Tabassum gives us invaluable tips for planning Eid vacation in the post-pandemic era. An exclusive for Different Truths.

Our lives changed after the pandemic. After the vaccination program and low rates of Covid-19 cases, people are going to vacations before and after the Eid festival. Especially in Bangladeshi resorts. We are getting used to the post-pandemic era. But it is not wise to think that the pandemic has been eliminated and we all have become Covid-19 resistant.

There is also a buzz about a new variant. We need vacation, which needs to be carried out safely and comfortably.  It is important to follow some precautions for your vacation planning.

·         Research about your vacation destination spots is a must.

·         If you are taking a leave for a vacation, make sure that there are no pending work /assignments at your workplace.

·         If you and your companions have had two shots of vaccinations (best if you have booster) then prepare your mind for a vacation during Eid and don’t forget to carry the vaccination card with photocopies.

·         If you are vaccinated don’t feel too assured and give up following Covid-19 health guidelines.

·         If you and partners have morbidities make sure to consult a doctor before planning.

·         Save your family doctor’s number and notify the doctor that you are going for a vacation.

·         Make sure your family doctor is reachable in case of any emergency.

·         If you are going on a vacation with elderly ones (vaccinated), you might consider taking their medical information with them.

·         Choose your destination carefully. Gardens and beaches are safer than poorly ventilated rooms.

·         It is prudent to avoid densely packed overcrowded tourist spots.

·         Plan to make the vacation low stress and low key.

·         Consider choosing a familiar place, the place you have visited before. 

·         The place you have chosen, make sure to check the Covid cases rates in that area.

·         Check out whether the resort or the hotel can provide emergency medical service.

·         Note down emergency numbers like hospitals, ambulance service of your vacation spot.

·         Check the resort or the hotel’s Covid-19 protection facilities before you choose a one.

·         Make sure to make photocopies of your hotel or resort reservation papers, national ID.

·         Share your travel itinerary with your family and friends. Just in case if anything goes wrong during your vacation, you will have people at hand to help you out.

·         Don’t forget to pack masks, sanitisers, disinfectants, and a thermometer in your travel bag.

·         Whether it is plane, bus, train, public transport, you need to wear a mask. It is not negotiable.

·         Try to maintain distance from overcrowded places.

·         After reaching your hotel or resort use disinfectant on your keys, cell, watch and other metal objects.

·         Don’t forget to disinfect the bed, sofa if you feel unsatisfied about the sanitisation of the hotel and resort authority.

·         Use social media carefully. Be sensible and share appropriate information regarding the safety measures followed in the hotels or the resorts you are staying. Don’t forget to share whether the spot is overpopulated or not.

·         Be kind to the resort /hotel waiters, concierges, guides. The economy has faced a hit. Try to give them tips according to your affordability.

·         And don’t forget self-care.

The pandemic is not over. And there are new variants emerging. But we have vaccination and information. With an awareness and pre-caution, we can go for an overdue vacation and enjoy it profoundly.

The sense of irresponsibility and lack of awareness can turn our delight from vacation into a nightmare. All we need is a little bit of patience to get adjusted with post-pandemic era and enjoy the vacation we deserve.

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Tabassum Tahmina Shagufta Hussein

Tabassum Tahmina Shagufta Hussein is an aesthete from Dhaka, Bangladesh and MA holder in British and American literature. She is a poet from unheard voices that deals with the Rohingya Refugees, human rights, freedom of expression, typical human desires etc. A humanitarian freelance writer, her poems have appeared in literary magazines. She seeks beauty from the blade of grass to twinkling stars. Aestheticism is the essence of her existence.