Posted: 11/9/2020 | November 9th, 2020
These days, due to COVID-19, the subject of travel elicits very strong reactions from people — and rightly so. Whenever I post travel tips on social media and forget to include the words “at a later date” or “when it’s safe,” a chorus of commenters tell me it’s irresponsible to promote travel during a pandemic, that everyone just needs to stay home, and I should be ashamed of myself (yes, some people really say that).
Many people were being “travel shamed” for traveling over the summer – even if that trip was somewhere remote.
But, as I wrote in my article on flight shaming, shaming doesn’t solve anything. It doesn’t make someone change their behavior; it only makes them dig in deeper, since shaming comes off as an attack on their character. And no one wants to think they’re the bad guy.
And what about those who rely on tourism to live? How do you tell 10% of the world, “I’m sorry, you have to go hungry and become homeless. We can only travel again when there’s a vaccine available for everyone! Good luck!”?
When COVID struck in March, we were told to stay home to “flatten the curve” so we wouldn’t overrun our hospital systems. In many countries, that happened. In others, especially the United States, it didn’t.
And, now, as the pandemic rages to new heights in many parts of Europe and the United States, a lot of people have COVID fatigue and are starting to travel again (not just to relocate somewhere for months but for a short, leisure trip).
But should you? Is it right to travel during COVID?
COVID-19 is very real. I had it. Friends of mine have had it. I know people who have lost relatives to it. The virus is six times deadlier than the flu and spreads much quicker. (And, as we enter flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, we now have to worry about that too.)
But, on the other hand, this isn’t the Middle Ages (or even 1918). We know the best practices for reducing the spread of infectious diseases that many countries in the world have implemented (Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, New Zealand, Iceland, and Thailand to name a few).
Doctors and researchers discover treatments and vaccines much quicker than in the past (today, as I publish this, Pfizer just announced very promising vaccine trial results).
Now, I don’t fault anyone for wanting to stay home until there’s a vaccine. I have friends that haven’t left their house since the pandemic began. People have a right to be cautious.
But does that mean we should shame people who don’t stay at home?
As someone who took a summer road trip, I know there are ways to travel while reducing risk.
I think we need to treat the virus and travel like we treat STDs and sex. We can’t pretend people aren’t going to have sex (or in the case of the virus, come in contact with other people), but we can arm them with the best information about practicing safe sex (reducing one’s risk of contracting the virus), wearing protection (masks), and the need to get tested often.
When I started writing this article last month, cases and hospitalizations weren’t rising so rapidly as they are now. I think we should, in part, mostly stay home and away from people. Social distance, wear a mask, and be smart.
But, just because the United States and Europe are a basket cases, doesn’t mean everywhere else is. There’s plenty of places that are just fine – and they want visitors.
I still think there’s a safe way to reduce risk and travel. There are many common sense things you can do to be safe:
- Get a COVID test before you go
- Always wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Maintain social distance
- Avoid large gatherings
Next, follow all the rules. If the state or country you are visiting has strict rules, follow them. A friend recently went to Jamaica, where the government says tourists can only visit certain areas. But he decided to get an Airbnb instead, outside those areas, and I was extremely disappointed to hear that. Two French tourists broke quarantine and caused a second wave in Iceland. Follow the rules wherever you go.
Third, don’t move around a lot. The more places you go, the more you increase your risk of getting (and spreading) it. Wear a mask, practice proper hygiene, social-distance, and avoid crowds. I see too many people going around different countries like it’s all fine. Or complaining when they have to wear a mask. Take the same precautions you would at home — not only to protect yourself but also the people in the destination you’re visiting.
When I wrote about my trip to Maine, many people admonished me for going, even though I got tested beforehand and spent most of my time there by myself.
I understand the knee-jerk reaction to traveling right now (“It’s a pandemic!”) but I think it’s important we move past our fear as more is learned about the disease, countries create tourism protocols, testing becomes more widespread, and better therapies are rolled out.
We’re eleven months into this crisis and, while all pandemics end, this one isn’t going to anytime soon. As many doctors have said, this is our new normal for the foreseeable future – and we have to adapt.
I think we’re past the part of this where any travel is 100% irresponsible
If you’re going to be responsible, get tested before you go, know you aren’t bringing the virus, and practice “safe travel” in a destination that is letting you in, I don’t see an ethical issue here.
