Do you have plans to travel during the pandemic in 2022, but are worried about its safety? Because this is a time of crisis, it is normal and understandable to be hesitant when deciding to travel abroad, fearful of exposing yourself to the risk of the disease and its dreaded consequences. But if the borders are being opened, the airlines are working and the trips are still happening, this means that it is possible to make a safe trip, isn’t it? Even if it is not 100%, thanks to the risks that still exist.

Therefore, we have put together a series of important information and tips for you to travel safely to Europe during the pandemic in 2022, so that you can clear up any doubts you may have about travelling during this time of pandemic and also guide you on what measures you will need to take.

COMPULSORY VACCINATION BEFORE TRAVELLING

With all the effort that the scientific community has had since the beginning of the pandemic crisis, it is natural to trust that this exacerbated dedication yielded good results, and with this we mean that the vaccines created have proven effectiveness in preventing the aggravation of coronavirus. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you be vaccinated to ensure greater safety for your trip, because all countries that have opened their borders are demanding proof of the first and second dose of vaccines approved by the WHO (World Health Organization). This, by the way, is the basic requirement for travelling to Europe and you can find out more about it by checking the specific vaccination requirements on the official websites of the country or cities you wish to go to and what you need to know and do to travel to Europe during the pandemic, where you will find information related to which vaccines are being accepted and the necessary period between vaccination and travel, in addition to essential information about borders, safety rules and the health situation in the country of origin and destination.

And for those who reside in Europe and want to travel through it, there is the EU Digital Covid Certificate, where it is proven the vaccination against Covid-19 and the receipt of a negative certificate in the test for coronavirus or of its recovery, valid for 9 months. With it, travel between member countries of the European Union will not have additional restrictions, only the concern with basic safety and health protocols.

BEST SEASONS TO TRAVEL SAFELY TO EUROPE DURING THE PANDEMIC

Besides vaccination, there are many other preventive methods to ensure greater safety when travelling, and most of them are attitudes or choices made with more awareness, keeping in mind the current context. One of them, which is really essential, is to avoid crowds. Of course, the question arises as to how this would be possible, since air travel always has a large number of people and tourism attracts many visitors, right? However, it is possible to do that, and a good way is to choose a suitable date to travel (we’ll talk about airline issues in the next topic!)

Holidays

Holiday periods and holidays, especially the long ones, are where there is a higher concentration of tourist activities, especially in the cities and attractions focused on these festivities, but if you want a safer trip, avoiding all this movement is a preventive measure. What does not necessarily mean losing all the fun and better opportunities, after all there are benefits of traveling out of season, one of them is the low season. And with the low season, prices are more affordable and you can avoid the huge queues, hours of waiting and most importantly: crowding. Venice and Amsterdam are examples of cities that have their low season in winter and if you are interested you can see more in 5 places to visit in winter in Europe. Another benefit is the tranquility in the trip, both from safety and activities, even more considering that there are places that have incredible attractions for any time of the year! You can check out some of them in 5 most visited countries in Europe and choose a period with less travel intensity.

MEET THE AIRLINES

Still on the dangers of crowding, air travel is worrying precisely because of the oxygen circulation in the aircraft, because, even though airlines use air filters with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) technology, experts from the University of Leicester (England) state that the process ensures an effective cleaning, however, it is not able to prevent contamination completely. Even more so considering that the droplets when coughing or sneezing from a contaminated person, even when speaking, remain suspended in the air, being able to transmit the virus, and that armchairs, as well as doorknobs, taps and sinks are contagious places.

But, with the big change that the pandemic brought, there were also changes for travel, including our post Travelling during the pandemic: what changed? So, it is possible to reduce the risks of contamination with good hygiene and great care. This certainly gives you more confidence when travelling, doesn’t it? So, when you are choosing an airline company to buy your ticket, check their classification on safety and cleanliness, which they take into account:

• The mandatory use of face mask;
• Constant air renewal (exchange every 3 minutes is recommended);
• Redoubled and frequent cleaning of the aircraft;
• The use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) by employees;
• The distribution of individual hygiene kits to passengers;
• The reduction in the number of passengers to maintain the distance with some empty seats;
• Safety measures in food service;
• Specific rules for boarding and disembarkation.

PREVENTIVE AND/OR RECOMMENDABLE MEASURES DURING THE JOURNEY

With the vaccination up to date and the choice of a good date and airline, important steps have already been taken, but this does not mean that it is not necessary to take other precautions. To have a safe trip it is necessary to plan a good and flexible travel itinerary, being aware of possible changes of plans and cancellations and what attitudes you should have during your flight, stay and your trip.

During boarding/flying/disembarkation is recommended:

• Avoid the baggage check procedure, taking, if possible, only one hand bag;
• Have your own basic hygiene kit containing an industrial or home-made mask with at least 2 layers of face protection, alcohol gel (100 ml to a maximum of 500 ml hand luggage bottle), disposable tissues and disposal bags;
• Change the masks every 2 to 3 hours or when they become dirty or damp;
• Arrive at the airport in advance and check-in through digital channels, avoiding face-to-face service;
• Bring your own food kit or, if necessary, food at the airport, avoid crowds by looking for places without queues and with space;
• Wait for the landing authorization by number of seats.

