Sure we cannot travel yet because we are still in the middle of the pandemic but one day, we will be able too. In the meantime, why not visualize yourself on that perfect spring day in your dream destination? Here is a list of some most beautiful places to travel in spring.
1. Geneva, Switzerland
One of the largest lakes in Western, Europe, Lake Geneva is lined with flowers in full bloom during spring. You will see a picture-postcard scenery with the Swiss Alps and some medieval castles in the backdrop. No wonder it is considered one of Europe’s top destinations. With the highest elevation in Europe, you can enjoy a range of activities from sightseeing to even some winter sports that the Alps has to offer even in Spring.
Tulips are large brightly colored flowers usually in red, pink, yellow and white. They are the most colorful of all spring flowers. And the Netherlands soil and environment is the perfect country to grow these tulip bulbs. That’s why there are acres and acres of tulip fields found all over the country but the most number of tulip fields can be found in Holland. The tulips are in full bloom from mid-March to mid-May. You can go to the Keukenhof to see the world’s biggest flower exhibition or at the FloraHolland to see the world’s biggest flower auction. Or you can just simply drive around the country to discover a vast sea of flowers everywhere.
Spring is the most coveted time of the year in Japan, especially in Kyoto. Have you heard of the Sakura festival? Officially called the Hanami Festival, it actually pertains to the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is because it is in this time of the year where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. And Kyoto is the historical and cultural center of Japan. Once the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, there are about 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto. Imagine exploring the historical heart of the country amidst the cherry blossoms, it is truly going to be one wonderful experience.
Looking for a city to visit? Then New York is the best place to go. You can stand in awe at the skyscrapers, watch a Broadway show, visit world-class museums or simply eat delicious foods from around the world. Known as America’s melting pot with more than a third of its population coming from different countries, New York has something to offer to every nationality. Although New York can be quite expensive, there are ways to enjoy NYC even on a budget. Spring is the perfect time to visit the city because the temperature is just perfect to walk around and explore what the city has to offer.
if you are looking for art, culture, food, history, shopping and wine; then Tuscany is the best place to go to. With its dramatic scenery and the historic cities of Siena and Florence, you can just simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes or admire the beautiful medieval art. You can even shop for leather, wine, cheese, truffle oil, ceramics and even luxury designer brands. Spring is the perfect place to visit Tuscany as the weather is perfect to go around and the days are longer. Going around in Tuscany in Spring is a magical experience.
Are you thinking of traveling during this holiday season? Before you get all excited and begin packing your bags, you may want to reconsider your plans. While the holiday is really about reconnecting with family and loved ones, we are still in the middle of the pandemic. There has been a resurgence of cases in some areas. So, everyone should remain vigilant. Certain factors such as large gatherings increase the risk of infection. Traveling can also increase your chance of spreading and getting the disease. But if you really must go, here are things to consider in holiday travel during a pandemic.
1. Be Aware of the Health Condition of Your Loved Ones
Before you even begin contemplating on your travel, ask yourself. Are you in good physical condition? Is someone from your family sick? What is the health condition of your household? What about the family you are going to visit? If one of you is immunocompromised or has a comorbidity, it is best to just cancel or postpone your trip. Protecting yourself and others should be a priority.
2. Know the Situation of Your Destination
The next thing to do is to do some research. Are the cases high in the community of your destination? Aside from your destination, you should also consider the latest health development in your area. The higher the cases are in your point of origin and in your target destination, the higher the chance of you getting and spreading the virus.
3. Check Travel Restrictions
Whether you are planning on a road trip or booking a flight, if your destination is in another city, province or state; it is best to first check the travel restrictions. Various destinations have different travel restrictions in place. In addition, travel requirements are very volatile these days. They change frequently depending on the latest health developments. Thus, it is important to keep yourself updated before you travel.
4.Get Yourself Tested
If it is not a mandatory requirement for your travel, still, do consider to have yourself tested first. It is the only way to protect yourself and others from you.
5. Get Travel Insurance
Traveling these days is no longer that simple. Travelers are now more conscious of the added risks involved. Thus, in order to protect yourself from unplanned incidents, it is best to have insurance. Furthermore, many destinations now require travel insurance, especially if you are going overseas.