You definitely shouldn’t travel if you don’t plan to follow the rules like Kira here or can’t get a test before you go. That just makes you a selfish jerk – and the world has enough of those.
As someone who lives in the United States (a hot spot), I’m more on edge about COVID because it’s everywhere here — but every place is different, and there are areas of the world that are safe and that want people to visit.
If you’re not comfortable traveling, that’s fine.
But, as testing is rolled out around the world (even by some airlines), treatments get better, and countries take precautions to reduce the spread, I think travel is possible and, when done responsibly, not unethical to do. Follow the rules. Be safe. Wear a mask.
P.S. – Even having the ability to travel right now is a serious luxury and, as such, it’s all the more important to be extra responsible and a good human being. Take care of the communities you are visiting. With great power, comes great responsibility. Remember how lucky you are to travel. Please remember your privilege and be respectful of local rules.
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Veronika
Totally agree with you, Matt. I haven’t been on a trip myself since September, when it was still quite okay. Now my country, the Czech Republic, has endured weeks of a massive second wave. I would travel, to a carefully selected destination, but the people around me are a bit more cautious and I respect that and play my part. The risk of not being able to come back from a trip or not seeing relatives for an extended amount of time is not worth it currently.
Everyone interprets the rules in their own way. Even in my family it’s different – some go to work and meet as if normal, some are on a strict stay-at-home regime. Navigating between two extremes is difficult but possible.
With the winter creeping in.. I’m jealous you have Mexico so close! :))
Patsy Blas
I also totally agree with you Matt. Right now it’s up to each one of us to be absolutely aware of the situation and to not think only in ourselves but in others and help them too.
I live in Peru and there’s no second wave here as we’ve maintained a quarantine during this whole year since March so the streets are pretty empty and every place has alcohol gel as well as a bleach surface to desinfect the shoes. But still, masks are mandatory.
This pandemic is teaching us many things, now it depends on us to practice the values we’ve got.
Joey
Nice article! I traveled around Germany in August, when the numbers weren’t too extreme. Of course, I wore a mask in public, social distanced as much as possible, and didn’t attend large gatherings. I decided to go there, as I hadn’t been in 3 years, but was relieved when I was back home! I felt very safe wearing a mask on the plane, and luckily, nobody was sitting right next to me! I tested negative for COVID before entering my home country, and didn’t mind being quaratined for 14 days. I’m glad I went, but wouldn’t go now for sure! Hopefully the world will be (kind of) back to normal next year.
David Hunter Bishop
Thanks for the level view, Matt. I agree that it’s possible to travel responsibly.
In February, fairly early in the pandemic, I flew from Greece to Singapore and Mexico, naively trying to escape Covid’s spread. I self-isolated five months in Yucatan.
In August, when conditions were steadily worsening in Mexico, I flew to Hawaii where I spent the first two weeks in strict quarantine.
Now, the cost of living and insurance issues make it difficult fo me to remain in Hawaii. I am planning my next destinations carefully and have a few in mind. I will wear masks, sanitize, wash hands, keep my distance, avoid crowds, stay healthy and sober just as I’ve been doing all year.
And I will respect and follow all rules, restrictions and regulations required of me wherever I go.
I’m planning to leave Hawaii before the end of the year.
I’m not at all shamed by my behavior.
Incidently, I’ve seen reports of two studies that found airline travel relatively quite safe these days if everyone onboard keeps their masks on.
Wear them properly!
Michael Lee Jones
David, I’d be very interested to read these two studies as the conclusions run counter to the CDC’s current advice.
coco
I agree with your point. there’s safe way to travel. it really depends on one’s risk level and the safety protocol of the destination. i just spent 12 days in Boracay, Philippines and felt very safe.
Omar Johnson
Hey – Travelling is your job! So to those that say you shouldn’t travel, tell them you have to work! LOL
Just kidding – have a great time in Mexico!
Lisa
I agree with you. We have to adapt to the new normal and protect ourselves. We live in Mexico, but are traveling to the US. I have disinfectant wipes and spray. I spray down all hotel rooms prior to moving in. I also practice all safety protocols. So far, so good. Safe travel in Mexico. It’s a beautiful country!
Catherine
Travel may be okay, but it is definitely the traveller’s responsibility to follow the rules and be extra cautious especially in places that have less well funded health care. Foreigners should not be placing burden on health care needed by citizens or be putting the health of those who are reliant on daily work (like people in the hospitality industry) in jeopardy.
