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How to Travel During a Pandemic
My Breaking ViewsTravel

How to Travel During a Pandemic

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Travel during a pandemic….

It has certainly been a very weird travel year for all of us. Like many others, 2020 was a year that many people had plans. Plans that many were unable to meet. As a travel blogger, I had many plans to explore the world. I had plans to travel to Bulgaria (to ski, which I did!), Jamacia (first time to go to the Caribbean), Italy (birthday plans – which I did happen and I’m yet to write about), Nigeria (still waiting for the Nigerian embassy to open), and Jordan. I know I would have done many other days trips around Europe but sadly like you, and many others around the world I wasn’t able to travel and see the world as I would’ve hoped.

This year, I have to admit that I’m quite hesitant to travel the world during a pandemic. Not only is the UK in their third lockdown, but there also seems to be a general scare or ‘travel bashing’ if anyone is seen travelling. I mean have you seen the reality stars that have travelled to Dubai for work?!

Anyone travelling during a pandemic is getting it. Particularly those travelling from the UK! I get it. The UK is experiencing this quite badly, especially compared to other countries in the world. However, I do want us to be prepared to travel once we do leave the lockdown so I have written a few steps on what can help…

A new way of travelling….

Travel during a pandemic

I think it’s obvious to say that travelling during a pandemic will be extremely different from what we once knew travelling to be. If you managed to travel last year in 2020, you will already know some of the points I’m about to make. Heck! You may even have some points to share. If you do, please be kind enough to share with us all!

Check your government travel advisory

Before you even begin to start travelling and planning your trip, check the status of your government travel advisory, and follow its advice. I know many are still doing their own thing when it comes to travel, but be careful! Things are changing every second of the day and I literally mean it when I say every second! Even if the status of a country is deemed to be “safe to travel” doesn’t mean it can’t change in a second!

Depending on where you’re returning from, your government may require you to quarantine on arrival. Again it may not be the case now, but as things are changing so rapidly I wouldn’t say don’t think it can change! So, if you cannot run the risk of extra costs. I would suggest staying at home for now.

You will certainly need to consider taking a COVID test….

I think this is a given. While many of us are waiting to receive a vaccination. We must understand that taking a test is essential to travel not only for your safety but for others around the world. Travelling while testing positive can only cause more and more lockdowns and worsen the pandemic.

Getting yourself tested for some countries is essential before you travel. I have heard some people have been denied at the border due to not obeying laws. Take a test and provide the evidence so you know you can travel with peace of mind. In the UK it is fairly easy to find a testing centre.

Consider Insurance when you are ready travel during a pandemic

This is more important than ever. Get insurance. I know some people in the past have played around with this but this is no longer a joke. Travelling is no longer just an escape it’s a danger zone that you enter at your own risk. Get a travel insurance quote from a Worldwide Insurance company. Not an unknown company. Be willing to spend for your own safety.

Go to countries that have the lowest numbers

Unlike the UK, many countries have been relatively unscathed by the COVID19 pandemic, at least for now. If a destination has few cases or a low death rate, the risk of catching the virus while there is hopefully quite low.

Whatever you do when travelling be mindful to avoid crowds. Consider activities like hiking and maybe camping (not really my thing but hey). Avoid eating out in busy restaurants, clubbing, bars, concerts and night clubs.

Cover up and hold a hygiene bag….

Please consider covering up and protecting yourself. When I did Italy for my birthday last year I carried a little hygiene bag. It had:

Travel during a pandemic

You may even want to carry your COVID19 test with you here. Taking the right precautions when travelling or deciding to travel during a pandemic can really help you have a much smoother travel experience.

Taking the right steps and measures to cover yourself are essential for your travels. It will help you make sure that you enjoy your trip. I hope the tips I’ve shared above are helpful and please please do share if you have any in the comments below.

See you soon.

