Peggy Hefler

Everyone who has traveled since the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 realizes travel looks a little different.  Hand sanitizing stations are plentiful, reminders to social distance are still found and the wearing of face masks / coverings has become personal choice and comfort.

My first trip post COVID lockdown was not quite this relaxed. In June 2022 I had an Alaskan Cruise - this meant not only boarding a ship, but traveling from Nova Scotia to Vancouver via airplane.  To say I was a mix of apprehension and excitement was an understatement.   I had to have pre travel negative covid test (even though fully vacinated) within 72 hours of my cruise, which meant for the 10 days prior to my trip I secluded myself as much as possible to reduce the risk fo contracting COVID before my cruise. To fly you had to be fully vaccinated and if leaving Canada had to complete the ArriveCan information pror to return to Canada. At the airport we were required to wear face masks as well on the airplane unless eating or drinking. coming from Nova Scotia I was use to everyone still being required to wear face masks in public spaces. Upon arrival in BC, we realized their rules weree not as strict as in Nova Scotia.  Although we did, we were not required to wear our face masks on public transportation or in the cruise port, however it was recommended.   - 

Lesson 1 - not every province in the same country follows the same mandatory requirements.

Upon arrival at the crusie port and going onto the ship, I wore my face mask.  I continued to move my face mask unless I was in my room or eating / drinking for the first day or two.  By day 2 or 3 I only wore my face mask while moving through the hallways, if in a crowded area and on excursion transportation. On the first day of the cruise I estimate 70% of the passangers were wearing face maks, but by the end of the cruise I estimate it was under 30%.

Lesson 2 - everyone's comfort level with covid risk is personal - as some people became more comfortable in their environment their assessment of risk level changed.

My second trip post COVID lockdown was to Jamaica in October 2022. I was comfortable with the travel percautions and requirements from June, yet the travel world changed again.  Vaccinnations were no longer mandatory to fly, face coverings were no longer mandatory, social distancing was no longer required and the ArriveCan App was not mandatory - although all of these were still recommended. Again I was a mix of excitement and apprehension. Jamaica no longer required a negative covid test prior to arrival and had removed the resilient corridor implemented in 2020. I still reduced my contact with large numbers of people to reduce my riskpre departure- who wants to be sick right before a trip to paradise lol.  Arriving at the airport and on the airplane, I was pleasantly surprised, although face masks were no longer required (and yes I was still sporting mine), there were numerous people still wearing them and to my relief, most of the people around me on the airplane had decided to wear their face masks as well.  I know this is a false sense of security, as there are many other factors and behaviours that impact protection against COVID (hygene being the # 1) but it still provided a little peice of mind.  When I arrived in Jamaica, things were different yet again.  Only a small percentage of people were wearing face masks and it was left to personal discretion. At first I was uncomfortable - I had left an area that although mask wearing was not mandatory, it was recommended and a large number of poeple continued to do so, but I quickly overcame that feeling and did what was comfortable for me. I must say during the week I didn't wear my face mask as diligently after leaving the airport, but still continued to put one one when in crowds.

Lesson 3 - each country will have their own rules, requirements and recommendations so always check before you depart so you know expectations but always do what you are comfortable with.

A major change I realized with Post Covid travel is the length of time it takes at the airports and to get through line ups.  We use to have to be at our airport 1 hour before for domestic and 2 hours before international flights.  Now 2 hours is cutting it close for domestic flights. Line ups to check baggage, clear security, grab something to eat / drink have become very long. There appear to be fewer people working and those who are working are going flat out. Be kind, have patience and smile.

Lesson 4 - give yourself more time, being late or in a rush will just create undue stress. BE KIND and HAVE PATIENCE

As we return to travel, things are not as they were post COVID.  Give yourself additional time and remember everyone is at a different stage in thier comfort level returning to travel.