NomadicMatt
I completely agree. I have some friends I got in a fight with for floating the rules. We haven’t talked since. I found it too irresponsible.
Christobal
Hi Matt, I will be looking forward to some updates from Mexico. I am also planning to go there ( been many times) in January, I am from Canada. The sticky point is the flight…in close proximity with others breathing the same “filtered” air( even with a mask) ….but after that I do not see any more risks than in Canada. I am planning to take all the precautions I already take here. This time I plan to avoid CDMX, too crowded, but Queretaro, Puebla are very appealing. I never do malls , churches or large groups. Yes the best way to help people is send money there, as I do to support a family of 4 in CDMX, but also to be there, rent an Air BB, eat and spend money, that gives people hope.
Everyones need to stay within their comfort zone and I respect that.
NomadicMatt
Airplanes are really safe because of their air filters. It’s the people next to you that are a problem. That’s why I fly airlines that block the middle seat. I want some space between people. But, generally, airplanes are the least of your worries!
Robert Glaze
Matt I see you will be heading to Mexico soon. I also saw that you were taking a COVID test. I am heading to my house in San Miguel de Allende, MX after Christmas for 3+ months. I have not heard of any requirements for testing before entering. Can you please confirm that.
Bob
NomadicMatt
You don’t need a COVID test to go to Mexico but I think it’s important to get one before you go anywhere to make sure you aren’t carrying it around.
Pati
Hey Matt, I couldn’t agree more! It is definitely a very sensitive topic and very polarizing at the same time. And I am also itching like crazy to start travelling. Had a big trip planned and of course like for so many of us it all had to be postponed. Now, I am very flexible as all my original destinations are not feasible. Yet as you said, we don’t only need to be responsible in our travel choices and the manner in which we travel. I think now, more then ever the travel and hospitality industry needs support. And if we do it right and responsibly, the future pictures itself much brighter. I think we should all advocate safe and responsible travel and definitely address the shaming that is going on in the world. Safe travels Matt! I am hopefully heading to South America at the beginning of next year. It is time we got excited about the travel again 🙂
Sandra
My 16-year-old daughter and I just got back from a month-long road trip. I’ve worked virtually for the past few years and she is doing virtual school this year. I felt that we could safely do a road trip to see some National Parks. I planned a trip that involved hiking and outdoor activities. We isolated for 3 weeks prior to the trip to make sure we did not have Covid at the start of the trip. We stayed in some Airbnb’s and some hotels. I brought an air purifier, Lysol, and cleaning supplies – we disinfected every place we stayed. I brought enough food for the entire trip, so we wouldn’t need to go to grocery stores or restaurants (although we did get take out a few times). We wore masks everywhere we went, even hiking and we washed our hands and hand sanitized constantly. We did the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Capital Reef, and Sedona. We hiked early in the mornings when there are less people on the trails and then returned to our room in the afternoons to do work and school. I feel like we traveled very responsibly. Now we are back in Wisconsin where the Covid situation is terrible, so we will not be leaving the house for probably a long time.
Linda
Great article. At some point in time there will be mostly vaccinated folks who want to travel. I look forward to flying to warm destinations again. Do you have advice on travel and medical insurance? Can you recommend any insurance companies right now, in the time of coved?
NomadicMatt
Here’s an updated list of companies that offer COVID insurance: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-travel-insurance-companies/
Donna K.
Well said…let’s just all agree to act responsibly. I’ve flown and traveled safely all year and stayed healthy. Wash hands, wear mask, avoid crowds…be smart.
Michael Lee Jones
Donna, how does one “avoid crowds” taking public transportation to/from the airport, at the airport, on a plane flight? These are extremely risky situations that aren’t addressed by Matt or anyone else here.
Syd
I flew recently and avoided contact with people fairly well. I drove my own car to the airport and parked in an airport lot. The shuttle from the lot to the terminal only had me on it, but over 50% of the seats were blocked off so even if it were busier it wouldn’t have been an issue. The airport itself was very quiet (this was a major intl that is normally quite crazy) and I just found a seat at an empty gate (as I would usually try do pre-COVID) and had no one around me for 50+ feet. On the plane I was lucky enough to have an entire row to myself on all of my flights, and all of the major US carriers are offering fee-free changes if you feel the plane is too busy prior to boarding.
In the last many months, flying and being at the airport has been one of the most low risk things I have done and the thing that brought the most joy. If you don’t feel you can travel responsibly right now then definitely hold off, but don’t try to deprive that joy from others (who may have been suffering greatly for many months).
