Return to travel – Zimbabwe: Tips for international travel during COVID

I’ve had a chance to reflect upon returning home from Zimbabwe. My biggest takeaway is the reminder that travel is a balm for the soul. The total escape from the everyday along with the chance to be fully immersed in nature restores one’s equilibrium and brings joy – especially in a year such as this one. That said, it is not undertaken without thoughtful preparation given current circumstances. Here are my tips for navigating international travel in the time of COVID-19.

• Be prepared. For me that meant consumer-grade N95 masks for air travel and transfers, and cloth masks for other required occasions (ie: passing through a national park entrance). I also carried plenty of liquid hand sanitizer, hand sanitizing wipes and Clorox wipes for cleaning all hard surfaces around my airplane seat (arm rests, metal seat belt parts, window shade pulls, tray tables, air vents, light switches, remote controls, touch screens). Finally, I wore a pair of non-prescription eyeglasses with shielding protection, one extra step to protect myself while traveling. With all of these measures in place, I felt comfortable in the airport and on the plane.
• Get tested. Depending on your needs, you can get results in as little as 24 hours (as I did before my trip), or you might have a community testing option available. Regardless, the safest thing for you and everyone else is to ensure you are COVID-free when you travel and after you return home. The CDC has released clear and simple recommendations for international travel during the pandemic.
• Embrace what you can control. There will always be people who are cavalier about social distancing and mask wearing. You cannot change their actions. Try to avoid taking in that frustration and instead redirect – move away from them is possible, flag down a flight attendant if needed and be sure your own PPE is intact.
• Safety first. Remember that the entire travel industry is working to put safety first. Imvelo’s efforts to protect guests’ safety were evident at every turn, and it was a source of great comfort as the safari began, then a quiet hum in the background as the regular temperature checks, hand sanitizing and other safety procedures became totally routine and unobtrusive.
• Revel in every moment. For those who choose to travel now, their rewards will likely be the best in our lifetime. Seeing Victoria Falls with no other guests, being the only vehicle on a sighting, having a camp to yourselves – these conditions are temporary, but awaiting those who are ready.
• Use technology. Consider providing your traveling guests with a travel app, like the Oasis Travel App, to minimize paper and allow for contactless delivery of their itinerary and important travel docs. Imvelo provided Kim and I access to our itinerary using the Oasis Travel App which works without a Wifi or data connection, making checking our itinerary super easy while in the bush. It also allows you to upload documents, like a copy of your passport or in this era, your negative Covid test results which Kim did for her entire group. To learn more, register for our Oasis webinar and download for iPhone/iPad or Android.

I hope that everyone who is comfortable has the chance to venture back out into the world – especially into our beautiful, natural spaces. Time spent away from the constant clanging of news feeds and pressure of the day-to-day is needed more than ever. I already miss the freedom of being on safari – the constant of spending time outdoors and feeling so safe, the wonder of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and landscapes and the great relief and comfort of being cared for by others. But this trip will be with me for the months to come, reminding me what’s possible and that nature and adventure are there whenever I need them.