Author Topic: Solo Travel in the COVID Era  (Read 3509 times)

Libertea

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Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« on: July 02, 2022, 08:05:28 PM »
FI but not currently RE here.  Have taken a couple of mini-breaks from work each lasting several months and contemplating my next one, which I am thinking I'd like to spend traveling, though I'm wondering about the logistics of travel in the COVID era.  I know some of you are doing it - would appreciate hearing where and how you've managed, and particularly if you're traveling solo, as I anticipate doing.

Dreamer40

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2022, 12:43:33 PM »
I have a solo trip planned for September. I actually had to ask two different friends to NOT join me. People keep inviting themselves… I’m traveling to work on my foreign language skills and don’t really want Americans tagging along speaking English. I think it will also be easier solo because I won’t need to change my plans for anyone else or accommodate their potential travel and health complications. If I get sick, I will just change my flight home, hunker down in a hotel, and order delivery food. It probably won’t be fun, but I’d be ok. There aren’t any covid testing requirements anymore where I’m going, but I’ll double check before I leave.

Pharmacies and health care access is better where I’m going than at home. I’ve been sick away from home before so I always travel with a small medical kit (Tylenol, pepto, mucinex, tums, a few cough drops, etc). It takes little space and I’ve dipped into before and been glad to have it. I’ll add a pack of covid tests to it from now on.  I’ll take all the masking and social distancing precautions I reasonably can. I also bring cleaning wipes on airplanes to wipe down my tray table, arm rest, seat belt, etc. I’ve done that for years. Airplanes are gross. Sometimes people give me a weird look so I offer them a wipe for their seat. People almost always accept it!

4tify

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2022, 05:31:33 PM »
I've done 3 international trips since March 2021 once I had my vaccinations. The first trip had a lot of logistical hoops, but the last this past April was much easier. The whole world is quite up to speed on the pandemic, so in terms of getting treatment if needed I wouldn't worry too much.

There are still countries requiring quarantines, so you'll want to be aware of that. I have gone with a great deal of flexibility and been very realistic that there's a good chance I'll have to live in a hotel room for several days. So far that hasn't happened, and during my last trip I started wondering what I'd do for food if I got locked in my hotel. I figured the staff would help accommodate me though.

Anyway, long way to say: plan on getting stuck at some point and plan to spend more than you'd like in the event you test positive. And other than some inconveniences around testing before travel, it's not too bad out there. Make sure you're up to speed on whatever each country's protocols are though.

Where you headed btw??

JoJo

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2022, 11:52:49 AM »
I've been traveling around the USA and Baja Mexico since May 2020 in my van and airbnbs.   Pretty much everything back to normal here.   Festivals coming back with a vengance.   Finally booked my first international trip for August-December... few weeks Italy, France then hiking the Camino, then Portugal and Morocco.  Can't wait!

Libertea

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2022, 04:18:21 PM »
All good advice, appreciate you much.

4tify, I'm not sure yet.  Open to suggestions!

the_hobbitish

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2022, 01:45:52 PM »
Agree with all the above advice - check the quarantine and return vaccination requirements before you go in case something has changed. Be prepared to possibly catch covid on your trip if you haven't already had it. Look into how you'll get food if you suddenly test positive and shouldn't go out. My triple vaxxed brother caught it on a recent trip despite masking on the plane and being careful. He missed quite a few planned events to self quarantine and recover.

4tify

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2022, 04:43:55 PM »
All good advice, appreciate you much.

4tify, I'm not sure yet.  Open to suggestions!

So many amazing places to go...are you considering any particular areas?

Libertea

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2022, 05:06:13 PM »
All good advice, appreciate you much.

4tify, I'm not sure yet.  Open to suggestions!

So many amazing places to go...are you considering any particular areas?
I'm thinking maybe Spain or Italy.  Or Japan.  Never been to any of them and would love to go.

GoConfidently

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2022, 06:41:24 PM »
All good advice, appreciate you much.

4tify, I'm not sure yet.  Open to suggestions!

So many amazing places to go...are you considering any particular areas?
I'm thinking maybe Spain or Italy.  Or Japan.  Never been to any of them and would love to go.

I did three weeks solo in Spain in May. Masks were still required in public transportation  but most people were not masking anywhere else except pharmacies (required) and grocery stores. It was not crowded in the smaller cities but Madrid was insane (I’ve been before so speaking from experience). Depending on what kind of traveler you are, that can be good or bad. I prefer shoulder season travel because I try to avoid the crowds, so it wasn’t my cup of tea but I wasn’t in Madrid long. They’re also having intense drought and heat waves right now that have caused some wildfires, so just make sure to check local weather before making any decisions if you’re planning on going this summer.

