Tips for a seamless post-pandemic travel

Having resumed travel in what seems like a different time and place, I want to share a few tips for those whose past travel is pre-covid or pre-digital for everything technology requirement.

1. Although contactless servicing is a new norm, don’t assume your digital wallet or smart phone will work every where - every time. While contactless payments offer convenience, several restaurants, taxis and supplier services can be offline or not technologically advanced. Currently, I am traveled with 3 nations currencies as well as debit and credit card option. I was glad to have the cash options on my recent trip as it was the only payment option.

2. Get your evisas well in advance. Although advertised as a same day to 72 hour digital service, a recent New Zealand electronic travel authorization (new requirement) took 6 days with the arrival only 24 hours before my flight. Then last month, I was denied boarding as my multi-year visa was not being honoured. I had to rush to obtain a new evisa for Inida. Double checking for new changes, and getting documentation well in advance can eliminate pre-departure stress.

3. Keep both digital and hard copies of vaccination status, airline tickets, visas, and any other entry or Government document in order to streamline the processes at counters and points of entry.

4. Buy travel insurance. Delays, trip cancellation, out of country-health, trip interruption, unforeseen incidents become less concerning with the peace of mind of the insurance policy in hand.

5. Keep a good book or downloaded movie on hand for potential delays. With a snowstorm hitting metro Vancouver, several flights are already delayed and canceled. If my trip falls behind, I have a few gadgets to occupy by time.

6. Keep a change of clothes, and all your medication with you in case of lost or delayed baggage. This included doing side trips once at the destination in case you can’t get back to where you thought you were going to be. My 26 hour journey took over 72 hours earlier this year with a night in the airport and a night at a hotel part way through.

7. Pad your time between flights, for transitions.

8. Enjoy every aspect of your travel!