Yes, we get it. It has been months and months of staring at the walls of your house, feet aching with the desire to travel again to your favorite destination.

The pandemic took a big hit on the tourism industry due to strict travel guidelines that were implemented.  For us staying comfortably at home, reopening the tourism industry will give us the chance to do leisure activities again — but for those who work for the tourist industry, this could be a lifesaver.

As we start to open the Philippines once again for the sake of our economy, the government announces recently that non-essential local travel will now be allowed with limitations and minimum health standards.

So, if you are planning to travel for leisure during the new normal, what things should you keep in mind?

Here are some tips on planning and preparations for your trip.

1. Check the travel protocols at your destination.

Every city has its own travel protocols for both its locals and travelers who wish to enter their city. The first step in planning your new normal trip is to check what the protocols and guidelines are for your specific destination. You may enter some cities with only the basics, like wearing of face masks and social distancing, but some may require travel passes, certificate to travel, or a swab test first before you can enter. Be sure to prepare what needs to be prepared.

2. Check the travel protocols at your hotel.

It has been announced that hotels in cities under GCQ (General Community Quarantine) and MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) can now operate at a 100% capacity. These hotels may also implement their own guidelines for the safety of their staff and their customers. Better to book your hotels in advance and check their house rules.

3. Pack your new normal essentials.

Face masks, face shields, and alcohol — these are your best friends in the new normal. These essentials are just your basics, so once you’ve found out what else you need to bring for your destination, prepare it as early as possible to avoid hassle.

4. Bring extra patience.

Since all establishments are practicing social distancing and/or in a skeletal workforce, some things may take longer than what we are used to. Bring a lot of patience with you while traveling and understand that you are not the only one who is inconvenienced by the pandemic. Always remember to spread (pun intended) the love and not hate.

5. Practice discipline.

This may be the most important part that we need to remember not just during our travels, but also in our everyday lives. These rules are made for the safety of you and everyone around you, and being disciplined enough to follow these rules is very important. If you cannot follow simple instructions for the betterment of everyone, then please, do not even try to get out of your house.

Travelling is an essential part of our lives, may it be just your everyday commute to work or school or your stress-relieving vacations, but we were hit with a big roadblock with this pandemic. The only way we can move forward is to adapt to these changes and help one another so we can go back to the way they used to be, as soon as possible.