Should I travel during the pandemic???

This is a question I’ve been asked a lot over the past 6 months so I thought I’d write a blog post on it to get my views out there.

Truth is I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer to this question. I think it’s purely dependant on personal circumstances.

In order to help you figure out if you should travel during the pandemic I’ve put together a list of questions you should ask yourself below when making this crucial decision.

I’ve also written my answers to each of these questions so you know how to answer them.

Question 1

Who’s in my circle? Is there anyone who’s particularly vulnerable who I see on a regular basis?

Weather you choose to travel or not is largely based on the people around you and their needs. I think when deciding weather to travel during the pandemic it’s important to firstly consider those around you.

My answer: I live with my parents who are in their 50s and are super healthy vegans. That said my mum has got massive Covid anxiety so I don’t think it would be fair to put her under such anxiety if I was to travel during the pandemic. I’m also a support worker so I come in to contact with vulnerable adults who have serious health issues on an almost daily basis so I would have to consider them when deciding whether to travel during the pandemic.

Question 2

Can I afford to quarantine for 2 weeks when I get home?

The government guidelines are changing on a daily basis so whilst your country of choice might be on the safe list on your departure there is a very real possibility that you may have to quarantine for 2 weeks when you get home.

So ask yourself, can I work from home? If not, can I afford to take extra annual leave or unpaid leave for 2 weeks when I get home? Can I mentally handle being stuck in my house for 2 whole weeks?

Be honest with yourself when answering these questions because you will pay the price in terms of your stress levels if you don’t.

My answer: I’m currently an agency worker so I can’t afford to have 2 weeks no pay on top of a holiday. That said I’m hell bent on visiting my sisters in France at Christmas so I’m saving all my holiday pay to cash in then should I have to quarantine for 2 weeks. As for staying in the house for 2 weeks straight, I’m sorted being an introvert with a happy living situation.

Question 3

How do I feel about travelling at this time?

This is another one where you have to get real with yourself. Let me tell you now it’s not worth going on holiday if you’re going to spend the whole trip anxious and stressed. It’s not worth going on that trip if you’re going to have a meltdown having to wear your mask in the airport and for the duration of the flight. If you choose to travel during the pandemic you best make sure you’re going to get maximum enjoyment out of it because that’s what holidays and travel is all about right?!

My answer: I’m still on the fence if I’m honest. I’m not going abroad in the near future. That said I’ve bloody missed my sisters so much this year so if my flights are going to France come Christmas I’m getting on it. I told my mum this at the start of lockdown and I’ve financially prepared myself to quarantine for 2 weeks when I get home. However, I probably wouldn’t take unnecessary trips for the sake of travel.

Question 4

What’s on my bucket list in my home country?

My answer: This year is all about the staycations! For years I had a lot of the UK on my bucket list for a time when I can’t travel and there’s no better time than this right?! At the start of August I went to Cornwall for the first time and my God it was stunning. I didn’t even feel like I was in England what with the crystal clear water and stunning beaches. At the end of August I went to Gower, Wales which has been on my bucket list for ages. Ok, granted it rained the whole time we were there but I still had an awesome time camping, relaxing and walking along the beaches(I’m in love with beaches). I’ve also visited The Cotswolds which I’ve always wanted to go to. It has the most beautiful little villages and castles.

This summer I’ve learnt to appreciate my home country in a way I’ve never done before because I’ve always been busy jetting off around the world. This is something I’d advise everyone to do.

So these are my thoughts to the big question “Should I travel during the pandemic?”.

What do you think?

Leave a comment or hit me up on Facebook/Instagram.

Edwina xxx

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