During the stay it is recommended:

• Consult the health safety rules and policies of the place reserved;
• Digital check-in with mobile phones, for example;
• Dispense with valet services in the car park and also messenger services;
• Opt for room service or make a reservation for meal times;

During the journey it is recommended:

• Maintain previous safety protocols, the use of mask and sanitation kit
• Give priority to activities, attractions and even meals in open or well- ventilated environments;
• Avoid self-service and buffet establishments;
• Opt for drive-thru and empratados services;
• Use virtual payments with PIX or proximity transfer, or else credit or debit cards;
• Consult less busy dates for indoor attractions;
• Seek to commute by private application cars or own vehicle;
• Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between one person and another in group activities, even if they are small;
• Shower and change clothes when returning from each partner.

Ps: did you notice that having digital means are important for check-in? Exactly, and they are also useful for payments and can even be used to present documents that may be requested. So, it is essential to have good internet access. Luckily we can guide you with the best mobile phone plans for tourists in Europe 2022!

TRAVEL INSURANCE

One of the greatest safety guarantees for travel, especially in such a pandemic context, is Travel Insurance. Mandatory even for visiting any European Union country that is a member of the Schengen Treaty, Travel Insurance is an important measure for any type and time of travel as it ensures that you have medical assistance for urgent medical procedures. And for travelling during the pandemic it is even more essential, you should have Covid-19 coverage, thus covering medical-hospital expenses for cases where coronavirus treatment is required.

Travel insurance provides a discount on the RT-PCR test for Covid-19, without the need for a prescription. In addition, the insurance includes: medical assistance, dental emergencies, health repatriation, concierge services and even baggage tracking, among other services. It can be contacted by several insurance companies and you can search for the plan that best meets your needs and your trip. And with the mention of European Travel Insurance, we know that along with it comes the question of the visa, right? Well, for the beginning of 2022, the Schengen Visa is still valid and as a holiday visa in Portugal: how much money do I need? the value varies according to the processing: standard, urgent and very urgent; already for the end of 2022, the Schengen Visa Exemption will already be necessary and you can know about what it is, benefits and how it will work in United States and Europe: will you need a visa in 2022? after all it will serve as a higher security measure, both for European citizens and for visitors from abroad.

SAFE COUNTRIES TO TRAVEL DURING THE PANDEMIC

To close the important tips for safe travel during the pandemic period in the best way, we have decided to list some recommended places to travel to these days as there are fewer cases of Covid-19, as well as a more stable situation where there are fewer restrictions and hospitals are not suffering from overcrowding. Many are even little known, which helps to avoid cases of crowding. Of course, this situation can change and information be updated at any time, however, some countries that have safe cities to visit are;

• Portugal;
• Monaco;
• Lesser Antilles;
• Greece;
• French Polynesia.

Portugal: Madeira and Porto Santo

Even with many cases in the country, the archipelago islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are one of the safest destinations in Europe, being less populated and with low cases of contagion.

They have impressive natural beauty, which is enough to attract anyone. And they also have something very important for today’s world that does not occur in the big European cities: clean air.

Monaco: Monte Carlo

Known by many as the ‘playground for the rich’, Monte Carlo is also one of the safest places to travel in Europe, with the lowest infection and death rates.

In the Mediterranean city you can do a variety of activities, from gambling in some of the region’s world-famous casinos, exploring the lush landscapes of the region or just relaxing on the beach.

Lesser Antilles: Martinique

Being 15 times less affected by the coronavirus than the other countries of Europe l, Martinique, the island escape of the Caribbean is an excellent and safe destination for your trip.

The island offers exciting activities such as swimming with turtles, canoeing on Mount Pelée or just a simple walk through the local beauties.

Greece: Asos – Cephalea Island

With the death toll from Covid-19 being four times lower than many countries in Europe, Asos holds its own as a place to travel safely.

The island besides having beautiful crystal clear beaches, a clear blue sky and attractive cuisine, offers the possibility to enjoy the Nevagio Beach and to visit the Melossani Cave, which is why it is considered the hidden gem of Greece.

GATHER ALL THE INFORMATION AND MAKE YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY!

After this compilation of information, many doubts have certainly been cleared up, don’t you agree? Now you know that it is possible to travel safely, but of course not completely as before, and even if safety returns, perhaps the new measures may be permanent; that vaccination, besides protecting, is essential for travel, and other rules such as whether you need to be in quarantine, where borders are open, both in our articles and on the official websites with each specific restriction; which dates are safer to travel; which airlines are recommended; what measures should be taken to prevent greater risks; the safety of travel insurance, which in addition to being mandatory, allows greater peace of mind for your trip; and also some recommendations for safe destinations. Now that you are aware of important tips and

information for greater safety on your trip, how about planning a trip to Europe during the pandemic with these new changes in mind?

If you still need more information, there is no shortage of it here! Still on pandemic and coronavirus you can check the links below:

Check soon↓

New rules for travel in times of COVID

Precautions for travellers in the 2022 pandemic

5 most affected countries by COVID in Europe

Check health news and travel documents in the know:

What is the European Vaccine Passport and how does it work?

All about the European Health Form

Or get informed about the new variant:

Omicron: how could the new variant affect tourism?

Why do African countries have travel restrictions to Europe?