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6 Amazing Things To Do In Italy, Milian
EuropeMy Breaking ViewsTravelTravel Tips

6 Amazing Things To Do In Italy, Milian

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Milan is a city in northern Italy, the capital of Lombardy, and the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. I did a cheeky weekend getaway with one of my best girls to Milian a few years ago.   

6 Amazing Things To Do In Italy, Milian

We arrived in Milan on a Friday ready for the weekend using Alitalia airlines. This airline was good because it allowed us to purchases cheaper tickets – being under 27 at the time. Worth having a look at their deals.

The hotel we stayed in was called Glam Milano and was pretty decent for the two nights we stayed in Milian. Below I have noted a few things you can get done in a weekend away in Italy, Milan.  

1.Sempione Park  

During the day we went to a beautiful park, called Sempione Park. I fell in love!

2.Terrazza Boscolo  

My friend suggested heading over for a drink and some food. Terrazza Boscolo is up on a roof terrace. Here you will be able to feel the wind in your hair and capture a view of the famous Milan Cathedral.  

italy milan

We were welcomed with a warm welcome and friendly service. Grab yourself an Aperol spritz and tuck into a few canapes.  

Aperol spritz and tuck into a few canapes.

3. Museo Nazionale Della Scienza e Della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci  

Head over to the largest science museum in Italy.  Here you will see so much art.  

Italy musem

4. Duomo di Milano  

Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini. The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete!!  

duomo di milano

5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II  

Italy is renowned for its shopping

You have to go to the most famous shopping mall! Italy is renowned for its shopping!  The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, Italy.  

italy

6. Take a Trip to Lake Como x  

Lake Como is in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, it’s an upscale resort area known for dramatic scenery.   It’s about two hours drive from Milan and is worth going for a late dinner.  

Italy trips

Hope you enjoyed my six amazing things to do in Italy, Milian. If you would like to keep up to date with my blog posts then don’t forget to subscribe.

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My Travel Bucket-list: Six Destinations
AfricaAsiaMy Breaking ViewsSouth AmericaTravel

My Travel Bucket-list: Six Destinations

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If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? I’m sure we could all now use a break from the bleak weather and the reports on COVID-19. I certainly could. Let’s think about things that we will enjoy after this pandemic is over?

I can tell you where I would love to be right now. Somewhere tropical, exotic, with a sweet cocktail – sex on the beach is my fave! As we are still under quarantine I would like to make it known to the world that I still want to travel, so have decided to write six destinations I would still like to visit once this pandemic is over.

1. Jamaica is a destination

Of course, Jamacia is going to be the first on the list. I had been hyping about this trip for over eight months, drinking protein shakes and hitting the gym daily! 

Six Destinations I Want to be In The World

Jamacia would have been my very first trip to the Caribbean Island and although, I won’t be going as I had planned. I do hope I can go someday in the future. 

2.Uganda 

I have a friend from Uganda (cough, cough) that has been promising to take me to Uganda since 2006!!!

Six Destinations I Want to be In The World

It’s a dream of mine to one day visit Uganda and visit Murchison Falls National Park. I have also planned that while I am there, I will cross over to Kenya and hit the safari one day. 

3.Greece

Some of you may be shocked to read this, especially after my ordeal in Greece, Athens.

Six Destinations I Want to be In The World

However, I will never let someone stop me from seeing the world. I would like to one day return to Santorini and visit the white buildings. 

4.Budapest

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve heard one bad thing about Budapest. Everyone I have spoken to only says good things.

Budapest world destinations

I know of people that have gone more than once – that’s how amazing it is! I want to visit the spas and see what everyone loves about the beautiful city. 

5.Brazil 

I have never been to South America, and I would love to one day visit that side of the world. Maybe catch a cheeky pic on the steps of Escadaria Selarón. It’s one of those destinations that is an absolute must.

Six Destinations I Want to be In The World

6.Jordan

It’s been a dream of mine to see more wonders of the world. I still have Jordan planned for later in the year, and if everything starts to calm down, I will be able to go. 

