How to Travel Safely during Covid-19

Traveling safely during a pandemic may seem like an oxymoron to some but I’m here to debunk the myth for you. We are almost six months in to this pandemic and travel is starting to open back up. I’m a big advocate of this since I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for over ten years and we are at risk of many hotels closing their doors forever. Today we are going to talk about how to travel safely during Covid-19.

1. Research Guidelines for your Destination. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you need to check the guidelines for the destination. When I was in Buffalo last week and they aren’t allowing reservations for anyone from NY’s list of quarantined states. Destinations like Jamaica and the Virgin Islands require a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of travel.
2. Prepare and Purchase. Prepare for your trip by researching the requirements of where you are traveling. If your location requires masks in restaurants and public areas, pack extra masks. Purchase sanitizer and wipes to bring with you when you travel. These are good for wiping down plane seats, trays, chairs and other public areas.
3. Pick your Travel Partners Wisely. You need to choose your travel partners wisely. The hotel, car rental, tour company and airline you choose should have good cleaning policies in place. Airlines like Delta are currently not selling their middle seats on larger flights and hotels like Hilton have worked with Lysol to enhance their cleaning program. All-inclusive resorts are limiting their occupancy to encourage social distancing. The Hard Rock Resorts have a doctor on-site at all times. This matters because it shows who is taking your health and safety seriously.
4. Adhere to CDC Guidelines. Pay attention to the current CDC guidelines for travel. They are ever-changing with different states surging and flattening their curves. This is a great source that you should be checking weekly prior to travel.
5. Self Quarantine when you get Home. If you are traveling out of state (check your state’s list of quarantine states) or internationally, you should be self quarantining at home 14 days after travel. According to the CDC you should take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever daily. Log your temperatures with this form. Stay home and avoid contact with others.

There are ways to travel safely. It is hard for everyone to have been home for so long. Things are going to be different for a while and if your job does not allow working from home so you can quarantine, local staycations are going to be the way to go for you. Keep in mind there are always going to be haters and travel shamers. If you are traveling, just be smart by using this list of how to travel safely during covid-19.

Want more Covid-19 travel tips and items? Check out this article.

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