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 What it's like to travel during COVID-19 Many of us with the travel bug have started to plan our return to international journeys—that is, if we haven’t ventured abroad already! In July 2021, Bestway traveller John Herziger and a friend took part in a private, customized safari tour through the Southern African highlights of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Having visited an impressive 179 countries, including embarking on a private, customized tour of Pakistan with Bestway earlier this year, John has seen much of the world. We thought he would be the perfect person to provide practical information on what travellers can expect during their next international tour. Read on as we touch base with John about what’s different about travel, what’s stayed the same, and what may be even better than usual.
179 countries and counting!
Photo credit: John Herziger
Bestway: What contributed to you wanting to visit Southern Africa? What made you feel comfortable choosing to travel with Bestway? John: My only previous experience with Zimbabwe or Zambia was a visit to Victoria Falls from the Zambian side quite a few years ago. After having been fully vaccinated and feeling confident about travel again, I wanted a more extensive visit to these countries... Bestway was very accommodating and patient as we tailored the trip to our wishes and requirements. We had a very successful trip earlier in the year to Pakistan arranged through Bestway, so we were confident in their ability to plan another trip, including researching all of the COVID-19-related restrictions and requirements. Several days before our departure, we were notified that the government of Malawi, [a country originally included in our tour], had closed their borders entirely to tourists, so quite a few changes in the itinerary, flights and accommodations had to be made. Nonetheless, Bestway was able to accomplish all this at the last minute.
Photo credit: John Herziger Bestway: As someone who has travelled extensively, what were the differences in your trip due to COVID-19 that you noticed? John: The biggest change in traveling this time was the lack of other tourists. At many hotels and locations, we were the only tourists, other than perhaps some local visitors. The hotels and lodges all seemed very careful about masking and other COVID-19-related procedures. We were told that, although the percentage of the general population that was vaccinated was relatively low, in both countries, the people working with and around tourists were being given priority in receiving the vaccine because it is such an important part of their economy.
Photo credit: John Herziger Bestway: Many of our travellers are concerned about meeting entry and exit requirements of their home country and the countries they are visiting. What was your experience? John: We were required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours [before] arrival in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, and then again before re-entry into the United States. This was all arranged by Bestway and went very smoothly. In both countries, we obtained testing results later the same day.
Photo credit: John Herziger Bestway: How did you find the accommodation, food, transport and guides on the tour? John: Overall, the level of accommodation and food provided was very good. Again, since we were often just about the only ones eating in a given restaurant, the service was also always good. Our guides were very enthusiastic, informative and helpful. In many ways, they were just happy to have some clients and to be working again.
Photo credit: John Herziger Bestway: What were some of the highlights of your trip? John: The various safaris we experienced in both countries were, of course, exciting and, since there were very few other tourists in the various parks, we were able to enjoy the animals without multiple other safari vehicles crowding in around us. Our helicopter flight over Victoria Falls also was amazing and gave us a different perspective of actually how vast the whole area is. I also enjoyed several village visits we made, especially the excited expressions and welcoming smiles of the children.
Editor’s Note:
As John’s experience shows, safe travel is absolutely possible right now. Here are a few more top tips we have for those looking to venture abroad soon: 
Besides our selection of group departures to countries in Africa, Central and South Asia, Eastern Europe and beyond, we also offer customized private journeys that can be tailored to your exact travel specifications. Every day, more and more countries are opening up, adopting universal health standards and streamlining entry requirements. We look forward to helping you travel to your destination of choice in a safe and responsible way!
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Posted by Kierra Jones