Bernhard Smith
Well written post on traveling, now. I have mixed feelings about it. I’m almost 70 and refuse to spend these last years hunkered down in my basement. But to limit my exposure to the virus, and thus the exposure of my family back east, I cancelled my road trip across Canada and am flying across from Oregon to Maryland, instead. So, I am traveling – but certainly not to the extent that I would normally. Putting off a trip to Cuba, is yet another example of how I am dealing with the conditions in today’s world. Along with masking in public indoors, choosing outdoor seating in restaurants, and maintaining social distancing.
Anna R
I have been traveling the US since August by car, and only doing outdoor activities and staying in Airbnb’s (only have gone into grocery stores and gas stations briefly). I’m not eager to resume international travel until the pandemic is under control. My motivation to travel internationally comes from wanting to experience the culture and restaurants, and meet people—all of which seems risky/impossible (plus, the threat of lockdowns is killing me.. I already have thousands in airline credits that I’ll likely never see from this year’s cancelled flights!). I’m seeing COVID as a blessing in disguise that has given me a chance to explore the national parks and amazing outdoors here in the US, instead of going to Guatemala for the weekend. I do have to go to a wedding in Jamaica in Feb that I’m not thrilled about, but we will get tested and quarantine before/after. I laugh when people shame me for traveling and then I look at their Instagram & they are out to dinner or have 6 friends over… seems a bit more risky than going in a gas station for 5 minutes and hiking in a remote area!
Aleta
As an emergency medicine physician in the US I want people to realize that we have reverted back to April in terms of cases of patients coming to the ED. We need to go back to quarantining the way we were in April. For the next 12-24 months I expect things to ebb and flow, and right now in the US traveling away from home is irresponsible. I did local car travel to outdoor destinations this summer as care numbers where I live were low. That has changed. Humans are selfish but COVID requires a collective response. Right now we need to stay home and get things under control because many states are running out of ICU and hospital beds.
Anthony
I completely agree with this, and was all prepared to shout at you if you’d not stated your case with the nuance you did (but you virtually always do!)
We’ve just left 5 years in the USA, the last 7 months of which was in rigorous compliance to ‘shelter-in-place’ (even when the local country restrictions were briefly relaxed). We are bound for Portugal, assuming our residency visas are granted later this month, but are having to make those visa applications via a couple of months in our home country, Australia.
Australia is like another planet, regarding COVID. Australia “pulled up the bridge over its moat” last March, and since then only citizens, PRs, & their immediate family can enter, and they cannot leave Australia without seeking an exemption from Australia’s outbound travel ban, which isn’t easy to get. If you ignore Victoria/Melbourne which had a major 2nd wave that took 3 months of hard lockdown to contain (caused by a lax hotel quarantine system), it’s like there is no pandemic here. The two things protecting Australians from the pandemic are (a) mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine upon arrival from overseas (at the traveller’s expense), and (b) ‘checking in’ to public venues like cafes, restaurants, pubs, etc, so that a small army of contact tracing professionals can swoop in in the event of an outbreak. There’s no mask wearing in public, social distancing is spotty at best.
Our destination country, Portugal, is elbow-deep in a 2nd wave brought about by all of Europe ‘enjoying’ summer holidays. We don’t relish going back into a moderate lock-down, so are considering delaying our flights to Portugal until January…
Andrea Robinson
I couldn’t agree more! If you take the right precautions, travelling can even be safer than staying home, take hiking or skiing as an example. You are outdoors, getting fit and not surrounded by people like you would are home (if you live in London like I do). The main thing is taking care how and where you travel. Drive if you can (and wear gloves if you need to get petrol), keep sanitiser in your pocket if you have to fly, etc. It can all be done safely and supports the travel industry which is on its knees (and nobody cares).
Rachel
In this case, Matt, I disagree with you. I’m not trying to travel shame you, and I know that others have different views. I’m pleased that when you travel you try and follow the best precautions. You also have a point about people who rely on tourism. But you can’t escape from the reality that when we travel, we risk exposing vulnerable people to illness and death. A vaccine will be coming. I don’t think it’s too much to ask most people to stay home. Besides, if you do get sick, you could be taking a hospital bed from a local who needs it. Just my perspective.
