A Guide to Travel Health and Safety During Coronavirus

For example, maybe this is the first time you consider a road trip for your family vacation instead of flying somewhere. You might also center your travel plans on domestic destinations rather than international spots.

The following are some general things to keep in mind this summer, regardless of where you plan to go.

Think About Places Where Social Distancing Is Inherent

If you’re nervous about traveling, but you’re ready to get out of the house, then you might want to choose a destination where social distancing is inherently part of the experience.

For example, maybe you explore a National Park, or perhaps you try camping or glamping with your family.

If you are going to fly to your destination, be aware that most airlines are requiring crew and passengers to wear masks the entire time. You might want to think about this in terms of longer flights—are you comfortable wearing a mask for the entire time?

There may also be some other changes at the airport or when you get on a plane. There may be temperature checks, for example, and some airlines are blocking out certain seats on planes to keep a distance. You may be lucky and find you get most of the plane to yourself, however.

There may be reductions in in-flight service too, so if you’re going to fly, you might want to focus on shorter trips for now.

Other Tips for Flying

Along with what’s above, if you are going to fly, think about the following tips:

• Wash your hands often and wipe down your surfaces on the plane. This is important. Use antibacterial wipes to clean your armrest, tray table, air vent, seat touch screen, headrest, window blind, and seat-back pocket.
• If you can sit in a window seat, try to do that. Sitting at a window seat can help you stay away from other passengers and crew walking back and forth along the aisles.
• If you have miles or you can afford an upgrade, it might be a good time to spring for that. It gives you more personal space and you’re exposed to fewer people overall.

Check the CDC Website for Information and Advisories

Travel information for the U.S. and the world is quite literally changing by the day. You should check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website to determine what they say about travel advisories and warnings.

The CDC issues guidelines that range from 1 to 3. A level 3 country should be avoided unless it’s for nonessential travel only.

The CDC is also advising older people and people with serious underlying health conditions to avoid international travel right now.

The CDC advises everyone to check on the covid-19 outbreak at their destination, and to think about whether or not being in a large gathering could put you or your travel companions at too much of a risk.

You should also make sure that your destination doesn’t require a quarantine when you get there. There are some places, including Hawaii that are currently requiring travels to self-quarantine, and that could easily ruin a summer vacation.

When you’re doing your research ahead of time, make sure you’ll have access to medical services if needed.

General Recommendations

The CDC continues to recommend that even as things open up and people resume some of their normal activities that you keep a six-foot distance from other people and wear a cloth face mask in public places.

If you’re leaving the country, you need to ensure you have all the proper vaccinations for the destination.

Road Trip Safety

If you’ve decided summer 2020 is a good time to do that bucket list road, remember the following safety tips:

• Make sure everything in your car is working well. Get an inspection before you leave, and an oil change. You can tell the shop where you take your car that you’re going on a road trip and they’ll look at all the major components of your vehicle.
• It’s a good idea to plan your destination, at least to an extent. You might like the idea of going wherever the road takes you, but for safety’s sake and for the sake of making the most of your time as well, planning can be helpful.
• Always be aware of the risks you face when you’re on the road. Distractions are a big one, and if you’re spending several hours behind the wheel in a row, you may be more tempted to look at your phone or shuffle through your music. Distractions can end up killing you, though, so be aware of this at all times when you’re behind the wheel.
• Take plenty of breaks along the way, whether it’s just to stretch your legs or to sleep overnight. Driving while drowsy can cause as much impairment as driving under the influence.

General Tips to Stay Healthy When You Travel

Overall, whether you’re traveling during coronavirus or not, you want to stay healthy. Traveling can wreak havoc on your body in some cases, so be aware of this.

Stay hydrated throughout your travels, because it will give you energy and help you fight off infections.

Try to choose healthy foods that will keep your digestive system on track, and also try to avoid drinking too much alcohol. Drinking too much can reduce your immune system.

Above all, while you may be nervous to travel, if you decide now is the right time for you to take a deep breath and enjoy yourself.