Typically, a travel insurance covers the person during the duration of the travel. However, during this time, it is best to get something that will cover you even before your travel that includes pandemic coverage. For example, someone from your family tested positive for the virus and you are forced to cancel your travel. If this happens, the insurance can reimburse your prepaid arrangements. Thus, it is wise to Invest in travel insurance during this time of uncertainty.
As we adapt to the new normal, travel opportunities are slowly opening up. However, expect some major changes as they intensified safety measures. Airline companies are now adapting to the new normal in air travel. Travelers also have things to consider before booking a flight in the new normal.
For both domestic travel and international travel, here are some factors that will impact your travel plans.
Reduced Destination Choices
Many countries have issued a “no travel” advisory for its citizens as well as for foreign visitors. Countries who have reopened their borders may sometimes decide to close them again when covid cases in their areas suddenly spike. Your travel destination may suddenly become unreachable even if you’ve already booked your ticket. Uncertainties such as these will be part of the travel experience for a while. Expect more cancelled flights due to your destination suddenly banning travel to their areas.
Now that there’s less of the world open to travel, you might need to adjust your dream of traveling the world for the time being. Exploring your own backyard through a road tripmight be a good way to flex your travel muscles without dampening your wanderlust.
New Airline Routes
Due to the uncertainty in access to different destinations, airline routes will also be adjusted accordingly. Target destinations will be destinations that are least affected or have no reported covid cases. Some of these territories are not popular destinations. These include Kiribati, Marshal Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. All of these territories have no reported cases of covid.
If exploring new destinations is a good idea to you, then see if your favorite airline is already offering flights to these areas. Do your research too so you know whether these areas already allow foreign travel and what each place has to offer. Other destinations with less or reduced covid cases are also opening up for travel.
Rapid Testing in Airports
Airline companies are now conducting rapid tests for all of its staff before flights. Airline companies also require travelers to undergo the same test. You need to get to the airport even earlier than before. This may be a little inconvenient for some of us but it ensures the health and safety of everyone on board. We should be grateful for it instead.
Adjusted Baggage Standards
As part of the drive to encourage less contact and social distancing, passenger baggage standards have also been adjusted. Only 2kg are allowed for carry-on baggage from the original 7kg. The good news is, 5kg has been added to the free baggage allowance (FBA). Passengers are encouraged to carry as little on them as possible in-flight. This will also make it more convenient to carry out frequent disinfecting procedures in the cabin.
This means a change in how you pack your travel bags. Carefully consider what to pack on your carry-on bag. Some must-have items need to be relegated to your FBA instead. For carry-on essentials, carry only up to 10, 100ml bottles of sanitizers with up to 70% alcohol.
Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Requirements
Here are some more things that you need to consider before booking a flight in the new normal. Pre-flight online check-in is required. Face masks are required at all times. Cabin seating will follow social distancing standards. In-flight meals will be simplified. Meals in sealed packaging and beverages will be offered only on demand. However, hand sanitizers will always be available. Passengers will fill-out health forms to document travel/health history.
Aside from these procedures, you may be required to undergo rapid testing at the airport of your destination. Expect more stringent safety and health measures in your travel destinations.
More Expensive But Safer Travel
With all these changes to how we travel, one thing is certain. Airline companies will have to make-up for investing in new safety measures. At the same time, they need to reduce their passenger capacities and flight destinations. Ultimately this will result in more expensive tickets. Travel will still be safer than before. However, you may have to categorize it as a luxury item in your budget from now on. Expect hotels to follow the same trend. They will be more expensive but they will be intensifying their safety and health measures to ensure the safety of their customers.
The pandemic has transformed how we go about travel. These are some of the things you need to consider before booking a flight in the new normal. While it will feel inconvenient at times; it’s these little things that make travel safe for everyone. Remember to do your part too. If everyone cooperates, our travel experience will be safe and enjoyable.
Once you’re off the plane, don’t forget some travel rules that you need to observe. Travel is an important experience that we all need to indulge in from time to time. It helps us see the world from a different perspective. It also helps transforms us for the better as well.
Many countries are slowly opening up their economies. Soon, air travel will be possible for us who are itching to be in a new environment. However, the new normal in air travel may not be as convenient as before. Safety precautions will surely intensify in order to prevent spreading the virus. Strict measures for cleanliness are already implemented. Expect temperature checks to be part of the routine too.
