HOW TO SAFELY TRAVEL DURING A PANDEMIC : A GUIDE

India is open for travel! With more and more people traveling again, you may wonder what’s safe and what is not. Here’s what to know if you’re thinking about a trip to India or elsewhere.

Traveling during a pandemic requires a more detailed and cautious approach than before, but it can be done while minimizing risks to you. STEP Beyond Borders shares a guide with all its participants to prepare them for an exciting journey so we are sharing some of our tips:

Before You Travel

1. Make sure you understand and follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions, including mask-wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.

 2. If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any testing, vaccination, or other documents. Ve

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks or get tested, and requiring those who recently traveled to stay home from 7 up to 14 days.

Save yourself unpleasant surprises and delays by checking for restrictions at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way. As of 2022 January, 7 days of quarantine is applicable in Jaipur when you arrive directly here and the same is in Delhi if you opt for our Dharamshala project.

During Travel

You must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation, even if you are fully vaccinated. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose. If you’re fully vaccinated and you’re in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases in the last week, wear a mask indoors and outdoors in crowded areas. The same applied to close contact with unvaccinated people.

• Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible. In India, public space is a big challenge so be cautious about it.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask outdoors in crowded areas. When you are in close contact with others who aren’t fully vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Refrain from eating or drinking on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

After Travel

• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. Upon your arrival, we will provide a facility of 7 days quarantine but you need to be strict to ensure your and your host family’s or SBB team’s wellbeing
• Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel. In many states, there are weekend curfews and night curfews. You need to strictly follow those!

As we slowly move to accept the new normal, with a tight leash of precautions in place, travelers can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey. India welcomes you with open arms. Your stay here can be made more immersive with a touch of learning and giving.

If you want a fun-filled learning and meaningful experience, STEP BEYOND BORDERS is just the place for you! Email us at info@stepbeyondborders.org for more information about our ongoing Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad, Study Abroad, Language Abroad, and Cultural Exchange Programs.