a country.

MAPPING OF PLACES TO VISIT

If we plan to visit a particular museum or archaeological site, or to participate in an event, it will be advisable to reserve our place in advance. It may be useful to create a list of "things to do or visit" and inquire in advance about how to access them.

With social distancing and quotas, access to closed places is reserved for a predetermined number of people by rotation. Securing our spot through advance reservation will save us from waiting, unexpected closures or other nasty surprises.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Obtaining travel insurance, based on the destination to be visited, can be very helpful in the event of a trip cancellation due to sudden closures or more astringent restrictions. There are specific insurances for COVID-19. It is important to read the terms of coverage and allowable reimbursements carefully. 

SAFETY MEASURES

When visiting a country, we must ask specific questions about the official security systems in place to counter the spread of COVID-19 and follow them (even if we disagree). 

We have to pay particular attention in the periods of greater affluence where the measures are usually intensified such as Christmas or other holiday periods or related to the increase of cases recorded (see the distinction in green zones, yellow, red in Italy or the super Green Pass).

If we do not respect these measures we could risk very high fines.

CHOICE OF PLACE AND PERIOD

Our advice is not to concentrate your vacations in the most trendy places of the moment. Fashions are transient and places and territories can be visited throughout the year with some exceptions. Italy, for example, is a peninsula with a very varied territory, for all tastes and all seasons (see our article WHEN TO TRAVEL TO ITALY: CLIMATES AND TRAVEL IDEAS) but so are many other countries. Let's get information and understand what are our travel needs and the infinite possibilities that we have compatible with the period granted by our employer of course.

RELY ON A LOCAL OPERATOR

Very useful solution for all those who do not have time available, who have ideas but concretely do not like to plan or program too much. For those who want to get the most out of visiting a place or need suggestions based on their interests. 

Here, a local operator takes care of all these steps, collects the information and elaborates it into a travel project. Today more than ever, the local operator can be a reference figure for the traveller, he is informed and updated and is a dynamic and receptive figure. From the health point of view, it is his duty to ensure compliance with the official containment measures, including those of his own staff, and to provide a careful service of assistance and listening in case of need.

This is also our working method and if you want to find out more about BYWAYS OF ITALY and our travel proposals have a look at our TRAVEL IDEAS page or feel free to contact us.