Traveling during COVID-19

The truth about airport security and sanitation regulations regarding the global pandemic.

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Due to my brother's college application, me and my family were forced to travel to Spain this summer. We were all nervous about the outcomes of our trip, since we knew that although the situation had gotten better in Spain, COVID-19 was still a threat to all of us. I am assuming that by now, all of you know what COVID is, but just in case here it goes:

COVID-19 is a new virus believed to have come from bats in China. The primary transmission route is through person to person contact (coughing, sneezing...). It mostly affects a persons lungs and immune system. Make sure to note that, the first symptoms to appear are similar to those of a regular flu (fever, sore throat, headaches). Recovery from the disease varies from 2-4 weeks.

Alright now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's get to it.

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I wanted to write about my perspective on the safety measures applied by international airports because I believe it is important for all of you to know the truth from a travelers point of view.

Aside form the mandatory masks requirements and antibacterial gel, airports have arranged a series of norms to prevent any further cases.

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On first note, the minute you get into the airport, there are specific security staff ready to take your temperature.

Moreover, after you've checked-in your luggage, before you can proceed to the boarding gates, you are required to present a QR questionnaire scanned through your phone.

Afterwards, if you are feeling hungry, the restaurants and cafeterias provide you with individual plastic bags to cover your mask while you are eating, in order to be able to lay your mask on the table. Restaurants also apply the following phrase: "One table away keeps the doctors away". (1.5 meters in between each table) Last but not least, the menus are handed to you through a QR scan; meant to avoid any customer contact that could potentially lead to infection.

Likewise, around the airport, there are several disinfecting stations with antibacterial gel!

Once you are inside the plane, the use of masks remains mandatory and any drinks served are no longer poured into cups, but rather delivered in their original packaging.

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After traveling for the first time since the quarantine, I can honestly say that it does not feel the same. If anything you feel trapped during the entire trip! Wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time is anything but comfortable. Not to mention the paranoia you feel while being surrounded by others due to the fear of getting infected. This global pandemic has been a shock for us all. We've had to reshape our routines, traveling plans, reunions, studies... basically everything! It won't be easy, but my advice for all of you who feel like COVID-19 has stolen an entire year away from you... breathe. Remind yourself that this is your new normal (at least for a little while), and that you must make the most out of it. We've all learned that there are multiple of activities that we can do at home which can be fun and worthwhile. ;)