Our world is continually changing. We need to adapt. Transportation and travelin general will never be the same. Going to the airpot and flying a plane will be a much different experience from now on. Several guidelines can keep travelers stay healthy and safe throughout the experience. Here are some ways on how it will change.
Attracting Customers
The airline industry has been in a slump due to the pandemic. Only major airline companies will be able to survive in these conditions. But staying in business remains a challenge if they don’t attract customers to fly again.
Many travelers are still hesitant to pursue air travel. Customer confidence can be boost through cheap fares and passenger safety measures. Those bored or brave enough may take advantage of low fares. However, these offers may not last long. The implementation of more measures to ensure customer safety in airports and the airplane itself will mean added costs for airline companies.
Stricter Airport Safety Measures
Expect strict moderation of airport activity in the new normal. This is to ensure cleanliness and personal safety of all passengers. Here are some changes that you can expect when you arrive at the airport:
Waiting areas outside the airport
No mask, no entrance policy
Face masks are required at all times
Temperature checks at entrances (thermal scans)
Hand sanitizers at interaction points (e.g., ticket counter, baggage counter, etc.) and public places
Checkpoints will have transparent barriers (e.g., baggage counters, check-in/check-out counters, etc.)
Except for very small or light bags, baggage check-ins will be encouraged
Regular disinfecting schedules
Social distancing signages and monitoring
Lounges may remain closed to avoid people gathering closely
Quarantine area (for further testing of persons who have higher temperatures)
Social distancing in shuttle buses
To lessen contact, digital boarding passes thru online check-in will be encouraged. Expect everyone to be wearing face masks and maybe even full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Masks and protective gear is part of the new normal for air travel. Photo by Camila Perez on Unsplash.
Inflight Safety Measures
Air travel safety measures will surely be amped up. Expect these changes when you board your plane.
Medical evaluation before and after flight assignments for all crew members
Flight crew in full PPE (masks, face shields, gloves and PPE uniforms)
No mask, no fly policy will be imposed
Passengers will walk through a disinfection tent/mats when boarding the plane
Thermal scans and social distancing procedures will be observed
All passengers should keep their face masks on during the flight
Hand washing practices will be strictly observed
Meals will be served in secure packaging to minimize contact
Passengers will be seated one seat apart from each other
Scheduled disinfection, especially for longer flights
All these measures may make you feel like you are sitting in a hospital instead of in an airplane. It is better to be extra careful than to suffer dire consequences.
Cabin Safety & Cleanliness
One of the reasons why we may opt out of air travel is cabin cleanliness. This issue is now on top of the industry’s agenda as one way to ensure safety and attract customers to fly once more.
Airplanes are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that remove particulate and bacterial contamination. These deliver the same air quality as a hospital operating room. They utilize 50% filtered air and 50% outside air in continuous circulation around the cabin. That amounts to about 20-30 air changes in the cabin per hour or air changes every 3-4 minutes. The direction of air flow is also from top-down. This limits the spread of the virus.
Having gaps in between passengers ensures minimal contact. For economy class passengers, this will feel like being in business class. The high seat back also gives added protection. Plus, with your mask on for added safety, airplanes will be relatively safe to travel in.
Expect More Adjustments
Airline companies will be constantly observing and evaluating these procedures. Expect to find new modifications to these procedures and requirements for safer air travel as the industry tries to adapt to the new normal. If you are not ready for air travel yet, a road trip is a good option for a change of scenery.
In the meantime, do your part to ensure your own health and safety. Don’t forget to prepare safety and health care essentials for your household. Whenever you are out and about, continue wearing your mask, use your hand sanitizer to disinfect and practice proper hand washing.
Did you know that New York has been named one of the world’s most expensive cities to travel? It tops as the most expensive city for hotel accommodation and for an evening out based on the food and drink expenses of an average tourist. If you want to visit the Big Apple but it is out of your price range, don’t worry. It is still possible to enjoy NYC and see its top attractions even with a limited budget. Here is our top 10 tips to travel to New York on a budget:
1. Book Alternative Accommodation
The median price for a hotel accommodation in New York is US$350 a night. Thus, when booking your accommodation, it is advisable to get it as a part of a trip package when you buy your airline tickets. Most of the time, a package is cheaper than individual planning because travel agencies buy their booking in bulk thus, they are entitled to corporate discounts.
