The new Coronavirus pandemic is already a reality in Brazil. Several states and cities are taking measures to isolate themselves in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. Therefore, many people need to travel, which could be to return home, after a work trip or to be close to family in these difficult times.

Traveling responsibly can be safe if all health protocols are followed. It may be less dangerous than meeting friends at a corner bar or going to a party. Each person will have their own time to think about traveling again and everyone will need to review their choices, so that tourism can be carried out safely.

The suspicion of many countries is that they will start to see Brazilian tourists in a different way and added to a crisis that is economic or caused by the pandemic. This should make isolation tourism gain more strength in the coming months in our country. The preferred transport will be your own cars, rented ones or even motorhomes. 

The destination may also undergo some changes, giving space to boutique hotels, chalets or houses that are for seasonal rentals, but which are private, with minimal contact with the outside world and people will go, more towards places that can offer a infrastructure, which is the most complete, for visitors to make their own food and tidy up the place.

The safest way to travel

Even traveling during a pandemic, with a smaller number of passengers, precautionary measures must also be taken, such as hand hygiene for travelers and which must be mandatory for everyone, washing with soap and water and using alcohol gel 70% in the absence of hand washing and the use of masks at all times.

Like everything involving the Coronavirus, the answer to whether it is safe to travel now is not that simple. Many airlines tend to resume their flights. There is a great concern when traveling by plane, which concerns air circulation inside an aircraft and face-to-face conversations, which are the main spreaders of transmission of this virus.

Surfaces such as seats, doors, door handles and others are true sources of contagion, which may require extra care in terms of hygiene and on flights during the pandemic. According to the WHO, which has already released a series of recommendations, the ideal is that in times of pandemic, international travel should be avoided, unless it is extremely necessary.

These trips may be related to humanitarian actions, professional trips and repatriation actions. The preference at this time should be for the closest destinations and avoiding a plane trip. The car at this moment is the safest means of transport and care must be taken to sanitize its surfaces, which can be touched.

Care when choosing a destination 

When choosing the location for their trip, travelers should seek information about the pandemic situation in the region. The best option is to choose places that have a falling contagion curve or prefer destinations that are further away, that have open-air leisure activities, with less chance of crowds and avoiding the beaches.

When deciding which hotel or inn to stay at, also try to find out about all the precautions that a particular establishment is taking, so that crowds are avoided, as well as hygiene in the rooms and in communal areas. See reviews from other guests.

Check whether 70% alcohol gel is available at the establishment in its different locations, in addition to finding out whether they are working with a capacity that is reduced in the number of rooms. Remember that the advice of doctors and infectious disease specialists is to always wear a mask, even in a car or if traveling by plane.

However, accommodations are adapting to this new challenge in the tourism sector, by taking all safety and hygiene measures to ensure peace of mind and comfort for their guests. Travelers must choose the best hotels to stay in during the pandemic very carefully.

Some important tips are to look for hotels with more flexibility, in case of cancellation or any changes. Check the hotel website for all information about the measures in relation to COVID-19, which could be monitored cleaning or whether there are several hygiene inspections. Use and abuse technology to avoid human contact.

The reopening of tourist destinations in Brazil   

As the Coronavirus contagion curve falls, more destinations are reopening. A gradual reopening of tourist activities is taking place. The reopening of domestic tourism is happening little by little and with intense concern about maintaining safety in anticipation of a “new normal” that will be post-pandemic.

Many cities have already developed many safety protocols, reducing the capacity of their hotels, sanitary barriers and measuring body temperature. Each city in Brazil or region is free to stipulate its travel restrictions, which are reflected in its local tourism. Travelers should always check a city's website to find out all the information.

Make a plan to travel later and always be aware of all restrictions or safety measures when traveling. Always focus on flexibility when planning your trip for 2021 and especially if you are going abroad. In times of pandemic, information should never be left aside for a good trip.