Disclosure/Disclaimer: This post is based in my opinion only. I do not intend to harm anyone by publishing this post. Read at your own risk.

As the COVID-19 global pandemic started in the first quarter of 2020, all of our travel plans were affected.

Airlines, restaurants, hotels, small & large businesses needed to adjust their budget and marketing strategy.

I do not want to risk my health during the pandemic. Therefore, I decided to postpone my travel plans outside Canada until travel restrictions and quarantine requirements are lifted.

For people like me, traveling is a part of my life. For instance, my first airplane ride was at 4 months old. 😊 You can read more about me here.

So, what is it like to travel during a pandemic?

I decided to travel close to the province and avoid highly populated areas. Therefore, I was able to limit my contact with other people.

How can you do that? I listed 9 things to help you when you are traveling during a pandemic.

9 Important Things to Know When Traveling during a Pandemic:

1. Research

This might be the most difficult thing to do in school for some people, but I love doing my own research. 😊

I check the news every day or every two days to be up to date on what is happening around me. I do not watch TV every day, but I read the news online. 😊

Check the place where you want to go. Read all the travel advisories before you book that ticket, hotel or Airbnb.

Call the tourist information center and ask them if there are any Bylaws that you need to follow during your visit.

Do you need to get tested?

Does the tourist destination have travel restrictions?

Do they require anything before you go?

What kind of additional documentation do you have to bring with you?

Do you need to purchase online timed-tickets?

You do not want to visit your DREAM destination only to find out that you need to be in quarantine for 10 days then wait for another few days to get the COVID-19 test result. Your vacation days might be over by the time you finish everything.

2. Bring your own face masks and/ or face shield.

Facial mask and/or face shield is a requirement for some establishments when you enter their building. It is better to be prepared than being refused entry to a place that you want to visit. I discard all masks after every use unless it is washable, I wash it when I get home.

3. Bring a disinfectant because you might not be able to wash your hands all the time.

Sanitizers are very important during a pandemic. Every time I touch something, I sanitize my hands if washrooms are not available. I wash my hands for 30 seconds to prevent the spread of the virus. After each trip, I disinfect my phone, bag, wallet, hat, and all other accessories that I used that day.

4. Make sure to arrive early.

I know that it is hard to wake up early as I am a night-owl but beating the rush is the best way to avoid contact with other people.

When I went hiking with my family, we made sure that we arrive between 8:00 to 8:30 in the morning to finish the hike early.

I would say it worked as most tourists arrive at 10 o’clock in the morning or close to noon. By the time the other tourists start their first hike, we are already eating at a picnic area or a nearby park.

When I went to Emerald Lake with my husband, we arrived at 9:00 in the morning. The place was so peaceful and only 2-3 people were outside taking pictures.

If you are planning to go to the lakes in Banff National Park, I recommend arriving earlier than 8:30 in the morning as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are always crowded with tourists.

5. Bring your own garbage bags and clean as you go.

During my trips this summer, I found a lot of face masks scattered in National Parks. It is so sad to see a lot of people lack cleanliness and responsibility. Remember that to be able to preserve our tourist attractions, not just in Canada but around the world, we need to be more aware of our actions that could affect the environment.

6. Utilize the pay at the pump services.

If you cannot pay at the pump, make sure to bring a face mask or a face shield (depending on the rules of your country-some requires both) inside the store and stay 6-feet away from other people.

7. Don’t forget to practice social distancing.

It is recommended to keep a 2-meter distance from another person to protect each other when traveling or going to other places to buy essential needs.

8. Make sure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 exposure and hospitalization.

Since we were all surprised by the pandemic, some travel insurance companies might have adjusted their terms and conditions so make sure that it covers everything before you leave the country. In my case, I was only traveling with my family around the province so I do not need to buy a travel insurance outside the country. 🙂 We only need car insurance and our health cards.

9. Traveling in a group

If you are traveling in a group, make sure that every person knows the itinerary. It is best to have one person buy all of the necessary supplies instead of everyone going inside the store. Some stores only allow a maximum number of people. It is better to read the sign at the door before coming in.

What are the places that you can travel during a pandemic?

You can travel anywhere by vehicle as long as you utilize the rest stops along the highway. Here are some of the least populated areas that I recommend when traveling during a pandemic:

1. Visit a lake, a farm, a winery, or a campground.

I visited a few lakes since Alberta launched its phase 1 and 2 of reopening businesses. I visited the following lakes during the weekdays as I know that people are at work.

               a. Lac Bellevue Campground – We only spent half a day here for a BBQ , but I would love to spend a whole day here. There is a gazebo rental fee for a day. Make sure to call ahead of time.

               b. Stoney Lake – A peaceful lake with a campground. There is also a gazebo rental fee.

               c. Lake Newell – A very nice lake where you can swim as the water is so warm. It is also the largest man-made lake in Alberta.

               d. Waterton Lake – One of the windiest lakes in Alberta. You can go scuba diving in this lake.

               e. Henderson Lake – This lake is great for families. It is located in Lethbridge, Alberta. I went here on a Tuesday after lunch so there are only a few people walking around the area. I fell asleep on a picnic mat as we drove for a few hours just to eat at the said lake. 😊 There is also a Japanese Garden near it.

               f. Emerald Lake – This is the farthest I’ve been since all of this happened. I really adore this lake. It is very clean and clear. I love canoeing at Emerald Lake.

               I also went to Cold Lake Museum in Northern Alberta to see what it has to offer. It was quiet and social distancing guidelines are in effect. I did not go to the actual lake as it is a popular one especially during the weekends.

2. Discover small towns.

It is easier to transmit the virus to each other when you are inside a building and in close contact with other people so if you want to travel, try to stay outdoors. Some of the towns that are not too busy are, but not limited to, the following:

               a. Bonnyville – Vezeau Beach Park is along the highway where you can do a lot of water sports and some of the attractions can be found here.

               b. Drumheller – Visit the Hoodoos but be careful as it is too steep & slippery. Proper shoes are highly recommended as you might slide down on one of the Hoodoos.

               c. Taber – Taber corn is the best! Make sure to buy some when you pass by this town in Southern Alberta.

3. Go on road trips.

Honestly, this is the safest form of travel right now. It minimizes the risk of transmitting the virus and you can avoid contact with other people. Discover your own province, state, or country. There is so much more that you can do, and it is a good idea to support local businesses as well. We can always travel farther after all of this is over. Let us save our local tourism. 😊

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