Six Destinations I Want to be In The World

There you have it six destinations I still want to see in the world. Hopefully, things do calm down, and we can continue to see the world. What about you? What destination would you like to go to after the pandemic ends? 

As I have never been to any of these countries. I have taken photos from google images.

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Coronavirus – Can I Still Travel?
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Coronavirus – Can I Still Travel?

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The coronavirus COVID-19 has affected over 100 countries and territories around the world, and many people I speak to daily are asking if they can still travel.

How harmful is coronavirus? According to World Meters, there are currently 105,905 cases, with 3,567 deaths in the world. This sadly seems to be rising by the minute.

What is Coronavirus?

A coronavirus is a type of virus. It was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.

Coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

What are the symptoms?

According to the BBC, coronavirus is a disease that generally starts as a fever, followed by a dry cough. After a week, it can then lead to shortness of breath, with some patients requiring hospital treatment.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. They are similar to those for much more common viruses, such as colds and flu.

Today I read that there are currently 206 cases in the UK, (where I am based) and despite the UK’s strategic response to the virus, I still feel a little bit anxious about travelling. However, I do think that with the right cautions and procedures, we can travel as long as we follow the right steps. Below I give you some quick tips on how to stay safe during the outbreak.

Before I share my tips, I would suggest reading in more detail via the BBC and the World Health Organization website. I won’t be able to cover everything, so please do bear this in mind.

How can you stay safe and travel during coronavirus outbreak

coronavirus tips on staying safe while travel

You have a basic understanding of what coronavirus is, and the symptoms. Now you want to know how you protect yourself when travelling?

1) Hygiene is Important

You must take your hygiene seriously. Wash your hands for more than 20 seconds. Make sure you are using a tissue to sneeze and cough. If you don’t have a tissue, then I would suggest coughing and sneezing in your sleeve.

If you are travelling, consider wiping down surfaces and carrying hand sanitiser. While travelling, you mustn’t be touching your face until you have washed your hands.

There are videos of how to wash your hands correctly – it might be worth watching.

2) Seek medical advice

If you do feel you have the symptoms mentioned above I would suggest seeking medical advice – for those in the UK, it is 111.

You may also want to seek medical advice if you have recently travelled to the following countries:

  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Tenerife – only the H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Italy

You may be advised to stay at home. I would take this very seriously; you don’t want to continue spreading the virus if you have caught it.

3) Stay informed

If you are travelling soon, or in the next few months, you must stay up-to-date with exactly what’s going on.

My suggestion would be to download apps such as BBC News, CNN and other news outlets so you can receive regular updates.

Staying informed will help you decide on whether you can still travel.

4) Avoid travelling to Wuhan

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that travel to China should be avoided if it not essential. The Chinese officials have closed travel to and from Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province.

If you must travel to China, the CDC encourages you first to discuss it with your doctor, avoid other people who are sick and avoid animals and animal markets.

5) Consider travel insurance

You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance or confirming what your insurance covers.

Please note if you’re visiting countries with several coronavirus cases and Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) has not officially warned anyone against travelling like they have with certain areas of Italy, you can not expect to be covered through insurance.

6) Stay Calm

It’s hard to say this, with the number of cases rising every day, but please try and stay calm. I know what it feels like to feel anxious when travelling, so I do appreciate your worries.

How I see it prevention is always better than cure and I do hope we can all continue to travel and stay safe in doing so.

coronavirus can i still travel

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Friends You Need Patience For When Travelling Abroad
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Friends You Need Patience For When Travelling Abroad

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The friends you go travelling with can literally make or break a trip! Here are a few examples of friends you need to have the patience for when travelling with them. 

– The friends that can’t take a good picture  

I mean girl come on, we need a friend that can break her back go on top of a mountain like because yeah, we require that excellent picture! Allow them friends that take a picture with their thumb in the right-hand corner or where you are bare blurry the person is just not needed! 

bad pictures taken by friend
Bad Picture

– The friends that don’t embrace a culture.  

