Practical and Comfortable Vacation Tips During a Pandemic
Vacationing has indeed become one of the necessities for someone to create a balance in life. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many tourist attractions to be temporarily closed. Entering the new normal adaptation period, several tourist locations have started to reopen for vacations.
The tourism world has indeed been greatly shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is not only for tourism service providers but also for creative practitioners such as travel bloggers, photographers, or artists. Tourism activities that were once a source of livelihood have also declined, especially since their routines had to be limited due to Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB).
Changes in Vacation Trends During the Pandemic
Since the government established the new normal adaptation period, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has delegated the authority to open tourist destinations in Indonesia to the respective local governments. Tourist locations have started to reopen, but many people have also become more selective when vacationing, leading to the formation of new vacation trends during the pandemic.
Seeking Outdoor Vacation Locations
The spread and contamination of the Covid-19 virus are at a higher risk when someone is in a closed room with limited ventilation. Therefore, many people prefer to vacation and visit entertainment locations outdoors. Although not absolute, outdoor vacations provide a greater sense of safety for tourists.
Solo Traveling
Many people have begun to realize that the need for entertainment during the pandemic has increased. Whether for those who are active at home or have started working, taking a break from busyness can help alleviate the boredom experienced during the pandemic. It is no wonder that many choose solo traveling to minimize interactions.
Staycation
Staying at accommodations has also become one of the tourism strategies that emerged as a new trend. Some accommodations have arranged room occupancy to only 50% so that visitors can maintain a safe distance while staying. Many hotels and accommodations even offer discounts or budget packages for several days at once.
Road Trip
Road trips have also become one of the vacation trends that many have chosen during the pandemic. This is indeed more recommended because individuals can be more mindful of cleanliness and interactions with others. This way, the potential for virus contamination can be minimized.
Vacationing at Domestic Tourist Attractions
Initially, vacationing domestically was more recommended as it made tracking easier in case of Covid-19 virus contamination. Starting from an accident, it seems that many people now have a longer list of domestic tourist destinations during the pandemic. Although it was initially forced, many may have found interesting tourist destinations within the country.
Tips for Vacationing During the Pandemic for Local Tourists
Vacation tips during the pandemic are simple steps that everyone should get used to in order to stay safe and comfortable. This should be pursued as much as possible to minimize contact among visitors. Let's check out practical and comfortable vacation tips during the pandemic to keep friends healthy!
1. Go Alone or with Immediate Family
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the most important thing to do is minimize direct contact with others. In this case, solo vacations are more recommended to minimize contact with others. Another suggested alternative is to go with immediate family to keep interaction history traceable.
2. Research Tourist Locations
Besides knowing the interaction history, everyone still needs to pay attention to the situation at the place they will visit. Health protocols are the most important things to maintain, from location occupancy, health protocols, to transaction methods at the place. So, make sure the location you will visit pays attention to these matters well.
3. Choose Outdoor Nature Tourist Locations
Well, outdoor vacations are certainly more recommended. This minimizes virus contamination that can spread in closed rooms. In Indonesia, there are many natural tourist locations that can be visited. Try to choose the safest and most comfortable location to visit.
Some entertainment places in the city that have outdoor facilities may also have started operating again. There are also quite a few new entertainment locations that have opened with a contemporary picnic-themed outdoor concept. Yes, this can slightly alleviate the longing for vacations at natural tourist spots.
4. Use Private Transportation
Vacationing can indeed be done, but still take care of yourself and your family by using safe modes of transportation. Traveling with private vehicles is more recommended during the pandemic, of course, while maintaining distance in the vehicle. Also, ensure that the vehicle is in prime condition for comfortable use until the destination.
5. Always Wear a Mask
When visiting tourist locations, there will be many people encountered. At the very least, there will be interactions with staff at the tourist site. Always remember not to neglect safety when interacting with others. Always wear a mask to prevent Covid-19 virus contamination. Regardless of whether you use disposable masks or cloth masks, make sure to bring a spare mask!
6. Bring Snacks and Eating Utensils
If possible, bring snacks and eating utensils to take along while traveling. Not only for the journey, but also prepare food ingredients that can be heated. If traveling with family, also prepare individual eating utensils for each person!
7. Maintain Distance from Other Visitors
Even though you have chosen a tourist location with low occupancy, it is unlikely that there will be no visitors at all. After all, tourist locations are public places that can be visited by everyone. So, condition yourself to maintain distance from other visitors.
8. Bring a Hygiene Kit
Maintaining cleanliness should always be a priority for everyone, especially for handwashing. During the vacation, the tourist location you visit may also provide sinks. However, it is better for visitors to bring their own hygiene kit such as hand sanitizer, surface spray, wet wipes, and toilet seat cleanser. Clean yourself regularly to avoid virus contamination.
9. Make Online Reservations
If you need to stay overnight during your vacation, it is best to make reservations online to minimize direct contact. Whether for handling items or talking with hotel and accommodation staff, online reservations will be more practical and safe.
10. Use Cashless Payment
Not only for reservations, but also try to make cashless payments for transactions as much as possible. There are many cashless payment options available, and it would be better if QR Code payment options are available at tourist locations.
For those who want to vacation, make sure your body condition is in prime shape when visiting tourist attractions. Always prepare personal medications and vitamins to keep your body in good shape during the vacation. Happy vacationing and have fun while remembering to stay healthy!
Author: Rizkita Darajat