If you give some idea of what region you’re interested in and what you like to do when you travel, I can give specific recommendations for cities and must-see/do. I’ve been just about everywhere except the far western region  along Portugal.

Spanish people are lovely, and they are very eager to help you improve your Spanish (with lots of encouragement!). Don’t expect to be immediately addressed in English except in very touristy establishments. Even a little Spanish helps a lot, and I would have a translation app that works offline if you’re planning to go outside the major cities. I love Spain. I’ve always felt very safe there (with normal solo female traveler precautions), and it has a little bit of everything I love in a travel destination.

That said - I would definitely encourage you to avoid summer travel if you have the option to delay until after school starts again. The loosening of guidelines means more people are taking their delayed trips now.. The crowds in Madrid were very large, skewed young, and ready to party. If MTV Spring Break is your ideal vibe, I guess you would enjoy it. If not, wait until late September.

4tify

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2022, 10:36:15 AM »
All good advice, appreciate you much.

4tify, I'm not sure yet.  Open to suggestions!

So many amazing places to go...are you considering any particular areas?
I'm thinking maybe Spain or Italy.  Or Japan.  Never been to any of them and would love to go.

That said - I would definitely encourage you to avoid summer travel if you have the option to delay until after school starts again. The loosening of guidelines means more people are taking their delayed trips now.. The crowds in Madrid were very large, skewed young, and ready to party. If MTV Spring Break is your ideal vibe, I guess you would enjoy it. If not, wait until late September.

I agree waiting a bit will be useful, esp to Europe. And the weather may cool a bit.

I did the Camino del Norte last year and it was awesome. Great way to travel and outdoors all day so Covid is less of a concern. All of Spain is terrific though and very easy for solo travelers to navigate (though some basic Spanish is necessary as @GoConfidently mentioned. Sevilla and Barcelona are way better than Madrid IMO.

Italy is going to present the same issues with heat and language, but also a great country. Venice doesn’t require more than a couple days, Florence is wonderful along with regional Tuscan towns, Rome is huge and busy with so much to see, Sicily lovely for Mediterranean chill vibes.

Haven’t been to Japan yet but it’s on my list!

expatartist

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2022, 04:40:05 PM »
Currently traveling in Europe. Have had delays and travel hiccups several times. Luggage lost at Charles de Gaulle. Airports can't cope with all the travellers and pretend covid is over while it continues to create repercussions on staffing. If coming here, best to wait til shoulder season. There will likely be more masking mandates but more space and availability for travel.

GoConfidently

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2022, 06:50:25 PM »
All good advice, appreciate you much.

4tify, I'm not sure yet.  Open to suggestions!

So many amazing places to go...are you considering any particular areas?
I'm thinking maybe Spain or Italy.  Or Japan.  Never been to any of them and would love to go.

That said - I would definitely encourage you to avoid summer travel if you have the option to delay until after school starts again. The loosening of guidelines means more people are taking their delayed trips now.. The crowds in Madrid were very large, skewed young, and ready to party. If MTV Spring Break is your ideal vibe, I guess you would enjoy it. If not, wait until late September.

I agree waiting a bit will be useful, esp to Europe. And the weather may cool a bit.

I did the Camino del Norte last year and it was awesome. Great way to travel and outdoors all day so Covid is less of a concern. All of Spain is terrific though and very easy for solo travelers to navigate (though some basic Spanish is necessary as @GoConfidently mentioned. Sevilla and Barcelona are way better than Madrid IMO.

Italy is going to present the same issues with heat and language, but also a great country. Venice doesn’t require more than a couple days, Florence is wonderful along with regional Tuscan towns, Rome is huge and busy with so much to see, Sicily lovely for Mediterranean chill vibes.

Haven’t been to Japan yet but it’s on my list!

I did the Camino Primitivo in May and loved it. Definitely a great way to travel, especially on a budget!

Libertea

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2022, 08:26:07 PM »
Thank you all.  I'm not going to be ready to go on this kind of trip right now during the summer anyway, but I will keep that timing in mind for the future.  And....I will pass on the parties in Madrid since I think I'm pretty well past that point in my life.  The good news is that I do speak Spanish, which definitely would make visiting Spain much easier than Italy or Japan since I don't speak Italian (which is at least somewhat similar!) or Japanese (not similar at all).

I love the idea of doing one of the caminos - can those of you who did one tell me more about how you picked which one to do and how you handled the logistics?  Also, did any of you cycle?  I see that cycling seems to be an option for some of the routes.

