Losing the fear of traveling in times of COVID-19

As I write this article, I am in Terminal 2 of the Cancun International Airport (CUN). It was hard to get back, but I have never had such an intimate reunion. I felt safe, the company Cancun Airport Transportation, took me to the airport and I mention it, because it is also one of the many affected by the economic crisis in this sector.

The last time I flew was on May 6, 2020 when, it was said, we were at the worst moment of the COVID-19 pandemic. For work reasons, I felt the need to momentarily break the sanitary confinement in which I had been for two months and I set out to travel "at the drop of a hat". At that time the airport was empty. I remember that there was only one gang to deliver the suitcases of all domestic arrivals. It was, to say the least, an apocalyptic scenario.

Today is different, the airport is overflowing. Travelers are ready to go out, to enjoy themselves with their families and, why not, to walk around a bit looking for the tranquility that has been taken away from us for a long time.

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little worried. I have received remarks and criticisms from almost everyone around me: that I should not fly, that it is better to travel by road, that I am putting my life and the lives of my loved ones at risk, etc. I take them into account, but I cannot panic and completely stop my activities for as long as this pandemic lasts.

It is true, these are difficult times, but there are cases, like mine, in which returning to the airport is the safest way to be with the ones you love - after the respective quarantine, of course. So I decided to follow the sanitary measures to the letter and ventured to renew my passion for traveling.

Seeing the Cancun airport again after eight months was a dream. The huge Christmas tree in the center of the terminal 2 rotunda, the hundreds of excited travelers checking bags, the calm and efficient staff providing us with certainty and security. Realizing that the practices have changed, but the goal and feelings have not, gave me hope that someday soon I will be able to take an international flight and get back "on the road".

Now I have a flight scheduled to Peru, but I don't know if I will be able to board it. I have been waiting for a little more than 11 months for that moment and by the time it arrives (if it arrives) I will have been there for about 17. As in all cases, the situation is uncertain, but there is nothing left to do but put on a good face and dream of the moment when I can meet up with friends while I am surprised by unimagined wonders.

That is why I invite you to rethink your state of mind. I know that there are many opinions and that the scenarios are not very encouraging, but as long as we follow the instructions of the health personnel, we will soon be able to enjoy our activities again with the ones we love. Do not despair! I, like you, feel that this situation has no end; but knowing that life is giving me the opportunity to experience the change that - as a society - we are making, is an adventure that I have decided to treasure.

I see the pandemic as a good journey, one of those that, without realizing it, help you to grow, to know your limits and your strengths; one of those that bring you closer to people in a spiritual way and make you value everything you have and take for granted. It is waking up every morning with the firm intention of making the most of the day, but without rushing. It is realizing that what matters is not how many things you do, but the quality with which you do them.

So, I have to accept that I came this morning afraid of catching myself, of being overwhelmed by so many people or of not being able to re-establish a connection with the activity I love so much. As it turns out, I am still excited about the experience, I continue to enjoy the waiting time and I continue to be intrigued by where people are traveling, I confirm that traveling is my passion and even if I can only do it a couple of times a year, it is something I will never stop enjoying!