How to Stay Safe While Traveling this Summer
Krystal Clark
| 2 min read
Do you plan to travel this summer? With the economy reopening, public safety is more important than ever. Before hitting the road or booking a flight, learn how to protect yourself and others during your next trip.
- Talk to a doctor: Before embarking on a journey, talk to your primary care physician about health concerns you may have. Make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations including influenza, measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can weaken the immune system making you more susceptible to other infections.
- Carry a travel kit: Good hygiene is the primary method for preventing the spread of germs. In case of emergency, you should have multiple cleaning supplies on hand. This includes water, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, as well as disposable gloves.
- Check the air up there: The airline industry is picking up steam but international flights are still limited due to individual country restrictions. Some refuse to accept nonresidents, while others may require a two-week quarantine. For domestic travel, states have also implemented post-COVID policies that encourage social distancing and face coverings. Contact each airline for a breakdown of their specific rules and regulations.
- Know your room and board policy: Many hotels and rental properties have also changed their policies. Many have adopted aggressive cleaning procedures, particularly for shared and commonly used areas. Guest rooms may be filled with complimentary sanitizer and wipes to encourage visitors to clean throughout their stay.
- Choose an isolated location: High-volume areas make it difficult to practice social distancing. Aim for smaller, lesser known sites that are fun and easy to navigate. For example, outdoor facilities offer wide spaces and a better flow of traffic.
- Observe restaurant restrictions: Dining out is still an option but it’s changed significantly. Some businesses offer limited seating to better adhere to social distancing guidelines, while others prefer to utilize roadside pickup. As always, check with the company to see what restrictions are in place.
Please note: Any one can get sick or spread disease while traveling. Following public safety guidelines can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 but it’s not guaranteed. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to infection and severe illness. Please practice extreme caution and plan accordingly.
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Photo credit: xavierarnau
