Please Don’t Forget to Pack Your “Travel Manners”

After months of online school, travelling only as far as the grocery store, and baking like it was my primary business, I was one of many British Columbians anxious to resume travel once the time was right.  

In late June, the Government of British Columbia announced Phase 3 in the COVID-19 Restart Plan, and this included a respect-based return to travel. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, who has made international headlines for her leadership during the pandemic, outlined the “travel manners” required to vacation safely. These “travel manners” include confirming a community is accepting visitors, arriving prepared, planning for fewer faces in bigger spaces, safe physical distancing, and washing your hands. 

We researched our destinations and packed plenty of supplies, including hand sanitizer and our “travel manners” before thoughtfully exploring our home province. Stops included the Kootenay Boundary region with crystal clear, freshwater lakes and the sun-drenched Okanagan-Similkameen. We’ve visited these places before and expected we could vacation safely.  

Unfortunately, we encountered situations where fellow travellers weren’t using their “travel manners.” These were uncomfortable experiences for us and others. I’m not surprised to learn that COVID-19 case counts are increasing in the province.  

We have one more trip this summer, and based on what I’ve read, the remote Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort will deliver a safe and exceptional family travel experience. With only nine cabins and access to over 50,000 square miles of pristine wilderness, I feel Nimmo Bay will provide the type of vacation experience Dr. Henry imagined when she prescribed “fewer faces and bigger spaces” along with the requisite “travel manners.” I’m hopeful everyone vacationing in the province will heed the safety advice. I’m not ready to re-open the bakery.