Travel Insurance Review

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How can you travel safely with the Delta variant?

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Animated gif with suitcase and delta variant virus circling.

Not that long ago, we all optimistically thought we’d turned the corner. Many travelers reserved beach houses, booked flights, and got in line to renew their passports. Then came the very different Delta variant—a version of the COVID-19 virus that is extremely contagious and more serious than the first. 

Recent news about breakthrough infections in vaccinated people and widespread cases among the unvaccinated are changing the way we think. The current recommendations beyond ‘get vaccinated’ is that people who are older, immunocompromised, or in the presence of children under 12 (who can’t get vaccinated yet) must revert to social distancing, wearing a mask, and staying away from anyone who isn’t vaccinated.

Here is the current information on how to (still) travel safely with the Delta variant on the loose.

Choose the right mask or double up

When we first donned masks, they ranged from a t-shirt pulled over your nose all the way to medical grade varieties. With more time comes more data and with a more aggressive virus, you may want to upgrade your mask. 

  • FFP1 masks are commonly used by builders to deflect coarse dust particles. They do not offer the desired protection against viruses.
  • FFP2/N95/KN95 masks provide a greater level of protection for the wearer but should not be worn around highly infectious or at-risk people (i.e., unvaccinated).
  • FFP3/N99/EN149/P3 masks effectively protect the wearer from droplets, protein molecules, bacteria, and viruses.

The air on planes is generally well-circulated and filtered, so your risk comes from the people who are sitting near you. Wearing a close-fitting cloth mask over an FFP2 mask will further reduce the risk of infection or accidentally spreading the virus if combined with strict hygiene protocols.

Make reservations for everything

With limited capacities to allow for social distancing, many places are requiring reservations and lots of those are filled weeks or months in advance. National parks, amusement parks, and tours may not be available if you don’t make reservations. As travel restrictions are reimposed to accommodate the Delta variant risks, even restaurant reservations may become necessary.

Plan for surprises and challenges

Thousands of travelers were left stranded on Monday after some of the largest airlines canceled hundreds of flights due to bad weather and staff shortages. Once your luggage is checked with the airline, you lose control of it and weather delays are not cause for the airline to accommodate you with food or hotel vouchers. If you’re traveling with children or there are staff shortages at the airport restaurants, you could be very happy you packed snacks and toothbrushes.

Have the right COVID test

Depending on where you go, and the rules change on a daily basis, you may have to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test. If you need a test for travel–either before you arrive or on your way home–you could end up scrambling for an appointment. Not all airports have testing available and not all tests are accepted. What is usually accepted (at least right now) is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. 

PCR tests generally take around 72 hours to get results and some urgent care facilities have introduced rapid PCR tests, which give results in around 30 minutes. Rapid PCR tests may not be accepted by some countries, so you’ll need to check before you try, and they can be expensive. If you’re in a location without a lot of testing sites, try the local drugstore.

Travelers coming to the US can use a self test but it must have a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision. The right test is a NAAT or antigen test with Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Other interesting news

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Public Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and identity theft: Tips for keeping your personal information safe while traveling.

Road tripping with the pooch? Here are the safest, crash-tested harnesses, crates, and carriers for your furry friend.

What’s changed in the world of travel since COVID?

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Animated gif of a woman traveler with a mask, plane, syringe, and covid virus

In May, those who are fully vaccinated were told they could leave their masks behind in most settings – even indoor settings. This week, however, that recommendation did an about face for two reasons: the first is to protect vaccinated people from breakthrough infections, and the second is to protect the unvaccinated (including children). It will take time before we know whether masks are a permanent part of our world. 

This week is a review of the broader, possibly longer lasting, changes in the world of travel since COVID.

Travel restrictions are sticking

Despite requests from travel industry executives and the recent announcement that Canadian borders are open to US travelers in August, the White House says restrictions limiting who can travel to the US will stay in place. Italy also extended its quarantine requirement for British travelers until the end of August.

Travel agents are back

Thanks to the internet boom and the rise of quality in travel websites, most travelers feel confident in scheduling and booking their own trips. In a new world of fast-changing testing protocols, shifting border restrictions, and scarcity for rental cars and hotel rooms, some of the most confident travelers have started calling in a travel advisor for help.

A June poll conducted by the American Society of Travel Advisors showed 76% of advisors are seeing an increase in customers, and 81% are getting calls from travelers who have never used an advisor before.

The reason most travelers cite for contacting an agent is time—they don’t have time to constantly watch the changing restrictions and want to count on someone else to do that for them.

Travel insurance may be required

When COVID shut down travel worldwide in 2020, many would-be travelers scrambled to get refunds or to file travel insurance for cancellations. Many others started looking at travel insurance for the first time, including whole countries that want to avoid health costs for inbound travelers who get sick.

Pre-COVID only a handful of countries made proof of travel medical insurance a requirement. Today, there are 26 countries that require visitors to have specific medical coverage for COVID and the list is growing. It seems that COVID has made everyone a lot more aware of travel insurance. 

Other interesting news

Travel myths we can forget about: it’s too expensive, dangerous for women, and dirty.

Forget the pump, it’s jet fuel we have to worry about now. Shortages prompt American Airlines to ask pilots to conserve.

Sharks, volcanoes, and ice caves – Thrill seekers bring back the travel adventure thrills to make up for lost time.

All those devices need regular charging. Here’s the latest recommendations in best travel adapters from Wired magazine.