It has been a long time since we thought about making travel plans. Recent world events could be mistaken for the plot of a zombie movie but the New Normal is now upon us and it is time for every country to adjust.

There’s one country we know well and hold close to our heart. It’s a place we have sailed around for more than a year and where our sailboat Dali is currently berthed, a country who’s economy strongly relies on tourism: The Philippines.

Luckily, as we are slowly returning to more conventional way of living, this dream destination for travellers from all over the world has been hard at work to prepare a safe return for visitors. From air and land travel to hotel accommodation and beachside activities, comprehensive guidelines have been carefully thought to protect everyone from beginning to end. In this way, we will now be able to marvel again at its pristine beaches, incredible rock formations and stunning mountains, or simply to drink an ice cold beer while watching the sun set on another day in one of our favourite countries in the world.

So what does visiting one of its most stunning beaches during the New Normal look like? We were curious to find out what traveling to world famous Boracay now feels like.

For starters, the journey is a lot less crowded. No more elbowing your neighbours for a few inches more of space on the plane from Manila! Travel operators must obtain special certifications and respect social distancing practices that include physical barriers between passengers, drivers and regular disinfecting.

When packing your bags, just make sure don’t forget the New Normal Essentials! With a strict no mask, no boarding policy, you should come prepared with your own mask. Hand sanitiser is readily available wherever you go, along with paper towels and first-aid kits.

The tough few months we’ve lived through did not change what we like most about the Philippines: the Filipino hospitality. Rarely have we travelled to a country where we felt more welcome, and this has not changed a bit.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll hear a friendly and familiar “Mabuhay” and although the masks keep mouths hidden, it’s impossible not to notice the big smiles in the twinkling eyes of the hotel staff. Check-in is smooth, with contactless forms of payment for hotel bookings are preferred, or even paying online when you make your booking.

After filling a Health Declaration Form and having your temperature taken, it’s time to go to your room. Only single or double occupancy rooms are allowed and a meter between you and your neighbour’s bed is recommended. It all seems a bit like a scene out of a sci-fi movie, but all the precautions are worth it once you step out onto the blinding white sand of Boracay.

With less tourists, you’ll have the stunning beaches all to yourself! There will definitely not be anyone to photobomb your selfies so if there was ever a time for perfect beach photos – this is it!

We are always sailing to remote islands on the hunt for empty beaches. Realising we can now find this in the famous destination of Boracay makes us look at this whole situation in a new way. The surreal situation we have lived through did have a positive impact on our planet and now is the time to enjoy it! It’s been years since the water was so clear here.

Feet in the sand and looking out at the bright turquoise water on the shore to the dark blue hues in the horizon brings profound sense of freedom, even if wearing a mask on the beach is a stark reminder of this New Normal world. Once you take off your mask for a swim and you’re floating in the crystal clear water, the troubles of the last few months quickly slip away.

It’s the dawn of a new era and being able move freely has become a new type of luxury for us all. As Boracay reopens, a wave of optimism washes over the Philippines. It feels like the start of a new chapter, with more good news just around the corner.

For up to date travel information, please visit philippines.travel/safeph and DOT’s official Facebook page.