In certain areas of the world, people are beginning to plan their summer vacations. Many of us wonder what it would be like to go on vacation in a world where the Covid-19 coronavirus is still prevalent. Some governments, particularly in continental Europe, tolerate or even promote internal travel and guest arrivals from a select group of nations, mainly neighbors.

But, today more than ever, planning a vacation necessitates a great deal of flexibility and preparation: the country you’ll visit, how to reach it, places to visit, what you need to accomplish before you go – and, most importantly, what triggers would cause you to cancel a trip. Here’s what you should consider.

Destination

First and foremost, let us discuss destination flexibility. It’s possible that the country, area, city, or even neighborhood you were planning to visit becomes a COVID-19 hotspot, forcing you to decide whether to proceed with your vacation, switch to the following nearby location, or postpone – all at the last minute. It’s also possible that the authorities make at least one of those options for you. So prepare to be adaptable: conduct extensive study on the area and devise backup strategies.

Rebooking

Long-distance travel usually entails flying, which brings some risk if authorities or airlines cancel flights. You should be very clear on the different “free rebooking” rules of other airlines: can you reroute your flights? Or, can you only choose a later date for the same route? Check to see if there are any ban periods or change costs if you rebook after a specific date and how far ahead you may rebook.

Accommodation

You’ll also want to be adaptable in terms of where you stay. A rental house or villa will usually allow you more freedom than a hotel, and you may feel more at ease in an environment where you can clean yourself and where there are no communal spaces. Is it possible to remain with relatives or friends as a last resort? Consider what you’d do if you were required to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.

Attractions

Flexibility regarding what you can do once you arrive will also be crucial. An extreme example would be a vacation centered on amusement parks, museums, galleries, concerts, or other public venues. Because you have no control over whether such venues are open or not, make sure you have a backup plan (and probably a C, D, and E as well).

Insurance

Knowing what your travel medical insurance will cover is more important than ever. Many insurance companies have adjusted their coverage for COVID-19-related health conditions and potential interruptions.

Masks

Determine how and where you’ll get masks and how you’ll keep clean and dirty masks separate. Consider what you’d bring to guarantee you’re self-sufficient for a set period. 

Reminder

At the very least, write everything down the go/no-go triggers, but ideally, the whole backup strategy. Late-breaking changes can be stressful, but having a documented plan can be really beneficial.