Pandemic Travel: Guide To Stressing Out

The pandemic is not a traveller’s best friend. This pandemic has changed the way we travel. There are debates on whether we’ve become more conscious travellers, but after the struggle I had planning a trip how I would have liked pre-pandemic, I’m siding more with the opinion that maybe instead of being more conscious travellers, we are giving into the resort lifestyle trip.

I’m sorry to say it, but that’s the easiest type of trip to plan, booking an all-inclusive resort. Even then, there are many aspects we need to consider before jumping on a plane during a pandemic. Maybe we still need travel agencies… maybe they’re going to have a financial comeback? I would’ve succumbed to one after spending a decade planning solo trips.

My quick guide to being stressed while travelling in a pandemic:

Have a pandemic
Don’t leave your country of birth for 2 years
Decide to travel during the pandemic
Move country for a few months

Here’s a guide to ‘What’s Going To Stress You Out While Trying To Travel In The Pandemic, But I Promise It’s Worth It.’

Booking flights during the pandemic was a thrill, everything was dictated by the traffic light system. The aim of the game was choosing where to go and making sure you'd be allowed in. USA was the original plan, but unfortunately they weren't letting UK citizens enter the country. Sorry for missing your wedding Hannah and Markus. I had the time booked off work already and the traveller in me was too keen to see the travel through, even if it would have to be a different location.

I thought Europe would have been the easiest choice, but it was harder to choose as we all know I love to travel as if I’m broke. Those are the best experiences, meeting people in hostels, working random jobs and seeing where the day takes you. I decided to see family after years and as soon as Kenya was off the UK traffic light red list, I booked my tickets, 5 days before the flight. And I hadn’t given a second thought that it was the first chartered flight since the restriction was lifted. We were at full capacity! Yes people, my hand luggage went into hold.

Pandemic Paperwork

The paperwork was rushed and I didn’t have a choice, the compulsory negative PCR test was the main reason why I felt as if everything hung in the balance. I was so sure my test would be negative, yet you need the time to make sure you’ve met every deadline. The documents you need are dependent on the country you’re flying to.

For Kenya, this is the list I had prepared. The below needed to be shown before they even let me through the security check at Heathrow

Documents

NHS Covid Pass – Double Vaccination Proof Confirmation

Download the NHS app and fill in your details to receive a QR code. This code will be scanned when you arrive at the airport. I also requested a printed letter version sent by my GP surgery, make sure to leave 3-4 days for this to arrive.

PCR – Fit To Fly – Negative

If you have time and you want the cheapest option, then you can book yours at Heathrow Airport two days before your flight (lookout requirements on timing).

I booked mine at my local pharmacy. Called up, booked the test, arrived and paid for next day results as I had time. This cost around £70. It would be more for same day results. I received an email the next day with my negative results and the form/QR code to print and present at the airport. Take your passport and flight details.

Visa – Kenyan e-visa

Quick online process which cost me £50 for an e-visa to Kenya. You do need to upload your passport copy, information about accommodation and proof of where you are staying.

Insurance

Cost me £145 to cover me for two months and includes certain clauses around Covid. Make sure you read the policy details as not every occurrence is covered.

NHS Vaccinations List (Yellow Fever Jab)

Not a need to have. I couldn’t find my yellow booklet showing proof so I printed my entire list of vaccinations, which I’ve done in the past to have an easily accessible record in case anything happens abroad.

Kenya Ministry of Health QR Code – International Traveller’s Surveillance Form

Kenya requires extra health information, confirmation your test is negative, that you’re vaccinated and further information.

Letter of Invitation by Host

Specifically for this visa, I needed my family to write a letter with a header, stating their passport details and mine, the dates of my stay, the activities while I stayed and a signature.