JoJo

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2022, 08:33:57 PM »
I'm doing the most famous one, the Frances.  It's a little under 500 miles, plus I plan to do the additional walk to the coast if I have the time/energy.  I plan to do it in about 45 days.   You do have to consider the timing, many of the hostels close in November for the winter.  Lots and lots of info, books, apps, etc.  There is a big forum you will find if you google "camino de santiago forum" and includes downloadable guides/info. 

Libertea

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2022, 08:48:06 PM »
I'm doing the most famous one, the Frances.  It's a little under 500 miles, plus I plan to do the additional walk to the coast if I have the time/energy.  I plan to do it in about 45 days.   You do have to consider the timing, many of the hostels close in November for the winter.  Lots and lots of info, books, apps, etc.  There is a big forum you will find if you google "camino de santiago forum" and includes downloadable guides/info.
Haha, that is the one I was just looking at since it seems to be the "classic" one to do.  And I like the idea of the coast walk extension.  So basically it would be a 6-7 week trip, which sounds pretty amazing.  When are you going? 

lemanfan

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #15 on: July 07, 2022, 10:04:59 PM »
I'm sure you know this already, but Japan is still hard to get in to as a tourist as far as I understand.  Check details before planning.  Lovely country though, at least according to my more than twenty year old memories.

For Europe, do note that most people here have their famous 4-5 week vacations in either July or August, so those are usually crowded months everywhere.  If you can stretch your plans to September, things are easier. 

For my own country, Sweden, all restrictions and mask recommendations are lifted to the best of my knowledge. This includes entry requirements for non-EU folks - you're welcome to visit.  Also, almost everyone speaks good enough English for you to get by here in the grim north.  :)

JoJo

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #16 on: July 08, 2022, 05:37:05 AM »
I'm starting the Camino mid-Sept. 

4tify

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #17 on: July 08, 2022, 11:41:30 AM »
I booked a trip through caminoways.com. Very convenient as they sent my carry-on ahead to each hotel. I didn’t do hostels due to Covid but it was still very affordable.

The Norte is the hardest with a good amount of climbing. I only saw a couple bikers, probably due to lots of inclines. But it was great being on the coast in August. Perfect weather. I don’t think you can go wrong on any of the routes. Also I only had 2 weeks since I was still working so only did half the route, ie you don’t have to do the whole thing.

Now I want to do a trail in Ireland. Anybody done that?

Libertea

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #18 on: July 09, 2022, 06:05:01 PM »
I booked a trip through caminoways.com. Very convenient as they sent my carry-on ahead to each hotel. I didn’t do hostels due to Covid but it was still very affordable.

The Norte is the hardest with a good amount of climbing. I only saw a couple bikers, probably due to lots of inclines. But it was great being on the coast in August. Perfect weather. I don’t think you can go wrong on any of the routes. Also I only had 2 weeks since I was still working so only did half the route, ie you don’t have to do the whole thing.

Now I want to do a trail in Ireland. Anybody done that?
No, but Ireland is on my list of places to visit too, so please tell us if you find a good one there!

I saw that site online, and they do seem to have tons of options.  I personally would choose to walk if I were going alone.  But now that he's convinced I'm serious about doing this, suddenly my partner doesn't want to be left behind, and he's a cyclist.  So now my solo walking pilgrimage in Spain may end up being converted into a cycling trip for two in Italy.  lol.

In all seriousness, I think I will ultimately do both (i.e., the solo trip and the cycling trip with him).  So many cool places to go, so limited a lifespan....

4tify

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #19 on: July 10, 2022, 11:19:47 AM »
I booked a trip through caminoways.com. Very convenient as they sent my carry-on ahead to each hotel. I didn’t do hostels due to Covid but it was still very affordable.

The Norte is the hardest with a good amount of climbing. I only saw a couple bikers, probably due to lots of inclines. But it was great being on the coast in August. Perfect weather. I don’t think you can go wrong on any of the routes. Also I only had 2 weeks since I was still working so only did half the route, ie you don’t have to do the whole thing.

Now I want to do a trail in Ireland. Anybody done that?
No, but Ireland is on my list of places to visit too, so please tell us if you find a good one there!

I saw that site online, and they do seem to have tons of options.  I personally would choose to walk if I were going alone.  But now that he's convinced I'm serious about doing this, suddenly my partner doesn't want to be left behind, and he's a cyclist.  So now my solo walking pilgrimage in Spain may end up being converted into a cycling trip for two in Italy.  lol.

