Month: May 2020

On occasion we will feature guest posts from other travelers. It is always good to get other perspectives in the world of slow travel! If you enjoy it, please subscribe to Karlie’s website to follow her future adventures!

What began as a journey of spirituality and self discovery while traveling abroad, suddenly had turned into a nightmare. Within 48 hours I went from happily exploring India, to being stranded in the midst of a global pandemic. Something I could have never imagined possible, and certainly was not prepared for. However, I am now in fact grateful for this experience. In this post I will highlight the situation of Covid-19 in India, how it is affecting people here, and my rollercoaster of a ride through it all. I will also discuss how even in the worst situations it is possible to find a positive outlook, and to create a sense of community with people who are much different than you.

I first arrived in India in January 2020. Since then, I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh for one month and was truly one of the most pivotal and liberating experiences of my life. Allowing me to not only deepen my physical practice, but to learn lessons in which I will carry with me always. Such as to understand the importance of discipline, how to become more aware/present in each moment, and how to lead a life fueled less by one’s ego.

After my yoga teacher training, my lovely friend Gina from Germany spontaneously decided to join me on an amazing three week adventure in India. During this time, we had the best time together as we traveled to various cities. Stopping in: Delhi, Agra, all throughout the state of Rajasthan, with our final stop being in Goa. From here, Gina would soon go back home to Germany.and I would continue traveling to Sri Lanka. Little did I know however, that this would soon all change very quickly.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

While Gina and I were having the times of our lives checking out cultural attractions and landmarks in Rajasthan, things started shifting. Coronavirus had spread across the globe. Progressing at a rapid pace, many countries began to close their borders. It was then, that India finally started to become aware of the severity of the situation. By March 18th, we flew from Udiapur to Goa as planned, shocked by how completely empty airports were. Informed two days later that India was closing its borders on March 22nd; followed shortly after by a nationwide lockdown. Leaving us with a mere 48 hours to plan our future. This news obliterated my future travel plans to Sri Lanka, and had to cancel my flight. Left with the decision if I should go back home to the US or try to wait things out in India. I was completely torn. I then received a notification from my travel insurance, stating that they would help cover the cost of return flights home for members under their political evacuation policy. Therefore, I decided to go home as it was the safest and most logical option for me at the time.

Change of Plans

On the contrary, I soon came to find that the universe had other plans in store for me. As my flight was cancelled the day of. Also, India’s borders were closing the following day, so I was out of time to book another flight home. I then came to the realization that I was in fact stuck in India in the midst of a global pandemic. Something I thought I would never say.
I tried to stay calm as I unpacked my bags and prepared for what lied ahead. I extended my stay at my hostel in Palolem, Goa from the 22nd of March until the April 1st. However, the next day, I was informed that my hostel was “forced” by the government to shut down. Requiring all guests to leave the following morning. Luckily, I was to book a cheap double room in Calangute with three other people.

24 Hours From Hell

The problem was that all public transportation was closed, and Calangute was a two hour car ride away. Out of desperation, we turned to Anoop. A man staying at our hostel for a ride as he had previously rented a car. Which was both a big help as well as a big headache, as this man was crazy. However as they say, “desperate times call for desperate measures”. So there we were: two indian men, a man from Germany, a Romainan woman, and myself stuffed into a tiny car. It was a long, bumpy, and scary ride. Encountering two police road blocks along the way, but we finally made it to Calangute 4 hours later.

Upon arriving, the people who owned the building took one look at our group seeing that there were three foreigners. Immediately declining us accomodation past 1 night as it was a risk. I then remembered I had previously spoken with a manager at a hostel in Calangute. He is a friend of a friend, and offered for me to stay if needed. It also happened to be right down the road, so my friend Vanket and I immediately set out to go talk to him in person . We were told that if we were able to get a medical clearance and got an ok from the police; then maybe we could all stay there.

