Post Trip Reflections
Here you can find the report from my recent trip to Albania. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/whats-it-like-to-fly-today
Now that I have been back a few days I have had time to reflect on a few things.
How did I decide it was reasonable for me to take the trip. The idea here is not to tell anyone else what is right or wrong, only to express my reasoning. I know I will get some criticism, do it if you must, but I am comfortable in my decision and I will put down a few thoughts that led me to the decision I ultimately made. Here I just want to suggest some of the topics I considered and others might want to consider before they decide. It may help them decide one way or another and may help to ensure that they have a good trip if they go forward and help ensure they have no regrets afterwards.
I am not a great communicator so bear with me a bit.
First, for me, it has to be a personal decision. I thought about my age (60-somethng), my health (other than a bum ticker, pretty good), those that depend on me, my job, my income if I should be sick, and how it would affect those that care about me.
Second, for me, it had to be legal. I mean truly legal and doesn’t capitalize on loop holes not designed for the specific intent.
Third, it had to be able to be done in a manner that did not risk those that did not want to participate in similar activity. Meaning if you are on the plane with me, then you choose to share my risk, but those at home who did not choose to do such a thing should not be put at an undue risk because of my actions.
Fourth, there was the flight. I read up on cabin air quality, seating arrangements, the rules of the airlines and looked for articles on sick flight crews as an indication of risk. While in print I was satisfied, Turkish Air did let me down; and once on the flight there is nothing one can do about that. I decided the risk was reasonable for me, but I tried to increase the odds by my seat choice and by wearing a N95 mask. With that I was satisfied for my particular situation.
Fifth, there was the location of the trip. Again, I read what I could find and was satisfied that my destination was not a COVID high risk location and the activities I had chosen reduced the odds even more by being low density (nature mostly).
Sixth, I hedged my bet with Trip Insurance that covered COVID, before and after departure and included evacuation coverage (although limited). This was also Cancel for No Reason insurance.
Seventh, personal responsibility on the ground. On the ground I wore a mask when social distancing wasn’t guaranteed. I did make certain exceptions to that, but they were exceptions that both I and the other parties agreed to; again, making it a joint decision and not an imposition by me.
Eighth, I prepared for the return. Before leaving I stocked up on groceries to facilitate isolation until I was comfortable that I was clean. I did my first PCR test today (3 days after landing) and will do another in 3 more days. Passing both, I will re-enter society. This is my unspoken societal contract.
The one thing I did not do, which I wish that I had done was to take a PCR test before leaving. Just didn’t cross my mind. I would feel better if I had. Again, not for me, but as part of my contract with society.
This is going to kill me to say. I fear this post will draw a lot of negativity. I will not respond to it, so have at it. Also, I will not respond to questions about what I encountered on the ground. Why? No matter what I say people may make decisions based on that, but my experience was anecdotal at best; and the rules of the country may change tomorrow making everything invalid. I think you should look at the numbers and decide for yourself if they are handling COVID responsibly.