Yes, we know travel is especially difficult right now. But, along with the latest travel updates from COVID-19, we want to continue to inspire you with new content - and some tips - so that when the world opens its doors again, you'll be ready to travel again. Did you know that 74% of Argentine travellers expressed that they were looking forward to the opportunity to travel again? Many of us have put our vacation plans on hold. But we're not giving up hope that the 2021 travel scene will get back on track, are we. After all, our sense of exploration knows no bounds. Even when the borders are closed.  
All signs point to travel continuing to play a pivotal role in our lives this 2021 / Photo: Canva Pro
  Travel expert Arjan Dijk said 2020 was an unprecedented year, and while it's going to be some time before tourism reaches pre- pandemic levels, all signs point to travel continuing to play a pivotal role in our lives.  

Is it safe to travel by air?

Since these extraordinary times, the ways in which we travel have changed (and will continue to change) forever. With major shifts in travel behaviours and expectations, the global travel community is looking for a higher level of travel safety, more sustainable options and closer to home.  In fact, The Harris Poll conducted an online survey of more than 2,000 people, all over the age of 18, in October 2020, and found that an overwhelming majority of people planning to travel in the next 18 months intend to do so by car (70%). Within this group, 75% say they feel very safe in their cars, while only 15% say the same about airplanes. On the other hand, a survey conducted by EasyJet showed that 65% of Europeans surveyed have or plan to book a flight in 2021.  However, according to IATA (International Air Transport Association), some 1.2 billion passengers have flown since the beginning of 2020 and only 44 cases per Covid-19 associated with air travel (confirmed, probable and potential cases) have been reported.  David Powell, IATA's medical advisor, said that "the risk of a passenger catching Covid-19 on board seems very low." "Potential cases represent only 1 per 27 million travellers." This is because the high-efficiency filters used to ventilate airplanes (HEPA), coupled with the seat back as a natural barrier, circulate the air from top to bottom. The high air renewal rate and the mandatory use of face masks also reduce the risk of contagion.  
Currently, all airlines have health protocols and hygiene measures in place at all stages of travel, both at airports and during the flight / Photo: Canva Pro
  The truth is that if you are one of the team planning to fly very soon, we have prepared for you a series of practical tips to keep in mind when planning a getaway or a 2021 vacation in the new normal.  

What will it be like to travel after the pandemic?

To the list of must-haves for your trip you have to add 2 new items: face mask and alcohol gel.  Strict health security measures will be one of the modifications that passengers will face when traveling. All major airports in each country have already installed protective acrylics in the check-in area and markers to maintain the regulatory distance between passengers. - It is vital to make sure you choose flights, hotels and car rentals with good exchange and cancellation policies.  - Opt to explore regional destinations, relieving crowded cities. - Book travel for the next few weeks when there is a clearer sense of what is happening with the restrictions. - Need to fly longer hauls? Break up the trip, fly with shorter layovers, with time to get off the plane and get out in the fresh air. Or drive part of the way and fly the rest. - Don't expect to go through the airport like in the old days. It takes more time to distance yourself socially during baggage claim and security checks. Reduce the time you spend at security (no loose change, no belts, no shoes with ties, take off and stow your jacket ahead of time) and keep your laptop and toiletries handy. - Wear a proper mask, in the proper manner, for the entire trip.  
It is key to purchase your vacation package from a travel agency approved by the Ministry of Tourism / Daytours4u.
 

Between masks, tests and forms

On the plane

- Wash your hands often with gel. - If you are going to cough, do it on the inside of your elbow and always wear a mask.  - Pay attention to the cabin crew's safety demonstration for specific instructions for your flight. - If you experience symptoms during the flight, notify the cabin crew. - Limit your movements inside the cabin to the minimum necessary. - Reduce the use of individual air supply nozzles as much as possible.  

Boarding and disembarking

- Keep a safe distance in the queue and respect the signs. - Companies have increased the number of buses for transportation to/from the aircraft to ensure safe distance, or take a Transport Executive for even safer environment . - Please note that if you do not follow the prescribed safety and hygiene measures, you may be denied access to the aircraft.  

Carry-on baggage

According to a work being carried out by the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) and the National Ministry of Transportation, it will be allowed to carry in hand luggage an alcohol gel of up to 100 ml and that boarding will be done in small groups and from the last rows forward. Travel tip: The best way to travel safely and not let any inconvenience ruin an experience -which should be unforgettable- is to take out travel insurance. Doing so means completely forgetting about possible unexpected complications during the trip and simply enjoying the destination without fear.  
It is necessary to have updated information about the destination you wish to go to and to be very attentive to last-minute measures / Photo: Canva Pro
  In this new way of flying, your safety is the most important thing. That is why it is vital that we follow all the recommendations of international organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the World Health Organization (WHO), governments and many others. In Daytours4u we understood it perfectly, we understood that flexibility is the characteristic that travelers are looking for and prioritize today. That's why we offer tailor-made tours and activities so that you only have to worry about enjoying your dream vacation, and you can continue planning your trips and getaways with peace of mind without any fear.
  By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.