It’s no surprise that the travel industry has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies struggling. Not to mention the myriads of affected industries that provide meals, tours and transportation to support this all-important industry.
Those of us that love to travel are caught up in a dilemma. Is it safe? What are the current regulations and restrictions? What precautions should we take?
Let’s face it, we miss traveling! We had some great trips planned for 2020 which have all fallen by the wayside. That said, how do we know when it is safe to head out on the road again?
First off, we are not medical doctors or virologists and whether you travel or not is a personal decision based on your own level of risk tolerance and the current understanding of the situation.
I realize that this is a travel blog, but this month’s travel tip is to avoid traveling. But if you must travel, you may want to consider these suggestions.
Things to consider if you decide to travel:
- Make sure that there aren’t any travel restrictions in place before going somewhere. This is even applicable within the US as some states now require a 14-day quarantine for visitors arriving from certain states, Florida included.
- Avoid areas where the cases of Covid-19 are soaring.
- Check the hospitalization rate of where you want to go. If something were to happen would you be able to get appropriate medical care? Would your insurance work?
- Check if the attractions you want to visit are opened.
- If you plan on flying, go to the airport early because of the extra security measures in place.
- Bring antibacterial wipes and wipe down your airplane seating area, rental car and hotel room surfaces.
- Carry antibacterial gel wherever you go and use it.
- Wear a mask, it’s proven they help to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In some places, it’s the law, not a suggestion!
- For road trips, limit the number of stops. When getting gas pay at the pump.
- For meals use the drive-through or pack some of your own meals if you can. Avoid crowded restaurants and sit outside.
- Pay with a credit card or better yet with no contact payment options such as Apple Pay.
- Choose a hotel room on the first floor to avoid elevators which are high risk areas.
- Keep your clothes in your suitcase. You don’t know what was in those drawers.
- Be sure to wipe down all hard surfaces in any rental property. These include the TV remote, light switches, doorknobs, toilet, vanity and tabletops. Bring your own cleaning products and wash all dishes before you use them.
To travel or not to travel? This is the question.
Ask yourself whether or not it will still be enjoyable with all these constraints. Will it still be fun? Will you be putting others at risk when you get back? Will you have to self-quarantine on your return? Will you even be able to come back home as things continue to evolve and flights may get canceled or roads and borders closed.
Personally, we are not planning to travel anywhere this summer unless the current situation drastically improves. We toyed with the idea of a road trip to some of the national parks in Arizona and Utah but in light of what we heard from people that have been there recently we will wait. Apparently, there isn’t much social distancing and most people are not wearing masks despite a growing number of cases. We also heard that some parks and trails remain closed as well as accommodations, restaurants and even washrooms. Those national parks aren’t going anywhere. We will get there eventually, but it won’t be this summer.
Conclusion
We continue to monitor the situation and learn more about the virus day after day. We should all continue to stay informed so we can stay safe. While tempting to plan and book, do avoid making any non-refundable deposits. Certainly, don’t take risks with your health. Live to travel another day!
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