Them ones that travel, but don’t know how to experience and live in the culture surrounding them. They complain about everything! It can be the weather, the fact that people are speaking another language around them or worse that they can’t stand the food!. FYI traveller – you are in another country – embrace what is around you or STAY AT HOME!

-The friends that need you to hold something for them – like every two seconds!

Oh my gosh! I can’t. I recently went away with someone, and they always needed me to put something in their bag. If it wasn’t that, then they wanted me to hold something. Now I think I wear my emotions on my face so this person could see this was getting on my nerves. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with holding something for someone here and there; every second can be extremely annoying!

friends that need you to hold something

– The friends that don’t do anything!

Lucky for me I haven’t yet been on holiday with anyone like that – tell a lie I have been with someone like this, and it can really ruin a holiday! I have a friend who went on holiday with someone that was basically terrified of going anywhere and basically ruined the holiday and can you believe we both had that experience when we went to Barcelona – I need to go back! 

friends that do nothing

-The friends that rush you to get ready 

Hunnie I am a black girl, and when I am on holiday I like to slay! I have a massive obsession with doing my face up – adding my eyelashes and just trying on a few outfits and planning how I am going to look! If you are rushing me, this gets me angry. Just don’t rush me but please don’t be the person that is always the very last to get ready that will get annoying when everyone’s still sitting around waiting for you.  

rushing to get ready

– The friends that rely on you for everything  

We can agree that if you are travelling with someone who plans or decides to do nothing that can be a hell of annoying! I have been on a few trips with people who rely on you for everything, and it can be incredibly frustrating. However, what I will say is at least you get to do everything you enjoy. 

-The friends who always need the toilet 

Look, I get it. I am someone who should always go to the toilet when I leave a location. But some people don’t have self-control! This person will slow you or the group down, and you don’t need this.  

toilet friend

– The friends that are always on social media  

I am very guilty of this so I can’t really talk – *wait yes, I can it’s my blog*  

Let’s face it when you are Instagramming, Facebooking, snap chatting, and whatever there is nowadays it can get very annoying! As I am very guilty of doing this, I think I have learnt that it is ok to take videos and pictures and whatever, but spend some time trying to enjoy the moment and then do all of that stuff letter.  

friends always on social media
social media

– The friends that are CHEAP

Now I know this isn’t me, so LISTEN and listen well!  

Please don’t go on holiday with stingy people and I mean people that are happy with you to pay for everything and they give you an I.O.U tab on your head. I’ve been on holiday with some CHEAP people and trust me it can hurt one’s soul! Let’s be real when you are on holiday you want to participate in activities and if you have a friend that doesn’t want to pay up you are going to be a little irritated trust me! 

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Indonesia Bali & Travelling Solo
My Breaking ViewsTravel

Indonesia Bali & Travelling Solo

By Posted on 2 702

When was the last time you travelled solo?

Travelling has become more and more popular in the last few years – particularly solo travelling.

I have to be honest and tell you that I’ve been travelling by myself for years but hadn’t said it publicly for fear of people saying I had no friends. Sad I know, but I remember a former friend commenting when I suggested going alone saying ‘you can’t go by yourself do you not have any friends?’

I was going for a friend’s wedding in Malaysia and it made sense for me to make a quick stop, over to Bali. Had asked friends and family if they wanted to come along, but it just didn’t seem the right time despite letting them know well in advance. So because no one could come along, does that mean I shouldn’t go? Well, of course not! One of my priorities is seeing the world and waiting around for when people can go or when they can afford it, could take forever – so in these cases you have to go alone.  

Travelling solo can be amazing if you want it to be, you can wake up when you want to. Go wherever you want to go! Do exactly what you want to do when you want to. I even make it a big deal to walk around naked in my hotel room, because it’s my space and I don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings but my own!  

Here are some tips for travelling solo in Bali: 

What to do for transport? 

