Going home for the holidays? Here’s everything you need to know before you go

Although most people have opted to play it safe and not travel during the holidays, there are still those who will board planes or take a road trip—whether for work, emergencies, or just because they want to be with their families before the year ends.

If you’ve got plans to travel this month, here’s everything you need to make sure your trip is as safe and hassle-free as possible.

 

The basics

Are your gifts and other travel essentials packed and ready to go? Good, because the next thing you need to prepare are all the documents to prove that you’re well enough to travel home for the holidays. Make sure you’ve secured a travel authority and valid government-issued IDs, as well as the documents your destination’s LGU might look for.

Before you head out, please make sure you’re wearing a face mask and face shield, and that you have travel-sized bottles of alcohol or hand sanitizer.

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This is what airports will look like once commercial air travel resumes on May 16

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Here’s the updated list of requirements for domestic travel

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Need travel authority? You will be able to get it online soon

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Where to get tested

After packing your bags, the next thing you need to secure is a negative swab test. By now, there’s a good chance you can get tested at a hospital near you, so all you need to do is read up on what you’ll need to prepare for it and how long you might need to wait to get your results.

If getting tested at a hospital isn’t an option, there are LGUs offering free swab tests. Just make sure you get a reservation and take all the self-assessment tests you need as soon as possible.

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How much does a COVID-19 test cost in your nearby hospital?

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A guide to all the Metro Manila LGUs offering free COVID-19 tests for their residents

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If you need to travel outside Metro Manila…

We don’t really recommend traveling out-of-town, but if you must: Make sure you’re prepared with your medical certificates, confirmed accommodations and registered to your destination’s contact tracing apps.

And (we can’t believe this has to be said) please don’t fake your COVID-19 test results! These safety protocols and measures are there to keep you and the people you’re visiting safe.

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Tourists can visit Baguio as early as next month—if they’re willing to go through rigorous protocols

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Tagaytay travel update: Only those from areas under MGCQ can get in

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What to pack for Boracay: negative COVID-19 test result and proof that you don’t have chronic illness

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Pack your negative COVID-19 test results: Ilocos Norte is open for visitors again

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Header photo by Lyn Rillon for Inquirer.net

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