It’s a New World with COVID
COVID wreaked havoc on the entire travel industry in the past three years. COVID changed so much about our daily lives and the airline industry was no exception. From everything I’ve seen and read, the airlines are taking the brunt of COVID debauchery. There have been more delays, cancelations and reroutes than ever. People have been left stranded at the airport with no support. It’s reached a level to where the US has called upon the Secretary of Transportation to address how the airline industry is handling the disruptions and their apparent lack of transparency around refunds, hotel and food vouchers.
Rule 1) Expect delays. Have a back up plan outlining what you’re going to do if you happen to get stranded for the night in an airport. Do you strap in and hope for a nice floor to rest on? Possibly, but you can plan for that too. Wear comfy clothing, layer up, put some extra unmentionables in you back pack, extra medications, extra water, snacks and creature comforts like your favorite play list, book or Wordle. The point here, is that you’re gonna plan on being delayed. The more you plan, the less surprised and frustrated you’ll be.
Everyone is maxed out and trying their best from the after effects of COVID but, add a sheet of Long COVID on top of an already chaotic, messy travel industry and you’ve got yourself a party that no-one wants to attend. Traveling with Long COVID is tricky but absolutely doable. As I’ve stated, it’s all about planning. If you have Long COVID, be upfront with your travel party that you’ll need to tap out from time to time. Build in rest during your day. Or build in a day or two of lounging about. Do activities within reason that you feel you can handle. If there’s a 15 mile hike on the agenda, perhaps complete a mile or two and send the rest of your party on their way while you hike back down to your beloved accommodations for some pampering. The theme for traveling with Long COVID, is plan, plan, plan. Your journey can be just as enjoyable and meaningful. And, for the Love of God, don’t forget your inhaler.
