World Travel Expert, Tammy Levent, Shares Safety Facts & Strategic Advice for Travelers
By: Tammy Levent, CEO of Elite Travel and founder of TASK™
The coronavirus causes respiratory disease in those who contract it. The first case was found in Wuhan, China. As of March 4th, there are over 93,000 cases found globally.
The World Health Organization states that if you’re not in an area where the coronavirus is spreading, haven’t recently traveled to an where there are known cases of the virus, or haven’t been in close contact with someone who is showing symptoms of the virus, then your chances of contracting the virus is low.
If the CDC or World Health Organization has put out a “do not travel” elevated warning, then do not travel there. If they say do not go to China, obviously you are not going to go to China even if it means having to miss your business trip. Your health is more important.
To keep track of the virus, you should monitor news updates and travel alerts regularly but be pragmatic and avoid making rash decisions. If your vacation is more than a month away, I would say waiting to cancel your flight may be the best move. There is no need to panic, things may be different in a month. You can always change the date for a later time. When booking flights, either online or with a travel professional make sure to ask about cancellation policies. When I travel, I get “cancel for any reason” and “medical insurance” to cover me if something happens overseas.
No matter when or where you are traveling, basic hygiene is the best means of prevention. Wash your hands with soap and water several times a day, especially before eating. Avoid touching your face or putting your hands in your mouth. If flying, be smart, wear a face mask when in close quarters.
I always take sanitizing wipes with me on airplanes and the first thing I do is wipe down the seat in front of me, the tray table, the headrest, armrest and seat belt. Another major thing that can help prevent sickness when flying is shutting off your ventilation on your overhead. I have been doing this for years.
Never put your suitcase or purse on your pillow. Think of all the places your purse and luggage have been! They touch the bathroom floor, the airport floor, the street, and the pavement. It’s just not sanitary!
The big question surrounding the coronavirus is “Should you cancel your upcoming trip?” Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The decision depends on when and where you are traveling and what your current health condition is. Discuss health concerns with your doctor and use qualified resources for information like The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
ABOUT TAMMY LEVENT
National TV Travel correspondent, Tammy Levent is the CEO of Elite Travel, an award-winning national travel agency named the fastest-growing and most trusted in the nation and she is also the founder of TASK™ (The Travel Agent’s Success Kit) a business that helps struggling travel agencies successfully adapt to this new age of travel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Travelers & Consumers Should Visit: http://elitetravelgroup.net
- Travel Agents Should Visit: http://travelagentsuccesskit.com
