Travelers are inherently a rebellious, hedonistic lot. Besides those who travel by necessity for work and family, the whole concept of going somewhere else for awhile is loved by those who value freedom and new sights. Therefore, it’s easy to see why travelers don’t necessarily *want* to heed warnings related to the coronavirus. But, at this point of the pandemic, it’s impossible to see any recreational reason to travel abroad.
Please, if you are a traveler abroad, it’s time to come home.
Please, if you are well and in your own country, it’s time to stay home.
Some of you currently abroad are already trying to get home and are having difficulties making arrangements. Others may be wondering what it will be like when you return. This is not a time for further delay. Would you rather be self-isolated (or sick) at home or a hotel abroad? Can you afford the latter? Do you know how to get to the clinic, or even say “clinic” in the local language? People at home are rooting for you to get back safely.
It’s not your choice anymore though. Get home as soon as possible or plan to shelter-in-place,,, abroad. The State Department issued on March 19, 2020 a Level 4 Travel Advisory which is simply, “Do Not Travel.” Well, there is a bit more to it than that. But U.S. citizens abroad are urged to get back to the U.S. or else hunker down indefinitely. I.N.D.E.F.I.N.I.T.E.L.Y.
Others of you are already at home and might not even think this travel ban, or this coronavirus itself, apply to you. You’re young, healthy and maybe even covered by your parents’ health insurance. That’s a terrific place to be, and you can keep it that way by staying away from crowds. While now is a fine time to explore the outdoors at a social distance, save the crowded trails, beaches and bar-scenes for another Spring Break. There’s a lot of unknowns about the virus at this time, but one thing we know for sure is that you’re less likely to get it and spread it if you self-isolate. See “An open letter to my peers partying on the beach” by Annika Olson at CNN.com for more.
But this isn’t just for Millennials or Zoomers or a certain demographic, this advice about staying isolated goes for all ages. Sure, some travelers and travel-photographers are drooling to visit empty spaces normally packed with tourists. But “drooling to visit” is a lot better than “dying to visit.”
Your trip can wait. That beach will still be there when the pandemic is not. You can have a decent dance party via Facetime. Let’s get home and stay home, stay healthy and get planning your next healthy activity.
Your voice matters!