Feeling hopeful Vanket and I were walking back to our temporary accommodation. We then realized we had not eaten all day. Vanket went into a restaurant to ask for food, but then was thrown out. Arguing with a man about entering private property during the lockdown. Things started getting physical, and then suddenly six other men immediately ran outside and all started ganging up on him. For the first time during all of my travels, it was this moment that I felt complete fear. As I stood there frozen in utter shock of what to do. Luckily, it only lasted a minute or so and Vanket was not severely hurt. We spent the rest of our night filing a report with the police. Obvious to us all that at this point we had hit rock bottom.

Safety At Last

The next morning however, things started to look up. We were soon able to find a hospital and get our medical clearances. The only thing left to do was to convince the hostel to let us all stay there. Although extremely hesitant, they finally allowed us to stay there as they saw how desperate we truly were. Finally after a stressful 24 hours, we were able to relax.
After the initial craziness of lockdown, things for me have been much better. I have everything I can ask for right now: good health, basic necessities, and a safe place to stay. These past six weeks during quarantine have given me much needed time to slow down, practice yoga, meditate, read, spend some time by the beach, and work on my blog. I have also created strong bonds with the other people staying at my hostel, who have become like a second family to me.

In addition, I am extremely fortunate to be located within a “green zone” in Goa, India where there are currently zero active cases of Covid-19. Therefore, Goa is now in a state of relaxation where business, public transportation, and travel within the state are open. This is truly a blessing, as things feel somewhat normal again.

Moving Forward

As for most people, it is still difficult to plan for the future at this time. The lockdown is currently still active and there is a high chance of extension. Countless individuals are facing a horrific reality as they have lost their jobs, are struggling to find food, and/or homeless. I will patiently wait in Goa until lockdown is over and from there make travel plans accordingly.
“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.”

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being in India during a global pandemic, however it has worked out for the best. The experience opened me up to tons of new cultural attractions. Everything we experience has a purpose behind it, and I truly believe that I am exactly where I need to be in this moment. Things in life will happen that are out of our control, but we always have a choice in how we let it affect us. Therefore, I have decided to keep a positive outlook on my situation, and focus on finding gratitude for the simple things in life. I am hopeful that things in the world will start to get better soon, and look forward to traveling again. Until then I will relish in living slowly, and use this time to focus within.

https://exploringeducator.com

Namaste! I’m Karlie- a certified educator and yoga instructor. In 2018 I left my hometown in the midwest USA to pursue my dream of exploring the world. Where I first spent a year in Saigon, Vietnam teaching kindergarten. Afterwards, I decided to shift my direction in order to continue traveling full time as I follow my passion for yoga and holistic health. I have created my blog- Exploring Educator to share my experiences while traveling. In addition to discussing topics related to holistic health, conservation, and education. My mission is to live/travel mindfully and to help empower others do the same!

Follow Karlie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlieclark5/

The outbreak of COVID-19 has completely altered the way we travel as a society. Airlines, hotels, trains, and most importantly, cruise ships have taken a huge hit. Looking past the Coronavirus outbreak, it is likely that cruise travel will return with some changes. Cruise lines have always been a favorite form of traveler for vacationers, especially of those seeking to experience tropical, slow travel vacations. While it may not take the same exact form and capacity as previously, we can look forward to cruising again in the future. Read on to learn more about the cruise travel predictions in a post Coronavirus world.

Changing Ship Demographics

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, There will be a significant change in cruise ship demographics. Historically, with its extreme simplicity, leisure, and ease of travel cruise ships have been an incredibly popular choice amongst senior citizens. Unfortunately, senior citizens are one of the most susceptible to the infectious Coronavirus outbreak. With this being said, it is likely older demographics will hold off on cruise travel until the virus is completely eradicated. This may lead to the innovation of more family friendly vacations, or cruises themed for younger demographics. Again, depending on your perspective, this can either be an added bonus or consequence of cruise travel in a post COVID society.

Cruise Ship Capacity

Concerning the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we predict that you will see a significant change in the capacity of cruise ships. Traditionally, cruise ships have offered on a full capacity model. Major cruise lines offered the biggest, most modern, extensive fleets of ships. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, it is likely the size and capacity of cruise will change dramatically. It is possible that we will see significantly smaller ship designs. Of course, this will make it easier to disconnect on vacation.

