Travel Tips During the Pandemic: Should We Cancel Summer Travel Plans?

By Alycia Williams

Vacations are typically booked a year or more in advance, but no one could have predicted the COVID-19 outbreak. Since new developments in the pandemic are happening every day, it’s hard to say whether those travel plans that you booked over a year ago should be cancelled or not. If you need some travel advice when it comes to traveling during these confusing times, then you’re in the right place.

Check out some travel tips for getting out of town during the pandemic.

1. Clean your hands often: Although you should be washing your hands often even if your aren’t traveling, it’s important to constantly wash your hands when you’re out and about. Try to get to a sink to wash your hands with soap every hour or two.

Related Link: Travel Tips: Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak

2. Anticipate your needs: Bring enough medicine for your whole trip, pack a lot of hand sanitizer, include a cloth face covering for when you are out in public places, pack non-perishable food and bottled water, and whatever else you might need during the trip. This will avoid a panic session while you’re away from home and need something that you can’t get.

Related Link: Travel Tips: 5 Things to Know When You Travel to Europe

3. Follow state and local travel restrictions: While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking for updates as you travel.

4. Use the restroom before the flight: Try your best not to use any public bathrooms. Use the bathroom before you arrive at the airport and avoid using the bathroom on the flight, if possible. If you must use it, of course sanitize your hands immediately afterward.

5. Wipe the seat with disinfectant wipes: At the airport while you’re waiting for your flight, wipe down the seat at the gate, and then when you get on the plane, use another wipe to sterilize the arm rest and the inside pocket of the seat in front of you, along with the seat/headrest and tray.

What are some other tips for traveling during the pandemic? Start a conversation in the comment below!