The long holiday is approaching! Are you ready to embark on a journey together? Let's check the safety of accommodations and services before setting off with these 5 essential tips for the New Normal.

As Thailand begins to ease lockdown measures, many areas are becoming vibrant and lively again, allowing people to leave their homes and start planning domestic travel after months of confinement. However, safety remains the top priority, and professionals from all sectors are working hard to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

For Thai travelers who are gaining confidence to travel again, here are 5 great tips from Booking.com to ensure everyone stays safe during this long-awaited vacation in the New Normal era, whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a change of work scenery. Get ready to immerse yourself in beautiful cultures and nature once more.

  • Choose your destination with safety as the priority.

Anyone planning to travel should stay updated on news and the situation of their desired destination both before and during the trip. Currently, traveling in small groups by private car is a more suitable option when considering safety.

Destinations that can be reached by car should be prioritized over other popular spots. But don't worry about a lack of places to visit; Thailand is filled with interesting and beautiful attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.

Take this opportunity to escape the crowds and explore lesser-known destinations, which may lead you to discover special places just a few hours from home.

  • Take a day off to change your work environment with a 'Workation'.

Always set off earlier than others to avoid the heavy traffic of long holidays. Even if you're flying, arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow time for increased health checks. Consider taking an extra day off before or after the long holiday to avoid the crowds traveling on the same days.

For those who can work from home, this is a special time to enjoy the full experience of travel by changing your work environment with a Workation. Try booking accommodations on an island or in a rural area surrounded by nature, allowing you to work in your favorite place while enjoying a refreshing atmosphere and being part of nature like never before.

Working in a new environment surrounded by nature can enhance productivity and bring joy after months of working from home during lockdown.

  • Choose the most value-for-money accommodation.

Selecting accommodations is crucial, especially during this time, to avoid large gatherings. Choose places that meet all your needs, such as those equipped with amenities and activities, beautiful views, or romantic settings. Consider new types of accommodations that offer more space to relax, such as pool villas, luxury five-star hotels, vacation homes, beach bungalows, or mountain resorts.

Search for accommodations through Booking.com, which offers unique options for travelers. Also, remember to consider flexible cancellation policies and check-in times, including free cancellation options, date changes without additional fees, or credits for future stays in case bookings are affected by COVID-19-related events.

  • Safety first always.

Wearing masks in public has become the norm for Thais, but don't forget to bring hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, a thermometer, and any personal medications on every trip. Try to minimize stops along the way to reduce the risk of infection and avoid eating at popular rest areas. Additionally, check the operating hours of various places, as some may have restrictions on opening times and the number of visitors allowed at once. Therefore, dining at your accommodation may be a safer option, as you can be assured of their food safety measures and how food is transported to your room. Booking.com accommodations will display health and hygiene measures when booking accommodations, explaining cleanliness and disinfection protocols in rooms, social distancing measures, and the safety of food and beverages.

  • Choose outdoor activities.

Maintaining distance is easier in outdoor spaces due to Thailand's tropical climate, which has sunshine and breezes year-round, making outdoor areas less risky for infection than indoors. Fortunately, Thailand offers a wide range of outdoor activities for travelers, including beach relaxation, diving, or enjoying hiking in national parks, as well as extreme activities like zip-lining, ATV riding, and rock climbing.

While getting to travel again is exciting and joyful, we must remain mindful and consider appropriateness throughout our trips, continuously practicing and reviewing safety measures to protect ourselves and those around us. The safe recovery of domestic tourism will help revive the economy and lead Thailand toward sustainable recovery.

SOURCE: www.bangkokbiznews.com