We realize that travel may not be desirable for all while we’re fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, but for those looking to get away — be it near or a bit further — there are surely safety precautions to consider. Here we offer some suggestions.
Determine Your Comfort Level
Before you book anything, decide where your comfort level falls. Are you okay with driving to a destination but not flying? Would you prefer smaller, more intimate accommodations versus a sprawling hotel property? Do you want to venture out to restaurants and are you willing to partake in indoor dining? These are all things to consider.
Research Restrictions
Once you’ve determined where you want to go, before you plunk down money, you’ll want to arm yourself with some important information. Be sure you have answers to the below questions and that you’re okay with those answers.
- What restrictions are in place due to COVID-19 (mask requirements, closures, state mandates like quarantine time, etc.)?
- What sanitation practices have been put in place?
- How are refunds handled should circumstances change from the time you book until travel time?
- What does my home state require me to do once I return home from traveling to my destination?
- How will my travel impact my lifestyle once I return home? Think: will I have to take additional time off, etc.
Enlist the Help of Experts
If you want to travel but are overwhelmed at the prospect of having to do all the restrictions research and possibly having to rearrange plans, this is where it can be invaluable to enlist the help of a travel agent.
They can do all the work for you, and most times, at no cost to you.
If you want to do it yourself, here are some websites to get you started:
US Department of State:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:
Road Trip Safety
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some suggestions for minimizing risk…
- Map your route. Be cognizant of what the infection rates are in the areas where you could be making a stop.
- Pack smartly. Be sure to include hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, disposable gloves, tissues and sealable plastic bags. You will also want to be sure you have enough masks to wear cleanly throughout your journey.
- Use cards versus cash. This eliminates close contact at places like gas stations and convenience stores.
- Bring food for meals. This could be to eliminate stops while on the road, or even to cook while you're staying at your destination should it be something like a cabin, timeshare rental or airbnb.
Flying During COVID-19
Along with some of the above tips, you’ll also want to take into consideration the following precautions if you’ll be flying to a destination during the pandemic.
- Seat selection. While all airlines require mask wearing while on board flights, only some are giving consideration to spacing out seating to allow for social distancing. You may want to research which are doing this and book your flight accordingly.
- Check in or print at home. Use mobile apps to download boarding passes to your phone or print from home to bring to the airport to help eliminate contact with surfaces.
- Pack light. If you can, stick to carry-on pieces so you don’t have to check luggage and go through the baggage claim process and area.
- Dress to expedite screening time. Make the time it takes to get through security checks shorter by wearing slip on shoes, avoiding unnecessary layers, keeping electronics and liquids separated and refraining from wearing jewelry when possible.
No matter how you travel, do your part to help by doing it safely and by following all necessary safety mandates.
