Ready To Hit The Road?

Business and personal needs have forced me to be on the road--in cars and planes--through some of the COVID-19 pandemic’s most challenging periods, including the current surge sparked by the omicron variant.

The pandemic surge has put travel concerns in the news. Tennis star Novak Djokovic has drawn attention to varying countries’ seriousness about their COVID rules, as have decisions by some US media outlets to avoid travel to China to cover next month’s Olympics. Some athletes planning to attend the winter games are also concerned about China’s strict COVID policies.

Are you planning a trip in the near future? Are you really ready to hit the road?

We always needed to be security-minded while traveling, but you now have to add COVID concerns to your road ready checklist.

I talk about being road ready in my book Rent-A-Cop Reboot. Tips in the book are among the things to think about as you do the Big P for your trip: Plan. They are:

Know the pandemic rules. In many places these include proof of your vaccination status, physical distancing, and masking. Speaking of wearing a mask, make sure you have plenty.

Be smart about how you’re getting there. Research ways to safely and easily reach your destination. Driving? Handle your vehicle maintenance well in advance, and plan rest stops if needed. Taking a plane, train, or bus? Know the carrier’s COVID protocols, follow them, and have backup plans in case you need another way to get home.

Manage your money. Have a budget. If you’re traveling abroad, know the exchange rate. Don’t flash your cash, or keep your wallet where it can be easily taken by a pickpocket or thief who preys on tourists. Also, plan where and how you will spend your money, and when you get to those places act like you know what you’re doing. Predators look for people who are too relaxed, lost, and behave in ways that indicate that they are vulnerable.

Pack right. Check the weather and pack accordingly. This includes considering the luggage, purse, backpack, or fanny pack that can help you travel safely and comfortably. Consider using mobile apps to make payments and ticketing. This also means taking good, conscious care of your phone at all times.

Have a Plan B. It has always been good practice to plan your trip as far in advance as possible, and have a Plan B (B=backup) for when something goes wrong. Things get lost. Flights get cancelled. The weather is better or worse than you thought it would be. Someone gets sick, maybe even you. Be ready.

If you really have to hit the road, put in the time to make sure you travel as safely as possible. Do what you can to make sure you’re healthy and happy when you get back home. As the old saying goes: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

***

Tune in and subscribe to the Leumas Publishing YouTube Channel for videos about a variety of issues to help you safely live the life of your dreams.