Tug of War - Travel and Covid

                                                                                     

                                                                                            

                                                                               The Covid pandemic was the worst enemy of travel, be it a 50m distance or 5000 km away. I intend to give an insider view on the journeys during the pandemic, a lesson from 2 years.

Start of the pandemic in the midst of Tour

The first case of the infection in India, which was in Kerala was declared when we were in an official tour to our country capital. The travel back to the State was filled with doubts and concerns as to how the matter of affairs will be in the future. Being at the prime of the Covid management for more than 1 year helped in understanding many aspects of a pandemic management. When everyone had to work from home, the doctors and health staff did a herculean task being in the forefront controlling the panic situation as well as the disease.

Be it a short-run or a long-run

A need to travel even 50 m from the house for groceries or medicines required masks, social distancing and sanitization. Testing, vaccination and quarantine for interstate and international travel, caged the people to their houses with indeed a double and triple lock. There is a paradigm shift in the education, working and living pattern.

In the midst of this, I travelled for official as well as personal reasons. The fact that startled was, the 50m dash was difficult than the 5000 km marathon. The interstate and international travel did not have much issues, but the inter-district and intra-district movements were associated with extra precautions and opposition. Suddenly the pandemic became the ground for excuses and expression of grudges.

Plight of the little ones

Children suffered the most, hearing varied opinions about travelling, home-schooling and remained inside the houses suppressing their emotions and confusions. During the peak of the pandemic, if someone asks my child whether he wants to go out; his answer was “No, children are not allowed to travel because of Covid”. Their sense of orientation with regard to place and time is affected and the parents have a difficult task at hand trying to regain it.

Wearing the shoes of a traveler

When travelling should have been smooth and hassle-free, the past 2 years have trampled the hopes of travelers. The preparations for a journey, have added steps, and concerns rule the minds of the people before and during the travel. My experience after a travel especially after Covid, was refreshing and the return of a healthy body and thinking mind. Brooding inside the houses for a long period creates an unhealthy environment, which is to be let out by vacation, pilgrimage or leisure trips. Recently the travelers gain less experience which is not enough for travel memoirs and have become something of the past. Travelogues and travel guides have taken a back seat.

Travel guide for the future

Personalized trips may take an upper hand in the future with piggy backing of acquaintances and those interested. Loners may still enjoy the journey while abiding by the travel rules. Holding on to our principles of making ourselves comfortable throughout the journey is the key to a successful trip. Do not let emotions and advices overpower our purpose. Let our journey for knowledge, leisure and peace win over its enemy- “Covid”.