How to Travel by Train After Lockdown

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world.

It's not going away anytime soon, so instead of restricting ourselves, we should be committed to leading a more cautionary life to keep those around us safe.

While heroes with gowns continue to save lives on the frontlines, many industries have been hit badly, especially travel. Overall travel bookings are down by 95%. 

However, a public health problem of this scale cannot be ignored.

Nations have enacted “stay at home” orders of varying strictness, airlines hotels have gone bankrupt, companies are laying off workers, and some hotels are now hospitals. 

When the pandemic has been brought under control, the world will be completely different in some ways, especially in the travel industry. 

In this article, we’ll cover essential safety tips for travel by train after lockdown.

But first, a quick recommendation. If you want to book a hotel, look at the TAJAWAL website to search by whatever criteria you prefer.

Tips for Safe Train Travel 

Book tickets in advance

The pandemic has changed ticketing. For your safety, it is mostly online now.

If you have to physically buy tickets, try to stay contactless, maintain your distance, and buy in advance to avoid getting stuck in a potentially crowded place. 

Avoid busy trains

According to the current situation, any crowded place is dangerous, including busy trains and stations.

Avoid traveling during peak hours; choose odd hours so that there is a minimal chance of getting stuck in a crowded car.

Save money

Railcards can save you money when traveling by train, and they typically remain valid for a long time.

As a result, you’ll have greater flexibility of when to travel and feel less pressure.

Avoid excessive luggage 

It’s always a good idea to keep your baggage to a minimum.

An excessive amount can be a physical burden when traveling by train and potentially cost you extra. 

Hands. Face. Space. 

Now, this is perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind right now.

Keep your hands sanitized, face washed, and distance from other passengers maintained to reduce the risk of getting sick.

These precautions are necessary not just to keep you safe but also to keep others around you out of harm's way. 

Keep those most vulnerable in mind, including the elderly and obese.

Remember that even healthy-looking people can be at high risk for COVID-19 due to health conditions you can’t see, such as diabetes.

Necessary precautions

COVID-19 and its variants continue to spread globally, and many regions are currently seeing a huge increase in cases.

Despite this, many of us have resumed travel in some measure. 

Instead of an immediate return to previous habits, practice safe alternatives during your journey and stay at your destination. 

Be considerate about where you stay and whether the place you are staying follows proper procedures. 

Some of us prefer air travel more than ground transportation, especially while visiting regional destinations that are not close to home. 

Be careful when you book your airline tickets online or while using car rentals. 

With spring in the northern hemisphere just around the corner, the percentage of people traveling is likely to increase; take expert advice before traveling in times like these. 

Trains offer both regional and long-distance routes. 

For the travelers who prefer trains or would rather nap, read, and take in the sights versus managing navigation and traffic, trains offer a good alternative. 

Essential guidelines for traveling by train: 

Before Travel 

• Stay up-to-date about travel conditions and restrictions. 
• If possible, get an e-pass/ e-ticket and make sure everything is in order. 
• Anticipate your needs. 
• Prepare for the trip with all your standard necessities. 

During Travel

• Minimize touching surfaces whenever possible. 
• Follow social distancing guidelines. 
• Sanitize or wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after using a public bathroom.
• Avoid buying food and water at the train station; keep everything with you instead. 

After Travel

• Sanitize your hands or wash them for at least 20 seconds. 
• Change the mask you wore during your travel and replace it with a fresh one. 
• Avoid crowds in the cafeterias or at your workplace. 

All these tips and tricks are to keep you safe on your train travel and make it easy and straightforward at the same time. 

Follow all the recommended public health advice to stay healthy, safe, and out of harm's way.

Other than that, keep traveling and exploring and have an incredible journey!

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This story is brought to you in partnership with tajawal.