If a package is still way above your budget, then consider booking alternative accommodations such as hostels, bed and breakfast or apartment rentals.
2. Buy Broadway tickets at TKTS
Broadway has become synonymous with New York City. A visit to NYC would not be complete without watching a broadway show. Tickets to a popular broadway show on average would cost about $100 to $200. Sometimes, it could even go up to as high as US$600, depending on the popularity of the show.
The TKTS booth on Times Square.
The good news is that there is a way to experience a broadway musical or play without spending too much. TKTS booths sell same-day theatre tickets at discounted prices, mostly about 20% to 50% off regular prices. By purchasing your tickets at TKTS, you are also supporting the Theatre Development Fund, a non-profit organization for the arts.
3. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn bridge is one of the most popular bridges in the United States. It is also one of the most famous landmarks in NYC. It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Constructed in 1869, it was the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever constructed.
Crossing the Brooklyn bridge will give you a spectacular view of the river, the Manhattan skyline and of course, the Statue of Liberty. It will take you approximately 25-30 minutes to cross the bridge using the pedestrian walkway.
4. Eat Dinner During Happy Hour or Try a NYC Food Truck
Happy Hour is famous in NYC. With almost 10,000 restaurants to choose from, some restaurants offer Happy Hour seven days a week to stay competitive. Dining out in New York can be very expensive but during Happy Hours, food and drinks are being offered for less. Happy Hour normally starts at 5:00 in the afternoon and ends at 9:00 at night.
5. Join a Free Walking Tour
If you want to know more about the neighborhood, history, landmarks and of course the food, but cannot afford to join a tour group, then you can join the guided pay-what-you like walking tours being offered around the city. The walking tour themselves are actually for free, you just need to give a tip to your tour guide depending on how satisfied you are with the tour.
6. Shop Wisely
When it comes to shopping in NYC, the choices are endless. But before you start your shopping spree on the plush shops on Fifth Avenue or the upscale boutiques on Soho, there are plenty of cheap alternative shopping places in NYC.
With countless shops in almost every corner of the city, you will surely find ongoing promotional sales or discounts at any time. If you are looking for deep discounts on designer brands, you can go to Woodbury Commons, an outlet mall an hour away from NYC. For even more affordable merchandise and some vintage finds, you can also go to open air flea markets that can be found in some areas in the city every weekend.
7. Stroll in the Park
New York City has 1,700 parks within the five boroughs, the most famous of which is the Central Park. There are so many things to do in the parks without spending a penny. You can do outdoor sports like biking, roller skating or wall climbing. You can play basketball or soccer. There are free concerts or movies. You can visit the zoo, ride a boat, or go kayaking or opt to just sit, relax, have a picnic and simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Click here for a list of all the NYC parks and schedule of activities.
8. Take the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a FREE commuter ferry that shuttles back and forth from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan and the St George Terminal in Staten Island. You will get the best view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis island and lower Manhattan from the ferry. Ferries run every 30 minutes at 24 hours a day.
The best way to go around the city is to acquaint yourself with the subway. It is the largest rapid system in the world connecting the whole city in 472 stations. It is fast and also economical because it has a flat rate and it runs 24/7. You can choose to pay-per-ride or if you are going to be in the city for a couple of days and plan on traveling a lot, you are better off getting an unlimited metro card. On average, it will cost you half the price for short rides to about 10 times cheaper for long rides, depending on what kind of ticket you have.
Click here for more information on fares, maps and schedules.
10. Visit Pay-What-You-Wish Museums
New York City is home to many world-class museums and galleries. If you are an art or history lover, you can see and visit as many museums as you want over and over again because there are days or certain hours of the day, mostly evening wherein entrance is free of charge. In most cases, there is a suggested admission price. The suggested admission is simply just that, it is just a suggestion. You have the option to pay their suggested amount or you can just give any amount as donation for your entry fee.
Click here for a list of museums in New York and their schedules.
If you are a New Yorker or a seasoned traveller to New York, are there other tips that you can add to the list?
Just a reminder, the threat to coronavirus is still there. So please take precautionary measures when traveling. Avoid contact with people who display symptoms of pneumonia or common cold. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth and eating with unwashed hands. Wear face masks. And the most important of all, make sure your immune system is strong enough to fight the virus.
First published in Pinoy Smart Living on 06.28.2018.
