Do you dare to travel in 2022? In many ways, everything feels better and more hopeful right now. On the other hand, you never know what that virus will do, or what rules will come in its wake. You can't be sure there won't be a war either...
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Travelling abroad in 2022
We are fully committed to travelling in 2022, so we might as well say it. We can't wait to travel, we think the situation is getting better and we have already booked trips. Yes, this week we are flying to Denmark to attend a travel fair. Then there will be a flight to another destination in Europe, before the motorhome season starts in Sweden and other countries.
We are definitely While we are favourably disposed to travelling abroad in 2022, we must say that one thing we have learned during this pandemic period is not to take everything for granted and to expect that things can change at any time. We are also not immune to all the black headlines spreading the fear of a potential major war in our geographical neighbourhood.
Pandemic 2022
The coronavirus pandemic has gone from being a looming horror scenario on the front pages of newspapers to becoming an integral part of society. We get vaccinated and try to follow the rules, but we don't think about corona all day long. Many people have fallen ill recently, but most seem to be coping with mild symptoms and a few quiet days on the sofa. Communities around us are opening up and travelling seems to be getting easier.
Yet, on our next trip, it looks like we will need to both vaccine and PCR test. A bit cumbersome though. And what happens if the virus suddenly mutates in some nasty way, or if some country decides to introduce highly restrictive regulations? Could it still be convenient to continue with nearcation and not move to the other side of the world?
World situation in 2022
The world is amazing and wonderful, but also terrible and horrible at times. Every day you read about the tense situation on the Ukrainian border and wonder what will happen. Will there really be a war right in our neighbourhood? First and foremost, our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, but we also wonder how the rest of Europe will be affected.
Right now the Olympics are going on in Beijing, and you can read about feats and medals. Or you can read those other awful reports about how the Uighurs are treated in China. And speaking of that part of the world ... what will happen in Taiwan? There's a lot to worry about in these times ...
Bubblers: Iceland's volcanoes
Last but not least, we have to mention Iceland's volcanoes. They seem innocent in this context. After all, they are natural and not nasty. Nonetheless, they can easily become terrifying. In particular, they can wreak havoc by spewing out lava or filling the sky with ash so that aeroplanes in Europe cannot fly. There are a bunch of volcanoes that "should" erupt relatively soon. We have written about it before.
On the other hand, the aeroplanes might be grounded that day anyway, because of a virus or a war. At least the motorhome won't be stopped, we think. Unless diesel prices go up even further (oh terrible thought) ...
Now we look forward
Having said that, we conclude by saying that we are looking forward. We look forward to travelling both in Sweden and abroad in 2022. If problems arise, we will have to adapt. Until then, we are travelling and discovering our fantastic world.
How do you think?
Eva/Living like Eva says:
Thinking like you do, I am planning some trips but am prepared for setbacks...
22 February 2022 - 8:24
Helena says:
Yes, you've had to get used to a new attitude ...
22 February 2022 - 18:10
Annar Aas says:
Nicely written. Certainly it feels as if many things are heading in the wrong direction. Russia is threatening war, and dictators are threatening their population so that the flow of refugees grows, but as long as the roads are there, you can travel close to home. I don't have those thoughts anymore, I have to be satisfied with the arrival of the electric wheelchair. Wonderful to continue to follow you on the blog, you bring both joy and inspiration. Thank you for that.
22 February 2022 - 8:44
Helena says:
Glad you enjoyed our post Annar! And nice to see your comments again! Always fun with exchange! Of course, this could lead to a flood of refugees if it goes the wrong way (and that is worrying).
22 February 2022 - 18:13
Evy Knoph says:
Yes, the day after the Covid certificate was launched I made my first trip abroad-21, it was followed by 8 more... same same but different with health declarations, face masks usually indoors and on transport....
Yes, that's what you have to deal with if you want to travel, and I'd rather do that than wait until ????
Now another parameter has been added... became acutely ill 2 days after returning home in December... but has been examined all over and is fully treated, one cannot say whether I will ever be acutely ill again... but I think that it is not something I can wait for ????
So I travel and enjoy when I can...:-). Have a great time on your travels!
22 February 2022 - 18:20
Bear says:
When it comes to Covid, it feels very bright now, but when it comes to Ukraine, it is even more uncertain, although I personally am not particularly worried that it affects the rest of Europe significantly in terms of security, of course with full consideration for the Ukrainian people.
22 February 2022 - 9:05
Helena says:
Yes, we also feel positive about Covid at the moment (although we can't be sure that there won't be a backlash). Hopefully the rest of Europe won't be hit too hard, but it's hard to know anyway. Refugee flows, escalating threats, etc. But I agree, most concern for the Ukrainian people!
22 February 2022 - 18:48
BP says:
Put it this way - travelling should be fun no matter which destination you choose. Personally, I think that all the "preparations" with covid-19 certificates, vaccination certificates and other tests that must be taken and are different for different countries make me lose the desire even before I leave. And I would not voluntarily go to Poland or Ukraine right now.
But luckily I don't have to worry. I'm riding shotgun with you;-)
22 February 2022 - 17:33
Monica says:
I read about your trips to Ukraine and interesting to see photos and get a picture of the country. And it just feels sad now, children who were small in 2014 and remember it, they are now affected again and will sit in dark shelters in their country that is bright and beautiful with a forward spirit and a lot of joy.
Newspapers don't show anything like that, only the image of poverty that also exists of course, but forgets everything beautiful.
And now all the relocations, I just wondered where all the Russian children were moved to and it is to refugee camps in Russia by the Russian government, after all, they are children who were born here but happened to end up in the Russian section. Everything is just incomprehensible. Tragic.
And instead of planning their working day, whatever their profession, to equip themselves with weapons and think that we are all responsible, so babies sat and looked and felt the weapons when parents and the older generation will give everything to try to save their country.
And like you, I feel very conflicted about the Olympics. Everything is so strange.
But I think it is healthy to plan and look ahead, a year like that, can prevent you from going crazy🙂
For now, enjoy your time in Denmark.
22 February 2022 - 22:28
Travel Friday says:
We hope for at least one trip abroad, but don't take anything for granted. Looking forward to the UK and Thailand, but also a road trip in Europe! Otherwise I have mostly Sweden planned, looking forward to it.
23 February 2022 - 11:45
Across the board says:
Throughout the pandemic period, we have chosen to travel by motorhome and have many times felt so much safer in Spain than in Sweden.... :p Of course you can worry, but if you are sensible and slightly cautious, it usually goes well. As for war zones around our world, there is unfortunately not much we can do. And to put it bluntly, you can say "the only thing I know about life, with certainty, is that one day I will die".
23 February 2022 - 18:12