As someone who loves to travel, the restrictions due to COVID have been particularly difficult. I don’t take safety lightly, so I canceled all my spring and summer travel plans at the beginning of the pandemic. When my boyfriend mentioned visiting his family for a few weeks, I was predictably anxious. Travel brings up a host of unknown factors and potentially risky situations, but seeing family took priority. Now, on the other side of the trip, I’m so glad I didn’t back out. After being cooped up in our small apartment for months, a getaway was much-needed!
When traveling in the time of Corona it’s imperative that we take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and others safe. Travel looks a lot different these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lovely trip. Here are some important things to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- Get tested before you go. This was required for us to enter Maine but I think its a good practice to get tested or quarantine before you travel anywhere. This way you can be sure you’re not bringing the virus to your destination.
- Eat and socialize outside. If you’re going to be visiting with friends or family, spending the majority of your time outside will reduce risk for all involved.
- Avoid unnecessary errands. For our car ride and camping trip we went shopping beforehand and packed the car up with everything we needed to avoid stopping along the way. This will keep you from possibly exposing local populations to the virus.
- Pack your PPE. To keep ourselves and others safe, we packed a whole bag with our masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, a thermometer, disinfectant spray, and paper towels.
- Travel by car if you can. Keep planes safe for those who really need them by driving if you can! When driving it’s also important to make as few stops as possible. I know you’re wondering about bathroom breaks. Stopping at a bathroom has been rated as a pretty low-risk but make sure to keep your mask on and use gloves if you can. If you don’t like the idea of public restrooms right now, you can also find a campsite or hiking trail along your route for when nature calls!
- Stick to the outdoors. Gone are the days of traveling for restaurants and museums. By visiting restaurants and other indoor spaces, you risk bringing the virus to locals. Plan your trip around spending time outside: go camping, take a hike, sit on the beach.
- Respect the locals. This one is huge. Maybe the place you’re traveling has fewer cases than home, but that doesn’t mean you can abandon all precautions. You are a guest in someone else’s town. Be respectful and try to keep it safe and healthy for them.
I hope these tips help you alleviate some travel anxiety and plan a trip that’s both fun and safe!
Shea-ish 