The United States State Department is still advising U.S. citizens to avoid international travel due to COVID-19. Likewise, domestic non-essential travel is advised against because of the possibility of catching and spreading coronavirus.
However, if your travel is essential and you can’t avoid traveling then you’ll need to prepare yourself for the travel changes and new guidelines in place.
Traveling safely is essential in the prevention of spreading coronavirus, but how do you ensure you’re traveling safely and responsibly? Keep reading to discover our guide on how to go on a trip safely during coronavirus.
How to Go on a Trip Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Going away for work or even for a little getaway to help boost your mental health is still possible. The pandemic has brought about a variety of new travel guidelines and procedures that you need to follow to ensure you stay safe while traveling. But as long as you comply with the rules and remain safe, then there’s no reason why you can’t travel.
Things to Consider Before You Travel
Before traveling anywhere, it’s useful to consider several factors such as the risks. One thing to think about is the destination you want to travel to. Check whether the disease is spreading here, the more cases of COVID-19 in a location, the more likely you are to contract it and spread it when you return.
Another thing to think about before traveling is the risk of getting COVID-19 for both yourself and the people you live with. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk of becoming seriously ill. If this describes you or those you live with, it might be best to avoid travel.
Before you travel, you should also make sure you check on the requirements and restrictions of your destination. For example, some states and countries require people to quarantine at home for up to 14 days after they’ve traveled. In most states and countries, you might also need to wear a mask and social distance.
Before traveling, it might be useful to check with the company what procedures they have in place to protect their customers. Try to choose travel companies that are promoting social distancing, have enhanced cleaning procedures, and those that offer online/contactless payment and check-ins.
Safe Travel Tips
If you still want to or have to travel, there are several ways you can ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. One way to stay safe is driving directly to your destination, this minimizes your chances of catching COVID-19 on public transport.
If you need to use public transport, make sure you abide by the safety procedures in place. For example, wear a mask over your mouth and nose, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from those who aren’t in your household. Regularly wash your hands, with either soap and water or a hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Traveling also involves airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops, where surfaces and the air can contain the virus. Remember to be mindful in these locations too, following safe social distancing where possible and trying to not touch surfaces. If you do touch surfaces make sure you thoroughly clean your hands before eating anything or touching anything else.
What to Pack
A big part of how to stay safe from the coronavirus is being prepared, which means you need to pack the appropriate things. Along with your clothes and possessions that you’ll need during your trip, you’ll also need to pack enough medicine to last you. This will ensure you don’t need to go to a pharmacy while you’re away.
You should also pack:
- Face masks (these can either be reusable cloth ones or disposable ones)
- Hand sanitizer (with at least a 60% alcohol content)
- Disinfectant wipes for surfaces
- And a thermometer.
These essentials will all help to promote safety while traveling and during your trip away. Remember that reusable masks need to be washed in between each individual use, so if you don’t have access to a washing machine pack disposable ones.
While Your Away
If you’re staying overnight in a hotel or a rental home, then you should always check on the company’s website what procedures they have in place. Most hotels and rental homes are providing:
- Enhanced cleaning procedures (of public areas and rooms)
- Social distancing in public areas (such as at reception desks)
- Masked staff and guests
- Employee best practices (such as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols)
- Procedures in place should a guest of the accommodation become ill.
You might also want to arrange with the hotel to be placed in a room that has been vacant for 24 hours or more, as this will help to lower the risk of catching coronavirus.
To further protect yourself when you arrive at your accommodation, be sure to clean any surfaces. For example, clean door handles, light switches, countertops, toilets, and sinks.
Another part of traveling is eating out. Hotel guests might want to consider ordering takeaway food, instead of eating out. That way, you’re still helping support the hospitality industry but are lowering your risk of catching coronavirus.
Stay Safe During Your Travels
If you need to travel, make sure you use our guide on how to go on a trip safely during the coronavirus. And remember to protect yourself as much as possible, which means wearing a face mask, social distancing, and regularly washing your hands.
Don’t forget to check out our other travel-related articles, to find out all the latest information about traveling and COVID-19.