I would recommend checking out some tours and planning ahead. I did a tour with FoverVacation I was picked up from my hotel and taken to all the Instagram HOT spots places! And get this! I had a personal photographer that constantly took pictures of me until I was tired!  

The hotel I stayed in had a van that drove me to nearby places. I stayed in Ubud, which is right next to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Ubud Palace and was lucky to get a ride to both of these places.  

I would also recommend the apps Gojeck and Grab similar to Uber, but better and WAYYY cheaper. Some areas won’t allow you to be picked up by either of these apps, but if you can meet a nice driver you can make special arrangements for them to have your number and to pick you up when you want. I met a really nice taxi driver and would be happy to share his details – just drop me a message! And let him know that Adel from London gave you his number lol.

Is it safe to travel alone to Bali? 

As a black female traveller, I am often asked about safety. Safety is a huge thing for me when I am travelling. I tend to always have braids when I’m travelling, so I am always stopped for this reason by locals who are interested in touching one’s hair. I must say no one in Bali even bothered me once about my hair. Which was shocking.

When I have been bothered I am never harmed, but it can be quite intimidating when travelling alone. All I would say to ensure your safety is use common sense and do your research. I know it sounds patronising, but you would be surprised how many people lack common sense when travelling in general! Bali, in my opinion, came across very safe to travel as a solo traveller.

Is travelling solo more expensive?  

Someone recently asked me how much it cost me to go to Bali. I only told them the price of the flight which was £65 (return) from Singapore. I usually refrain from telling people the exact amount I spend on holidays because the price of your holiday can vary depending on what you want to do while you are away.

What I will say is this, you can go to Bali on the cheap and not spend money – but understand you won’t be doing much. Or you can budget yourself a bit and really have a fulfilled experience. I was only there for 4 days and would say I spent around £600 -£800 for accommodation, food and tours etc.  

I hope my 3 tips helped you – I will be doing a second post going into more detail about my experience as a whole!  So, if you have any further question, do ask away. I will be using this to incorporate in my next post.  

Be sure to follow me on my socials @mybreakingviews to see my travel stories in Bali and around the world.  

Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed the few pictures I showed you throughout the post. There will be more to follow.  

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What I love about solo travelling is the opportunity to meet new people. I already have a number of international friends; to be able to make more is always a plus. Whilst I was travelling in Bali, I met a lovely Canadian girl @sandratdot she was staying in Seminyak. About an hour's drive from where I was staying in Ubud. (Depending on traffic) We met on our tour with @forevervacationbali Sandra invited me to have brunch with her the next day. I was hesitant at first, because one I didn't know her, but then asked myself: "what is the worst that could happen?" I went and had such an amazing time. We talked, we laughed and best of all we took lots of pictures. What I loved about our conversation was being able to compare our own cities with one another. We also discussed the conspiracy theories around travelling solo and agreed that when we are solo travelling we are never really alone. We are exposed to so many people in the world and it's our chance to open ourselves and meet new people. The beautiful thing about solo travelling is there's always someone close by. So if anything does go wrong (and what are the chances) then you always have someone close by. The lesson I learnt is you are never alone as a solo traveller ✈? . Have you ever travelled solo? What do you love most about solo travelling?

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Still can't believe I will be relaunching #MyBreakingViews for the millionth time again lol! ⁣?? ⁣ I have a mixture of feelings. One being excited the other being nervous. ⁣ ⁣ Nervous about what people will think? Does my blog reflect who am and who I want to be as a person? There are so many things running through my mind. ⁣ ⁣ But I'm learning that this is my space. I'm excited that I am growing and learning that the only person I need to be worried about is myself – not what others think. It's not been easy but I know that this is me. I am My Breaking Views and I'm really proud of how far I've come. ⁣ ⁣ My website, if you didn't know will be relaunching Tuesday 23rd July (tomorrow) and I hope you are able to join me in this new journey of mine.

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F L O W E R ? B A T H X

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Read: What I Learnt Travelling Solo To Vegas

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