NomadicMatt
I get what you are saying and, in the end, you have to do what is right for you. I’d be less inclined to leave if the country was doing something for those in those in hospitality and had a plan of action. As I said, I’m not bouncing around places. I’ll be in one place. But, at the end of the day, everyone staying in one place is an unrealistic option in a country that offers no support for its citizens to do. I don’t think there’s an easy answer, especially here in the states.
Jocelyn
I have mixed feelings about all of it. Matt, could you give a response to Michael Lee Jones, who is bringing up how to avoid crowds and others during a travel day? And he also wants to know which sources are saying that airplanes are relatively safe. Aleta stated she is a medical professional in the US and thinks we should not be traveling right now because of the rise in cases all over the country. Could you comment on this as well? I understand all perspectives and would just like some more of your insight. Thank you!
NomadicMatt
I echo what Syd said about flying. That was my experience too. I drive in other instances. My friends and I have a car here in Mexico.
Isabelle
It’s been such a tricky one for people. I suppose there are two kinds of people – those who practice good hand hygiene, social distancing etc and those who don’t. I would say that a person with good practices who decides to travel poses less of a risk than someone who stays in their hometown and doesn’t have good hygiene etc. It all comes down to personal responsibility at the end of the day
Ginnie
I agree that it’s probably safe to travel as long as you’re extremely careful (though I think it’s better to stick closer to home). I’ve taken a couple road trips, and my husband’s job requires weekly airplane travel. I think the problem is that the people most inclined to travel are also the people least likely to follow all the recommended precautions. There are tons of people out and about living their best lives right now as if there is no pandemic, not wearing masks, packing bars / restaurants, and yes, traveling. It’s a really slippery slope. As the previous commenter said, it all comes down to personal responsibility, and it’s become very apparent that a lot of people here in U.S. just don’t give af.
NomadicMatt
I couldn’t agree with you more.
Johnny
Traveling at this time can be risky, but this is also necessary for some of us. So for safe traveling, we have to bring safety precautions with us to reduce the risk of covid-19.
Iris
I want to travel too, last year we planned to go Japan or Thailand, but COVID-19 upset our whole plan?now it is November, only hope that Covid-19 can be eliminated in the next year and all my plans can be done in the next year,
Lori Lewis
All of us have different circumstances, so it’s a personal decision whether to travel or not. I am totally against travel shaming. The key is to be responsible if you decide to travel. Great Article.
Valerie
Dear Matt, agrree
I really enjoyed reading your blog and I totally agree with you.
I live in Austria and have not left my country since March, since the first lockdown, and I am really looking forward to seeing us all travelling normally again. I also don’t think it’s bad at all if people fly away in times of pandemic, but I have no sympathy at all for people who don’t follow hygiene measures, don’t get tested and thus endanger everyone, just because many hotels are much cheaper now.
In my opinion, one should avoid travelling to countries where the risk of infection is very high, or flying to one where there are currently many infections and where the health system is under heavy strain.
This virus will occupy us even longer and we must learn to live with it
In addition, tourism must continue to exist in the other countries, so why shouldn’t you be allowed to fly if the country is not a risk area?
Jessie Moore
Completely agree with you Matt. All this travel shaming is not helpful or necessary. As you say, it’s about travelling responsibly and with consideration. I think some of the knee-jerk reactions have come about because people are, understandably, struggling with their own situations. For example, if you’re stuck in a small flat alone with no outdoor space then seeing others travelling and enjoying themselves is going to be hard. It certainly doesn’t justify the travel shaming but I think it helps to understand where their reactions are coming from. Perhaps we all need to be a little kinder and more understanding towards each other, whatever our personal scenarios.
Emily
As someone who lives in a major tourist city (with a high population of elderly people), I completely disagree. I live on an island, and the vast majority of our covid cases and outbreaks have been brought in by people travelling here. I am kind to people who are visiting (shame and anger do not help anyone with anything), but I strongly wish they would go away and not come back.
Why is it necessary for anyone to travel for leisure right now? As of this week, the U.S. has hit 300,000 deaths from covid-19. This virus is spread completely by human contact. If everyone took your advice, case counts & the global death toll would skyrocket. Your ability to travel depends on people who are staying home & sacrificing these same experiences for the common good.
If anyone reading this feels shamed, I ask you to sit with that feeling. Some food for thought.
NomadicMatt
I have no idea where you live so I can’t really comment on tourists but maybe the government of where you are needs stronger protocols for visitors? That would reduce your cases right away!