In the year of the pandemic, the term “travel pods” has come into its own. Basically, it’s the latest travel trend which allows folks to go somewhere outside of those same four walls while minimizing the risks you may think of when thinking group travel. So what is a Travel Pod? In a nutshell, it is two or more households who have been quarantining and taking the necessary precautions. You trust each other, have been discussing how you and yours have been holed up for the most part. Perhaps you venture out occasionally… but when you do, you are listening to the scientists. You wear your mask, keep 6 feet away from others, wash your hands frequently, all the protocols we’ve been hearing about for what is it… 9 months now???? Can you believe it will soon be a year of this? It appears that there’s a light at the end of this very long tunnel however, and inquiries for travel are increasing significantly.
Virtuoso conducted a poll over the summer and the results indicated that 79% of respondents would venture out in travel pods. Nature and adventure and/or sports focused trips rank highest. Think hiking/trekking/walking & cycling. Private villas and residences, chartering boats, buying out small hotels, arranging guided tours, and staying in national parks are still wildly popular during Covid.
It’s no wonder people are stir crazy and in need of a change of view! 9 months and counting! The idea here is that the traveling households agree to follow a set of protocols when they are together.
Before embarking on a “Travel Pod” vacay, be sure to set some rules and do some research.
- Check with the CDC to make sure you should be traveling ‘there’ at all
- Do you trust that your fellow travelers will be honest both before, during and after the trip?
- Establish rules i.e. frequent handwashing, wearing masks, social contacts outside of the pod, quarantine rules before the trip, Covid-19 testing, etc.
Traveling during this time is not for the faint of heart & is not for everyone. But the bottom line is that there are ways to travel responsibly. If you are comfortable and ready, go for it. But exercise prudence and do your research.
Below is an article from Lonely Planet on Travel Pods
