Ep 113: What’s it Like to Fly From ASEAN to Australia During the Pandemic?

As the world awaits definitive scientific conclusions about the transmissibility and viral impact of Omicron, travel developments in South East Asia have been few and far between. Governments continue to be cautious and defensive.

On today’s show, we’ve got the latest updates from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, where a “will it, won’t it?” drama is playing out regarding the phased reopening for international flights.

So what is it like to travel from South East Asia to Australia during a time of such uncertainty and administrative overload?

Gary chats with Melina Caruso, Business Development Director of the Bali Hotels Association, who recently completed a roundabout journey from Bali to Melbourne, via Jakarta and Singapore – and back.

From her quarantine hotel, Melina talks in detail about the multiple new challenges for making trips that we once took for granted. She also provides valuable insights for anyone preparing to embark for the first time during the pandemic.

The following podcast was mentioned in the show:

• Ep 101: Destination 2022 - All Eyes on Bali: What Happens Next?, with the Bali Hotels Association