Travel has become a little bit more complicated these days, right? And with spring break approaching in many areas, it might be on your mind a lot right now.
Is it safe to travel? Is it okay to see family? How should we get there if we are going to travel? Planes, trains, or automobiles?! So many things to consider. The first thing we suggest is reviewing the CDC recommendations for traveling during the pandemic. They review things like checking your destination’s transmission rates, area hospital statuses, and provide links to resources where you can find that information.
We’ll highlight a few of their key suggestions as well as discuss safe travel tips if you are traveling and staying in a hotel or inn. With our connection to the hospitality industry, we know that safety is a top priority at many hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts so we’ll share some of their tips.
BEFORE YOU GO
Plan ahead! Find out as much information as you can. The CDC has resources by state and county to show the numbers in your destination area. This is important to know beforehand and can help you make important decisions. Something else to consider is whether you or a loved one is considered at high-risk. If so, it’s advisable to get tested before and after travel to ensure you do not spread the virus even if you feel fine.
You will also want to check with your children’s school or your workplace regarding rules for returning after travel. You may be required to stay home for a period of time, even without symptoms or with a negative test result. Good to know this before you go rather than afterward!
It’s also good to have a backup plan in case someone gets sick right before traveling. Keep that possibility in the back of your mind and think of a Plan B!
WHILE TRAVELING
We all know a lot of this by now, but it’s always good to have a refresher!
- Plan ahead and find out if your travel will include any events or crowds. It’s best to avoid them altogether but if you cannot, take extra safety precautions.
- Pack extra masks and hand sanitizer so you can always have them available, wherever you go. It’s also good to throw in a thermometer in case anyone isn’t feeling well.
- If you are traveling by plan, be sure to check regulations of both your country and the airline.
- If you travel by train or bus, do everything possible to remain socially distant.
- Traveling by car feels much better to some these days. If you do so, attempt to make fewer stops and keep a stock of sanitizer and masks in the car.
- If at all possible, plan ahead for things like food and toiletries so that you can eliminate or reduce trips to stores.
- Hotel Tips:
- Staying in a hotel or other location can actually be fairly safe during travel. Hotels must abide by specific cleaning requirements, but a lot of people also bring their own sanitizing wipes to quickly wipe down surfaces upon arrival. Can’t hurt!
- Visit a hotel’s website ahead of time to see how transparent they are about their current policies such as mask wearing, room cleaning after an ill guest, etc. You can call them and ask them about their policies as well. A safe hotel will be ready to tell you everything they’re doing for their guests’ safety!
- Share your personal space only with those you already live with as to keep transmission low, just like if you were at home.
- This includes considering declining housekeeping services during your stay as to reduce the amount of people in your room.
- Some people have even been known to bring their own linens when they travel, so you could always stock up on some extra sheets!
AFTER TRAVELING
- Follow the guidelines outlined by your workplace or children’s school regarding returning after travel.
- Get a test if at all possible. This is great for your peace of mind, as well as helps reduce spread for those who are asymptomatic and don’t know they carry the virus.
- Continue practicing safe behaviors such as mask wearing, social distancing, and sanitizing to continue to reduce the chance for transmission. Basically, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
There’s so much to consider when traveling these days so we hope this helps you get a clear idea on planning ahead!
