My release from Singapore SHN

My release from Singapore SHN

by | Oct 27, 2021 | 0 comments

I finally got released from my seven-day SHN.  Because I was so prepared to stay in a hotel, but not knowing which hotel, 2 star or five stars. I had a lot of anxiety about my arrival in Singapore.  It was a pleasant surprise to spend my SHN at home.  However, not leaving the apartment was limiting, and I’m happy to say I am now officially released from my SHN.

Swab testing appointment

The first step in the process of being released from SHN is a swab test.  I was given an appointment and told to show up.  As I don’t have personal transportation in Singapore, I had to arrange with a designated taxi company for travel to the testing site.

Testing location

The location of my testing was an old school building.  When I first went there, more workers were present than people needing to be swab tested, which soon changed as the lines queue.

The process

The process was the same for everyone.  We were all given a sticker designating us as SHN.  We then had to verify our name with identification.  Answer health questions. Get our temperature taken, then once again queue for the swab test. The process seemed to move relatively smoothly.  Once inside, there was another checking of ID, medical questions, and then I was escorted to the swab testing station, where I again had to verify my particulars. Once my swab test was completed, I was free to return home.

Final release

Tracker no more

My final release from the SHN came the following day.  I had to wait for a text notification of my negative test results.  Once I received that text, I could then cut my tracking bracelet off and throw it away.  Officials picked up the gateway portion that came with the bracelet.

Now I am free to leave my house, but not go everywhere I would like to.  I must install an app that allows the government to track my every movement in Singapore.  In addition, although I have my vaccination cards from the US.  I will need to take a serology blood test to get a vaccination designation on my tracer app.  Unvaccinated people have limited accessibility.  I’ll tell you a bit more about that in my next blog post.

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge.  Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer.  However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel.  In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion.  In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

The World and Covid

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical.  Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Covid traveling tips.

Covid traveling tips.

by | Sep 19, 2021 | 0 comments

As most traveling happens in public spaces, it made sense for many to want people only to do essential travel during Covid 19.  However, after almost two years of Covid, many who put off traveling have decided that life must go on.  I wholeheartedly agree, and while there is no absolute way to avoid Covid, there are some precautions we can take to minimize our risks.  Here are five Covid traveling tips I think help minimize your risks while traveling.

Get vaccinated.

There are many reasons people have for choosing to or not choosing to take the Covid vaccine.  Everyone is entitled to their choice and opinion, and I respect that choice, whatever it may be.  I realize that there may not be a lengthy body of research on the vaccines and their long-term effects, but pausing my life as I did in 2020, is no longer an option.  I have always lived a life of taking risks and slightly different choices.  The Covid vaccine is simply another one of those choices for me.

Choose a window seat.

Before Covid, my preference was always for an aisle seat.  I like the ability to move around at will without having to disturb my seatmate. However, in an aisle seat, you are exposed to everyone who passes by you.  The aisle seat gives you more exposure to people who may be sick.  A window seat allows you to be more distant from the majority of airplane passengers.

Use the overhead bin.

As somewhat of a germophobe, the thought of putting my purse on the floor is disgusting.  Putting your things on the floor exposes you to more germs.  The airline may have wiped down the seating area before you got on, but I know for sure the floor has not been sanitized.

Sanitize your seat area.

For many sanitizing wipes has become the norm, and they are not only useful for your hands.  Seatbelt buckles, armrests, headrests, tray tables, and screens are all places that the passenger before you have touched.  Be sure to sanitize them, as you can never be 100% sure it was done for you.

Wear your mask.

To me, this is a no-brainer, but unfortunately, it’s not too many passengers. Many travelers seem to get into a sense of total relaxation during travel.  I know masks are uncomfortable, but in addition to the benefits of filtering out the air, it prevents you from touching your nose and mouth with your hand.  The same hand that’s been touching the very public seat you’re sitting in.  Additionally, it is a federal mandate. No matter what airline you travel on, it is guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It’s not possible to eliminate all the chances of getting sick on an airplane.   But taking steps to lessen your exposure can be done. Traveling is a part of life and may be necessary.  As with all travel, travelers should stay informed and plan accordingly.  I hope these tips help. Let me know. Subscribe

Summer ready?

Summer ready?

by | Jun 23, 2021 | 0 comments

As a travel blogger, I’m hearing more and more of the term “summer ready.” I tend to ignore this phrase. For me, this phrase carries an underlying message of a particular type of body to have during the summer months. This message tends to put pressure on people to change their bodies during the summer months. Just as there is no perfect time to travel, there is no ideal body to be had for the summer. Here are a few ideas on accepting yourself as you are and being summer/travel-ready anytime.

There is a range of summer clothing and swimwear, and there is also a range of body types and sizes. Find people and sites to follow that allow you to feel accepted and empowered. In my recent travels to beach destinations, I find comfort in seeing the variety of body shapes and sizes and comfortable people in their skin. Know that no two people are the same and enjoy the skin you’re in.

Acknowledge the why behind advertising and marketing. For example, brands are trying to sell their products. So they focus on who they think will purchase the products being sold. Acknowledge that everything you see is not for you and focus on what you believe represents you. When you become more focused on yourself rather than the product, you become more aligned to accepting the body you have over the body you want.

Embrace body positivity. Traveling allows us to recognize the vast differences in cultural norms. It also reinforces that what some see as beauty in the body can be different from what others perceive. But, again, we must realize the role marketing plays in what we are meant to assume is the perfect body image. Do not allow others to affect your enjoyment of the summer months based on their perceptions.

Recognize that your body is not seasonal. The same body that takes you through winter and fall is the same body that takes you through spring and summer. We are constantly growing and changing. If you feel the need to change your body at any time, feel free to do so. However, we should never feel pressured to pursue an exterior body standard. Instead, stay healthy and happy and focus on loving yourself as you are.

Do you feel pressure to have a summer body? If so, why? I’d like to know.

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