The Corona virus has become the hottest topic in global news and has caused travellers everywhere a great deal of consternation. However, the fact remains that a lot of the world remains safe to visit especially if the following tips are taken into considerations

What Is Coronavirus?

First, what exactly is Coronavirus? It’s a strain of the virus that comprises such respiratory illnesses as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This year’s novel Coronavirus is termed COVID-19 and is believed to have originated in the Hubei province of mainland China, in the city of Wuhan. It is a highly infectious disease with cold-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, cough, and a runny nose. Since it first came to recognition in January, the disease has spread across much of Asia and the rest of the world, affecting countries such as Japan, South Korea, Italy, the United States, and Iran. This has resulted in travel restrictions or travel advisories in many locations, though many more are still viable for travel.

Castle Combe Village

Avoiding busy tourist attractions at peak times and exploring more ‘off the beaten track’ locations away from the crowds

How to Travel Safely During The Coronavirus Outbreak?

Firstly, if you have been to any area which has been severely affected, be sure not to travel until you are without a doubt unaffected by the virus. This level of consciousness is necessary to keep the spread of the infection to the minimum. If you haven’t, then following these tips will help keep you safe on your travels!

Perhaps the safest way to travel is utilising private tours and thus avoiding crowds on buses/trains. 

Tip 1: Get All Your Vaccines

While this may seem obvious, it’s important to make sure that you’ve got all your vaccines before beginning your travel. In order to find out what shots you’ll need before you go, check the CDC’s website for health information. Making sure you’re protected from as many preventable illnesses as possible is key to keeping your immune system strong.

Bring Disinfecting Wipes

Some of the worst outbreaks have been seen in locations with close contacts, such as the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, which remains anchored just outside of Tokyo. If you’re also traveling amongst many other passengers, such as on a plane, be sure to keep your area clean. Bring and antibacterial wipes and clean your area when you arrive. This includes wiping your armrests, cupholders, tray tables and any area that you’ll be occupying.

Keep Your Hands Clean 

Doctors have ruled facemasks as ineffective, washing your hands is the most important way of preventing the spread of Coronavirus. If you’re traveling somewhere where you won’t frequently be able to wash your hands, bring hand sanitizer instead and use it frequently. Remember the length of time washing your hands is important – you should be able to sing ‘happy birthday’ twice in the time it takes to wash your hands properly.

In this same vein, keep your hands off your face, and away from your mouth and eyes. These are the higher risk areas for you to get an infection.

Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a necessity! Some US credit card companies will offer free travel insurance but you need to check and if not you’ll need to purchase travel insurance if confirmed cases of the virus begin popping up and spreading in your country of travel.

This tip also extends to refundable travel, such as train tickets, hotels, and tours. While it may cost more upfront to book, the flexibility of having refundable travel plans can pay off big in case of cancellation

Go Private! 

Health experts have warned that the virus spreads via community contact, which means you should stay away from crowded places as much as possible. This minimizes your exposure to sick people. Of course, tourist attractions do tend to attract crowds, but you should still be able to visit during off-peak periods when visitors are low. Why not book private tours at less busy times? In the UK this may mean avoiding busy London monuments like The Eye, and perhaps focusing on more rural attractions – in which the UK proliferates.

No More Handshake

As mentioned, the virus is spread from close contact, so it is best to avoid direct contact as much as possible. Despite the importance of manners, the world over, for the time being the handshake is not the best idea. In the current climate, there is no chance of offending anyone and if you really need to greet someone, why not try the Wuhan shake – tapping elbows instead!

Although it is natural to feel concern in this period as a traveller, following the advice above is a sure-fire way to keep yourself as safe as possible. As long as you are conscious and cautious, travelling to largely unaffected areas should be safe and as fun as ever. It is simply a matter of taking care of yourself.

Coronavirus – is it safe to travel to London and visit Stonehenge? Click here

Due to the Carona Virus pandemic, the demand for customised guided tours is increasing rapidly. There is never a better time to book a private Stonehenge tour! Click here

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Stonehenge Guided Tours
Operating Stonehenge Access Tours Since 1990
www.StonehengeTours.com

Concerns over the new Coronavirus are sweeping the globe – with cases reaching European shores people are beginning to wonder if it is still safe to travel across Europe, particularly the UK. The answer is an unequivocal yes. Of all the globes 81,229 cases, 13 are in the UK, 0.016% of the global cases.

As things stand there is very little reason to be concerned about Coronavirus – pack a facemask if it gives you peace of mind but at the moment there is no need

As things stand there is very little reason to be concerned about Coronavirus – pack a facemask (we recommend a unicorn mask) if it gives you peace of mind but at the moment there is no need

There are many reasons not to be too concerned about the coronavirus, as long as you are considerate of the symptoms and the badly effected areas. Currently, the most deeply effected countries are China (which has the vast majority of the cases), South Korea and Iran. Italy, especially northern Italy, has the most cases in Europe. So firstly, one way to ensure safe travel to the UK for everyone is to be considerate if you have travelled to any badly effected area. If you have been to these places and are experiencing flu like symptoms, quarantine yourself and even if not, it is probably best not to travel until you are certain. This is sensible practice when dealing with infectious diseases globally and will help continue to keep places like the UK safe to travel for others.

If you have not been anywhere near badly effected areas, then you are good to go! If you are still concerned however, there are a few things that could ease your mind. Less than 1% of those tested so far in the UK have tested positive for the virus (and these are people coming back from badly effected areas). The government have released statements saying the risk to individuals is low and that they are ‘well prepared’ to deal with the virus. They have been given special powers to quarantine anyone suspected of having the virus so the risk if spread is still low. Furthermore, even the worst effected country in Europe (Italy with 165 cases) has yet to close its borders with neighbouring countries. If you are still in need of some more peace of mind, then perhaps some statistics might help you, you are roughly five times more likely to win the lottery* than contract coronavirus, you are 4,483 time more likely to be hit by a car. You have roughly the same chances of being struck by lightning – probably not something that deters tourists often!

There are further precautions you can take as a tourist if coronavirus fears are still troubling you.  Why not avoid the crowds by booking a private tour? Away from crowded coaches and try travelling more rurally, away from the cities. There are hundreds of sequestered yet historically significant sites around the UK, with many an expert willing to take small groups around – avoiding the masses! (With Brexit weakening the pound and coronavirus fears thinning crowds, it’s probably the best time to visit anyway)

All of our private custom tours include optional face masks and Hygienic Alcohol Hand Sanitiser on board

As things stand there is very little reason to be concerned about Coronavirus – pack a facemask if it gives you peace of mind but at the moment there is no need. Just wash your hands regularly and dispose of your used tissues…. and enjoy your trip to the UK!

*Chance of matching 5 numbers.

10th MARCH 2020 CORONA VIRUS UPDATE – CLICK HERE

Email the Stonehenge experts today and book a Stonehenge tour!

Stonehenge Guided Tours
Operating Stonehenge Access Tours Since 1990
www.StonehengeTours.com