As we plan for life after the pandemic, one thing is certain: travel is going to look different than it used to. But the joy of getting outside will be just as good as ever. Take it from one of our seasoned travelers who recently experienced an incredible journey rafting on the Salmon River in Idaho. In late August, she joined a group of 15 women and 7 guides on an adventure with I Artist Adventure, spending a week navigating Class II-IV rapids, sleeping in a tent, and immersing herself in the great outdoors. We caught up with her for a firsthand account of what travel is like right now, what to expect at the airports, and what safety measures were in place before, during, and after her trip.

Why embark on a safari or outdoor adventure now?

“It’s wonderful to have a nice, big backyard, but there is something so lacking without the wilderness. I needed to be out there. I also wanted to see how companies and industries are enforcing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). What works and what doesn’t. I was very confident in the SOPs we have for our safaris in Tanzania, but I thought I might learn something new to improve them. So I went—and it was wonderful.”

Did you have concerns about traveling on airplanes and in airports?

“I did a lot of thinking about this. I’d been watching for months what airlines like Delta and KLM are doing to protect travelers. I chose Delta for its social distancing policies, its hygiene protocols, and its high-quality filters. They promised to leave seats open unless you’re traveling in a bubble. Of course, everyone wears masks. “My friends asked, ‘Does she really want to get on a plane?’ But I felt safer on the plane than going grocery shopping. The plane was thoroughly cleaned, everyone was masked, and social distancing was observed. They handed out packets with hand sanitizer and wipes for armrests, knobs, window shades, and screens—even though they’d already cleaned them. “Another smart change: they boarded row by row from the back to the front, minimizing contact. Airlines are taking safety seriously. They’ve thought about everything.”

What was the flight experience like?

“It was uneventful. The airports and planes weren’t full. Food came prepackaged in Ziploc bags, and flight attendants wore gloves. You opened the bag yourself and threw away your trash immediately to minimize contact. “When you fly with airlines like Delta, KLM, or Qatar, which have the resources to prioritize safety, the flights aren’t stressful at all. The only difference from any other flight I’ve taken was the mask and precautions—a small price to pay to get back outdoors.”

How was the trip itself?

“It was such a great trip. We forgot about COVID once we were out there. It just wasn’t a topic anymore. We camped on sandy beaches along the Salmon River. Many of us even slept without tents, under the stars. The key thing now is to find places that are in the outdoors. A tent is the perfect way to be out and traveling right now.”

Did you see any protocols that could be adapted for I Artist Adventure safaris?

“Yes! There’s going to be more distancing between guests and staff on our safaris, especially during meal service. We’re working on how best to serve food—whether it’s family-style for private groups or buffet-style with staff serving guests. That’s what happened on the river, and the servers were masked during food preparation and serving.”

Did you encounter large crowds or other travelers?

“No. We saw a few people going downriver with their dogs and only a handful at our small hotel. It was just us and nature!”

Did you ever feel unsafe?

“Not at all. We were diligent, and our guides wore masks while serving food. Out of all the times in my life when I wanted to make sure food was prepared carefully, this was it. But I never felt at risk. The likelihood of getting the virus was very low. This allowed us to feel incredibly comfortable among each other.”

Were you required to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test during the trip?

“I had to fill out a travel form for my state when I returned, since Idaho was considered an ‘unsafe’ state. I took a COVID-19 test and tested negative, which allowed me to avoid quarantine. I’m still cautious and limit contact with others.”

What advice would you give someone hoping to travel soon?

“Traveling is a personal decision, but if you’re wondering whether it’s safe, I can tell you: this is a great time to travel. Airlines are providing safety and comfort, and there are fewer people traveling. Focus on outdoor adventures—safaris, camping, river trips, and remote areas are perfect right now. “Looking internationally, you should start planning now for 2025. Once the world fully reopens, the floodgates will open, and demand will be high. If you want to experience the magic of Tanzania’s wilderness with I Artist Adventure, don’t wait. June, July, and August are going to fill up fast. Make your reservation today!” Ready to experience Tanzania’s breathtaking wilderness with I Artist Adventure? Contact us today to plan your dream safari!