Traveling responsibly to Italy

Feb 20, 2021

Traveling Responsibly to Italy

Visiting Italy from another country, or continent and visiting Italy takes you way back in time and then anything you might see on a daily basis. Each city in Italy has its own culture, unique characteristics, and stories. These stories and locations are so amazing, they are worth being cherished and preserved so those that come after us can also enjoy them. Being a responsible traveler is a very important thing, not only for you but also for the people around you and the place that you are visiting especially with the pandemic in between.

We need to consider our safety, and we also need to take care of those who live there now and pay close attention to their covid-19 rules while we visit their beautiful nation. Being a responsible traveler in this case isn’t just about protecting the environment, is mostly about maintaining safety, especially with the pandemic that is risking everyone’s life. Another responsibility of travelers is being thoughtful and considerate when it comes to the restrictions of those who live in the country we are visiting, in order to make them feel safe and appreciate our visit. We have come up with some tips and tricks on how we can follow these rules and at the same time enjoy the vacations.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO RESPECT COVID-19 MEASUREMENTS

Wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, using sanitizers, etc., should be part of your schedule when visiting the country, no matter if you are visiting a green or red zone. As we said earlier, the responsibilities as tourists have clearly upgraded with the pandemic. It is important to maintain safety for yourself, but also for people around you, other tourists, and natives of the city that you will be visiting. It is important to follow the rules and restrictions until an official announcement for measurements reliefs.

PREVENT OVER TOURISM

Over-tourism is a serious issue right now, more than ever before. It is important to think about visiting locations like Rome and Venice because they are the main destinations of tourists, where millions of people gather each summer. There is a good thing to walk here though because tourism brings in millions of dollars to these cities, but due to over-tourism and irresponsibility in following the rules, it also threatens peoples’ lives.

So how do we balance this?

The best way to start with your responsibilities is by planning your trip in quiet seasons or even the off-season. Another way to do so is to visit some of the lesser-known cities that might not be visited by plenty of people. Some of these cities to check out are San Gimignano, Cinque Valli, Matera, or Monterosso.

STAY ON IDENTIFIED PATHS AND WITH YOUR TOUR GROUPS

When visiting historic locations, it’s very important to be careful in order to keep social distancing because the halls might be shallow. The best way to do so is to stay with your tour director if you are taking a guide and follow the instructions. If you are not with an expert guide, then is important to stay on the already marked paths designated for tourists.

In many places, knowing the volume of tourists that visit every year, there are designated paths for tour groups and fences that you are not allowed to pass. It is important to follow the rules and not jump the fences, only staying on the paths. This ensures social distancing and remaining safety as much as possible.

BRING YOUR REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

A great idea to protect yourself, the environment and also save you from extra purchases is taking with you a reusable water bottle. In Italy, there are many fountains where you can fill your bottle. It is important in this case to use your reusable bottle and not drink directly from the fountains.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PERSONAL HYGIENE.

It is important to remain safe for yourself and also maintain other peoples’ safety. This can be done by carrying various items that can help you. A sanitizer might be appropriate for you, this way it will prevent contamination with the virus. Keeping your social distancing as much as possible makes everything easier. The big impact of the restrictions comes with small changes starting from ourselves. Another suggestion is wearing a scarf or other facial covering, in order to feel more comfortable with the masks, which are mandatory due to Covid-19 restrictions. Practicing hand hygiene and taking care of yourself, keeps everyone safe, and enjoy the best of vacations.

Wash your hands often

Is important to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after visiting a public place, or after coughing, blowing your nose, or sneezing).
Wash your hands especially:Before preparing or eating food
Before touching your face
After leaving a public place
After handling your mask
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
After caring for someone sick
After changing a diaper
After touching animals or pets
Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohoI, if soap and water are not readily available. Cover all surfaces of your hands with sanitizer and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands in any case.

Pay attention and monitor your health daily

Be alert for symptoms, check yourself for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. It is very important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace with a small space, and in crowdy place or settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
Check your temperature in the case of symptoms developing.Don’t check your temperature within 30 minutes if you are exercising or after taking medications(like acetaminophen) that could lower your temperature.
Consult a doctor or your guides if symptoms develop.

Get Vaccinated to Protect Against COVID-19

It is important for people who may be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, to get vaccinated. Especially the older adults and people with certain medical conditions.

Protect Your Health This Flu Season

Flu vaccines is effective to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

Getting a flu vaccine is also a good way to save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.