What to expect since Covid?
The Women’s Travel Group hears from women who have not traveled since Covid. They are worried, unsure of new regulations or documents, masking or not, health insurance and more. So if you have not traveled since Covid, here are some changes, some improvements, and some warnings.
Changes
No vaccination card needed anymore. However we always recommend you bring a list of your own prescriptions in the generic and vaccinations. Generic can be read overseas; US brands sometimes cannot be read. Vaccinations might be needed for some destinations.
Additionally if you are going to a country that is strict on ‘controlled substances’ there can be other rules. Most countries allow 30 days personal supply of your medicine along with a doctor’s medical certificate. Others like Chile, specify the exact document you need to bring. If at all in doubt, ask your doctor for a substitute. Remember, a simple sleeping pill might not be allowed without the right back up information.
Another change is the use of QR codes. They are used more often since Covid. Your phone can read a QR if it has a QR function. If not, the camera might have this embedded; try it and the camera might work. Many restaurants and signs in museums are now in QR form only.
Cashless purchases are common. In many countries and more coming, only plastic is used even for a $3 cookie. This means you must have a credit card that functions overseas. You should also be aware of how much you are spending.
Announcements like an airline schedule changes, will be in text form if very last minute. Register your cell phone on your airline reservations so the airline texts you. If they email you, you might not receive it out of a wifi area. Again phone service must be enabled overseas.
Improvements
Image recognition at airport check in and entering the airplane speeds up the line. You might hate what you look like but the system is fast.
There are also many new ways to book a restaurant, museum visit, guide, day tour, and they are fairly easy. A post Covid digitization example might be: on the NY Subway, you can now use a credit card. In taxis in London you can use Paypal. In Saudi Arabia there is Uber.
Mobile passports can be used in many US airports. This is an app into which you enter your passport details. Once you land in the US, you complete the form. The mobile passport line is usually part of the fast track Global Entry line.
There is minimal backlog if you want to renew or obtain Global Entry. Before, you had to go to an airport to complete the in person application. Now there are offices in many cities. Get it and save a long wait after your long flight.
To speed up boarding, many airlines announce the following: We expect a full flight. If you wish to check your bag now, there will be no fee. The full flight bit might not be true; but the check your bag free is. Some airlines are smarter about boarding: having economy window seat passengers board before others.
Airport lounge access was restricted during Covid and the aftermath of travel revenge craziness. Lounges are back in normalcy. Many of the more expensive credit cards include lounge access.
Warnings
Ticket change fees are back. Note: there is suggested legislation pending to improve customer service/refunds etc. from airlines.
The obnoxious passengers are still on board. But staff is tougher about disregarding regulations and about aggressive people.
Tipping is requested in more places, even fast food restaurants. You do not have to tip, FYI
Junk fees are added to hotel and basically all travel costs.
Hotel prices remain high; frequent stay apps are one answer to better service. Join the ones you frequent.
One thing that has not changed is the thrill of travel, the newness and the experiences.
Ask us about any change which might effect your trip with us. We win awards for personal service. Read about our founder here. Then travel in this new world.
