As things start to open up and the travel industry starts to get back on track, there’s lots of talk about how the industry as a whole can ensure they’re doing all they can to stay safe when it comes to COVID-19.

Personally, for me, my biggest worry is catching the virus while I am travelling and then passing it on to those around me without knowing. Similarly, I am worried I am going to get stuck paying for an expensive quarantine in another country, or I am going to have to cancel a trip due to quarantine here in the UK. While they are risks that I have to decide I want to take myself, there are lots of ways in which I can ensure that doesn’t happen.

Of course, other than hand sanitiser and masks, most of these safety measures are down to the technology that has been put in place.

Track and Trace

For those travelling solely in the UK, the NHS Track and Trace app is a great way to ensure everyone is being as safe as they possibly can. Using GPS and QR codes to check into venues, the app tracks everyone that has been in any given place at the same time as you. If any of those people then need to record a positive COVID test, the app will then notify everyone that was within the same area of them letting them know that they also need to self isolate, just in case. While not everyone is using the app yet, it’s definitely a great way to ensure everyone is taking the precautions needed to safely travel around the UK.

For me, I have had to isolate once and although I’ve had both vaccines, it was much better knowing I was doing all that I could to protect those around me.

More Machines, Fewer People

Another way in which technology is helping reduce the spread of COVID for those travelling is by reducing the number of people that you come across during your trip. Whether this is using the handy self-scanning passport machines once you land in your destination or using self-service machines in restaurants, there are now fewer people that you come into contact with as a result of technology from companies like IVS.

Of course, you still have to talk to people sometimes, so travel is never going to be a completely contact-free experience (which is great, because I love meeting new people!)

Online Bookings

Although online bookings were definitely popular in the past, they’re now something we have to use a lot more frequently. From booking activities to ensuring you have a table for dinner, everyone now recommends you book in advance to ensure you get a spot. Not only does this mean that facilities can ensure they’re sticking to the maximum number of people allowed in terms of social distancing, but it also helps keep you organised too.

Although we still have a long way to go when it comes to safety and COVID-19, I am 100% certain that technology is going to help pave the way.