Depending on your perspective, this could be considered a future benefit of cruise travel. With smaller ships, expect cruise travel to become more spacious, leisurely, and sustainable. In considering the implications of cruise travel on the post COVID world, consider the expected changes in cruise ship capacity.

Fluctuating Cruise Prices

Immediately following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, You will see a drastic impact in the cost of cruise travel. No matter what your perspective is, this one is a guaranteed bonus of cruise vacation, especially for value travelers. Cruises have historically been one of the most expensive ways to travel. Following COVID, it is likely that cruise prices will drop dramatically.

Cruise lines want your business back following the virus. Cruises will offer more incentives, packages, and lower prices in order to entice travelers to return. Some cruise lines may even begin traveling to new destinations at affordable prices in order to create new travel excitement around rising travel bubbles. Once the Coronavirus has been effectively dealt with in society, most likely we will see an impact on cruise costs.

Altered Cruise Amenities

Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, expect cruise ship amenities will dramatically change. Cruise ships have constantly prided themselves on detailed amenities. From luxury dining and entertainment options, these amenities have become a staple of cruise travel. However, many of these amenities take place in a large, shared social space. It is already predicted that options like food buffets and waterparks may not return on cruise ships. Cities like Miami have COVID travel restrictions and regulations to follow.

Likely, these drastic changes will impact many additional dining and leisure options offered throughout different cruise lines. Looking past the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we will see cruise ships return with some form of limited amenities.

Limited Destinations

Analyzing conditions following the COVID-19 outbreak, most cruise ships will limit their destinations in some form. During the Coronavirus, health and hygiene standards have been held to an extremely high level. With cruise ships being a multinational business, some of the countries they visit may be restricted. Therefore, it is unlikely to see the same cruise itineraries to luxurious French Polynesian Spas in Tahaa, Bora Bora, Moorea, and the Society Islands.

Some researchers even believe that many cruise lines will cease operations to countries with poor healthcare systems or standards. Through these policies, ships can look to develop itineraries around safe, hygienic travel locations. Once the Coronavirus has been eradicated from modern society, cruise ships will return with some form of limited destinations.

Stricter Health Screenings

As we prepare for the post-Coronavirus travel world, we will see strict health screenings on cruise ships. Enhanced health and safety standards will obviously be a top priority as cruise ships return to business. One major disadvantage of cruise ship is that passengers are constantly getting on and off in new, potentially hazardous destinations. This factor greatly amplifies the chances for the virus to be caught and transmitted amongst staff or passengers. Therefore, as cruise ships prepare to resume operations, extremely strict, stringent health precautions will become the new norm. At a minimum, cruise ships will begin taking passenger temperatures and performing simple health screenings prior to boarding. However, we can also expect to see the expansion of onboard medical centers and improve air filtration units.

New Technologies For Safety

Further, the cruise travel industry is changing after the coronavirus pandemic by integrating new technologies. Many cruise ships are implementing sterilization robots. These robotic technologies allow the ships to raise the level of hygiene. In fact, the cruise industry is moving towards hospital-like sanitation standards. This would lead to a safer, healthier cruise travel after COVID-19. With the rise of automated cleaning systems, cruise tourism will surely gain confidence with travelers.

The Coronavirus outbreak has completely altered the future of cruise vacations. As the virus continues to be researched and analyzed, it is likely it will impact cruise travel as a whole. First, the outbreak of the virus will have a detrimental impact on the capacity that cruise ships generally take. Expect passenger demographics will also change from older individuals to younger travelers and families. At the same time, the virus will have a serious impact on the prices charged by cruise ships. Many researchers even predict the virus will have a significant impact on the amenities offered by cruise lines.

Furthermore, with the outbreak of COVID-19, there is a chance that it will have an additional impact on the destinations traveled to by popular cruise lines. Consider the points mentioned above to learn more about the cruise travel predictions in a post Coronavirus world.