Make Covid-19 swabs part of your pre-and post-travel checklist. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting tested one to three days before your flight and three to five days after your trip, and stay home for seven days. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full seven days.

That said, it's advisable to consistently check for updates on local recommendations or requirements, even if you’re travelling domestically by road.

Some destinations, such as Australia and Hong Kong, require a mandatory quarantine or self-isolation for arrivals, especially if you’re coming from a high-risk country. For example, quarantine in Hong Kong for one person (inclusive of meals) for 21 days can cost at least HKD10,080 (about RM5,259)—and this is ever-evolving.

To add on, ensure you’re eligible for free cancellations or refunds in case unforeseen delays or terminations happen to your bookings. Always keep an eye out for news updates and check with your airline on your flight schedules.

Which is the hospital nearest to you? Where are the testing centres within the vicinity of your accommodation? Are there any Covid-19 contact tracing apps or digital devices you’re required to use? How much is the cost of testing? More importantly, what are the local numbers to call just in case you need to contact your Embassy or High Commission?

A little research goes a long way. Get those details and keep them within reach!

Read more: People Will Travel Differently In 2021 — Here's How

Packing important everyday items is not sufficient as you also need to pack plenty of protection—and we don’t mean just a bountiful of medical-grade disposable masks and hand sanitisers. Be sure to include protective covers, a small medical kit, hand soap, gloves, visors, a disinfectant spray, disinfectant wipes, and a personal water bottle. It doesn't hurt to have more than just enough.

Depending on the type of surface and other external factors such as temperature, the live coronavirus can survive anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of days. Although it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s enough to make a person sick, you’d want to ensure you’re being as a responsible traveller.

Seal your rubbish (protective covers, gloves, masks, tissues, wipes, plastic wrappings, packaging) in proper trash bags and dispose of them in designated bins. Practise the ‘leave no trace’ principle.