In all seriousness, I think I will ultimately do both (i.e., the solo trip and the cycling trip with him).  So many cool places to go, so limited a lifespan....

Good problem to have! 😁

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #20 on: July 10, 2022, 12:11:43 PM »
I'm sure you know this already, but Japan is still hard to get in to as a tourist as far as I understand.  Check details before planning.  Lovely country though, at least according to my more than twenty year old memories.

For Europe, do note that most people here have their famous 4-5 week vacations in either July or August, so those are usually crowded months everywhere.  If you can stretch your plans to September, things are easier. 

For my own country, Sweden, all restrictions and mask recommendations are lifted to the best of my knowledge. This includes entry requirements for non-EU folks - you're welcome to visit.  Also, almost everyone speaks good enough English for you to get by here in the grim north.  :)

Japan is basically impossible to get into as a tourist. I'm going through work, and even the visa process for a several day trip is a multi hour adventure with many, many steps that require certified invitation letters from my company, etc. It's a real PITA. They may drop the visa requirement before end of year (fingers crossed, as I'll have to go back before then), but unlikely they will open up to tourism any time soon.

dandarc

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #21 on: July 10, 2022, 01:05:33 PM »
I'm sure you know this already, but Japan is still hard to get in to as a tourist as far as I understand.  Check details before planning.  Lovely country though, at least according to my more than twenty year old memories.

For Europe, do note that most people here have their famous 4-5 week vacations in either July or August, so those are usually crowded months everywhere.  If you can stretch your plans to September, things are easier. 

For my own country, Sweden, all restrictions and mask recommendations are lifted to the best of my knowledge. This includes entry requirements for non-EU folks - you're welcome to visit.  Also, almost everyone speaks good enough English for you to get by here in the grim north.  :)

Japan is basically impossible to get into as a tourist. I'm going through work, and even the visa process for a several day trip is a multi hour adventure with many, many steps that require certified invitation letters from my company, etc. It's a real PITA. They may drop the visa requirement before end of year (fingers crossed, as I'll have to go back before then), but unlikely they will open up to tourism any time soon.
The news says you can get in to Japan as part of a group tour but that's crazy expensive - more so even than usual because it is so limited. Also not how we like to travel so we pushed our 10th anniversary trip to become an 11th anniversary trip (bonus that wife's school is done now so we can be in Japan on the actual day next year). Not looking forward to doing that again - booking award flights & hotels means minimal cost to book / cancel & rebook, but still quite a hassle and that's without even actually trying to get a visa or anything. On the other hand our 10th anniversary trip to Georgia mountains was a very good one, so that worked out for us.

Shane

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #22 on: July 10, 2022, 01:28:16 PM »
Once Japan opens back up again to tourism, there's a pilgrimage trail around the southern island of Shikoku that friends have recommended. Haven't walked it myself yet, but hope to someday. Pilgrims sleep overnight in temples along the way.

Pilgrimage on Shikoku Island

sui generis

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Re: Solo Travel in the COVID Era
« Reply #23 on: July 24, 2022, 06:59:45 PM »
I wouldn't worry about language in Japan, if you go there.  Although the older folks didn't learn English the same way the younger folks are, there are so many good accommodations for language, signage and friendly people I never felt stymied in the slightest (obviously, assuming any good traveler will learn and practice a few basics for courtesy and do their best out of both politeness and genuine interest).

I did one solo trip this year, my first since the pandemic and after being a competent and happy solo traveler for many years, and I was a bit disappointed.  Maybe it was still the kinks being worked out or whatever, but I always found one of the great things about solo travel being the flexibility to just jump in on anything that was happening in any given locale and enjoy the top sights, adventures, etc. That was not the case for me this spring.  I had tons of time and would have jumped in on any day tours, events, anything that was happening that day, the next day, 4 days from now....and everything was either fully booked or needed at least 2 people to happen.  I can understand small guiding companies and concessionaires having a hard time taking risks as travel was resuming and only doing activities that were booked well in advance with large groups.  The previous years had surely been a financial disaster.  But I'll just say that the result for the solo traveler is a real lack of ability for the same sort of spontaneity I used to enjoy when I showed up in a random town in, say, SE Asia or Latin America.

I managed not to catch COVID so far on any of my travels (I've done other non-solo stuff) and I'm grateful I avoided it while restrictions were in place at home and abroad.  While in Portugal, we would have had to email the ministry of health to obtain a clearance letter before we could travel home and it sounded like those were hard to come by since they were (surprise, surprise) inundated by foreigners with COVID.  But as a vaxxed person, it is now feeling just like any risk of getting sick abroad and the adapatbility you need to deal with it.