Things we discovered travelling post lockdown

Thanks for coming to read our post on ‘Things we discovered travelling post lockdown’.

As the date loomed near for the opening up of travel corridors from the UK to various destinations, we had a browse of where we might be able to go to for a week. For up to date guidance on travel check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website here.

After researching for hours we settled on driving to the Champagne Region of France. A total of 7 hours driving (including the Euro Tunnel) and we were greeted with an abundance of space, gorgeous weather and patchy internet (a blessing in disguise).

What did we learn from this first week away in the new normal?

Well, here’s a few things we discovered travelling post lockdown.

Check the rules in the Country you’re going to

Before we left for France we checked the Coronavirus incidence rate in the region we were travelling to. This can be quite easily found online. At the time of travel most areas of France were green (meaning low risk) but within the week of our return we’ve heard there’s been outbreaks so the situation is fluid and changing constantly.

It is also fairly easy to find out online what the rules are regarding social distancing and mask in different Countries. And when in doubt they encourage you to follow the rules of your home country. Quite often whilst we were away I had to pause and think ‘what would I do at home’?

Take masks

We had plenty of disposable masks with us but only one reusable mask each. This isn’t enough for a week long holiday even when you aren’t wearing them often. Check the washing instructions for your reusable masks before you go. I’ve just bought some that can be washed in a bowl of boiling water.

Be prepared for different approaches to Social Distancing

We found there to be very little social distancing in the area of France we visited. Their lockdown eased many weeks before the UK’s so it does feel to some extent that they’re just fed up with it. As I mentioned before, we just did what we’d do at home and kept our distance.

It can be extra confusing not understanding the language during a pandemic

I expect everyone knows how it feels to not be able to read signs or notices when abroad. Well, add in the fact that these signs and notices are now arguably more important than ever and it can be a bit confusing.

We just tried to understand them as best we could (our French is basic but we managed ok). If all else fails follow the pictures!

You can’t have enough hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes

I packed loads and used a lot of it. We cleaned high touch areas of our accommodation when we arrived, we washed/sanitised our hands before and after every trip out (and during) and were really conscious during meals or trips out to busier places. Our accommodation messaged us before hand to say that the property had been disinfected and they left plenty of hand wash in all bathrooms and hand sanitiser in the kitchen.

Be prepared for the rules on travel to change AT ANY TIME

Since our return from France there’s been a an announcement that those traveling from Spain to the UK must quarantine for 14 days on their return. This rule was announced and implemented within 24 hours.

Obviously, if this wasn’t something you’d consider it could throw up all sorts of issues with work, and plans when you get home. We have plans to travel but we are in a position where worst comes to the worst, we could easily isolate on our return.

Conclusion

Well, it’s undoubtedly different travelling during this time and there were many things we discovered travelling post lockdown.

However, if it’s our ‘new normal’ we’ll all have to get used to it to some extent. But, we didn’t feel it detracted from the fun of the holiday and we had an amazing time. Now for our next trip (and first post lockdown flight) to Tuscany later this week!

If you’d like to read more on this topic check out this post by MomKidLife on Travelling with kids in a Post Covid World here.

Looking for some hints and tips on how to keep kids happy when you’re away? Have a read of our guide here!