Planning a December holiday in the time of Covid?

With what seems like the blink of an eye, December is right around the corner and it's time to start planning our holidays. We're taking a look at everything you need to know about going away in this altered world as you start planning your December holiday.

After being cooped up at home for most of this year thanks to Covid-19, the one thing many of us have been dreaming about is going away and enjoying a relaxing December holiday. That being said, the thought of planning a vacation during a pandemic can be a daunting one, especially as you have to take you - and your family's - safety into consideration and follow whatever rules and government regulations are still in place.

Here are some things you need to know when you're planning your December holidays:

Local travel:

·       Plan a staycation (explore South Africa)

While Cyril may have recently announced that we're opening up our airports for international travel, for many of us a December trip overseas is still not on the cards. This makes it the perfect time to plan a staycation of sorts and enjoy and explore our local spots.

·       Be a tourist in your own country

South Africa is absolutely packed full of stunning sights to see and things to do, from going on safari at a luxury private game lodge to exploring the magnificent Drakensberg mountains. Make a list of all the local spots you've always wanted to visit but just haven't got around to - and use your staycation as an opportunity to be a tourist in your own country and support our local tourism industry.

·       Look for specials for locals

In order to boost local tourism in a time when many international tourists are still unwilling - or unable - to travel, many luxury resorts, hotels, high-end restaurants and other local tourist destinations have specials running for locals. These specials are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the best experiences our country has to offer at a reduced price - plus, without the usual number of tourists flocking in from other countries, there are likely to be more spots available to book.

·       Road trips

If you're worried about the health risks of hopping on a packed flight this December, why not consider opting to go on a road trip instead. Road trips can be an excellent way to take in the sights and really appreciate the natural beauty of our country - and don't forget to stop over in some of the quaint small towns along the way.

International travel

It was recently announced that we would be moving to lockdown level 1 which means that, according to our government, "International travel is permitted but travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown or one of the three main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport. Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates."

This means that for those of us who are wanting to visit family abroad or go on an overseas holiday, we now have the opportunity to do so. That doesn't, however, mean that international travel is going to be walk in the park and there are certain things that you need to take into account:

·       Find out the mandatory quarantine period for the country you're visiting

Most, if not all, countries that are allowing international visitors will have a quarantine period in place during which visitors will have to quarantine themselves. Be sure to check the duration of this quarantine period before booking flights, as spending half of your holiday stuck in quarantine could be a definite deal breaker.

·       Familiarise yourself with any travel rules and regulations

When it comes to travelling internationally, there are guaranteed to be many rules and regulations in place to ensure everyone's safety. You will need to familiarise yourself with the airline's rules and regulations, as well as those of any countries you are visiting. Make sure to speak to your travel agent or familiarise yourself with any regulations, requirements and restrictions that may apply to you before you book your trip, so that you don't find yourself in a sticky situation.

·       Avoid hotspots

This should go without saying, but before you book your overseas trip it is crucial that you check that your destination is not a hotspot because the last thing you want to do on your holiday is get infected or find yourself under lockdown. If you are concerned about catching the virus or someone in your family is high risk, it is important that you plan your holiday to avoid any hotspots or areas that are seeing a surge in cases.

Keep in mind:

Whether you're going to be travelling locally or adventuring overseas, here are some other important things to keep in mind:

·       Take note of your health

Just as you don't want to get the virus, neither does anyone else, which is why we recommend that you get tested before you go to ensure that you are not putting anyone at risk by travelling - this is especially important if, potentially, you have been exposed or are high risk. If you are high risk, be sure to visit your doctor beforehand to get some tips on how to stay on top of your health throughout the trip and avoid getting infected.

·       Book your flights now

While lots of people are still too wary to travel, many more are desperate to take a break from their homes. Be sure to book your flights as soon as possible, both locally and internationally, to ensure that you avoid disappointment. This is because many local and international airlines are either not operating or are operating at a limited capacity.

Planning a holiday during a pandemic might require a little bit more effort on our part, but it will definitely be worth it when December arrives. Whether you're keeping it local and taking the opportunity to experience and enjoy all the wonderful sights and experiences our country has to offer, or jetting overseas for a more pronounced change of scenery, the December holidays promise to be the most fun we've all had in many, many months.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/setting-sail-this-december/ 

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