Help! A Virus Hijacked my Vacation!

Updated 2/29/20

Anti-Virus

Flexibility is one of the greatest assets to a frequent traveler!

Life/stuff happens.

If you’re not prepared, you may be in for a very rude awakening!

Like any investment, travel needs protection.

We don’t hesitate to protect our bodies/devices from viruses, our vacations should be no different.

Vacation anti-virus starts with your attitude.

Unlike insurance, it’s free. Your pride can change that at any moment!

It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters.

Epictetus

In this blog, I go over tips you can use to avoid travel delays. In another, there are easily applicable tips to make cruising a breeze!

One travel irritant I left out was viruses.

Like a physical attack, viruses can have a damaging effect on any vacation.

A sunny Caribbean getaway can begin looking like a barren Chicago winter.

Cruises

Every time I go on a cruise, I summon my faith against any flare-ups of the Norovirus.

This virus affects the gastrointestinal system and spreads like wildfire.

There was a time when it was occurring quite frequently.

I live in Miami (cruise capital of the world) and our local news never failed to mention an outbreak.

Symptoms of norovirus include stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Some ships manage to keep it under control with a thorough sanitizing and quarantine of patients.

Others have had to cut their itineraries short and return to the port of origin.

Cruiselines are not always generous in issuing refunds either.

Once you sign your cruise contract, it removes them of all liability. I have heard of cruise lines making exceptions but it’s not a guarantee!

This is why travel insurance is so important especially if you’re flying to/fro a cruise.

You want to make sure any pre-paid excursions are covered.

Many times, its infected guests that bring the viruses on board.

If you know you’re not in good health, postponing your trip may be best.

TIP: Bring a first aid kit with pain medicine/stomach relievers, etc.

When I injured my ankle on a cruise, even with insurance they wanted to charge me extra for medication.

Protection

Travel insurance can help before, after and during a cruise.

If you’re on a ship with a virus outbreak: DON’T PANIC!

No one pays money to be stuck in a cabin, but make the most of it until you get the all-clear.

TIP: If you’re claustrophobic, go for the best value which is usually the ocean view cabin. You can’t open the window but you can see outside. If you want to be outdoors without leaving your room, the balcony cabin is best.

Carnival is known to have some of the largest size cabins.

How to protect yourself against NoroVirus:

• Don’t travel sick.
• Wash hands with hot water frequently especially after eating and using the bathroom.
• Use the paper towels provided for cruise restroom door handles.

*See the Center for Disease Control CDC website tips below*

Coronavirus

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve heard about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by now. (No relation to the Corona beer company!)

At the time I wrote this post (2/16/2020), I was making a joke. Recent social media posts show beer drinkers are staying away from the popular brand.

The virus had its first China outbreak in 2019 and now has spread globally.

It’s an airborne virus that causes fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Unlike the norovirus, the coronavirus can be fatal. Most cruise lines have canceled all of their sailingS to China and nearby regions.

Some have had to alter their itineraries since ports were not allowing them to dock.

Airlines (in most cases) issue refunds for cancellations on their part. Again, it’s always safer to have travel insurance.

TIP: For international flights, I take Vitamin C to help ward off viruses. If I have the time, I usually wipe down the entire seat and tray table with Clorox/Lysol wipes.

From the (CDC) Website:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV.
  • Facemask should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Travel Alerts

The CDC is advising against any non-essential travel to China, Italy, and Iran.

There’s much more to be learned about the coronavirus since there are various strands.

If you find either of these viruses has hijacked your vacation, your first priority should be your health.

Follow all of the instructions by your cruise/airline.

Without good health, it’s impossible to enjoy any vacation.

Be prepared to reschedule and cancel.

Keep your cool! Everything happens for a reason!

Use this time to make the most of your next trip! Cross all T’s and dot all I’s.

Have you had a vacation hijacked by a virus?

Further reading on the Coronavirus:

New York Post

Business Insider

CNN

SHARING IS CARING:

~Poof…Bee Gone

© 2020, Poof Bee Gone, All Rights Reserve

Please free to like/follow my social media platforms, leave me a comment, share blog posts and subscribe to get timely updates.