In Life, As In Travel There Are No Guarantees

There was a time not too long ago when travel was about adventure and not knowing exactly what was around the corner added to the excitement. Since the spread of COVID-19, times have drastically changed. Now, if we plan to travel, we want to know exactly what we can expect, more than ever before. You may be asking,

Should I Cancel My Summer Travel Plans Due To Coronavirus?

The CDC updates travel guidelines every Monday at noon.

While some states are beginning to ease stay at home restrictions as early as May 1, others are under extended orders and are asking for visitors to suspend travel plans for the foreseeable future. In areas where restrictions are being lifted, you could expect to be able to travel by mid to the end of May. But just because you can travel, should you?

The CDC cautions to not travel if you have the following conditions:

Are sick or plan to travel with someone who is sick
If you or your loved ones are at higher risk for severe illness

They also caution to always check the state or local health department of the destination you wish to travel to for local policies and recommendations.

Eliminate Risk While Getting There

We’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of handwashing and social distancing since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Just because there is talk about opening up the economy, it doesn’t mean we can ease up on these practices. If you do plan to travel, take all the necessary precautions to protect you and your family.

Air Travel During COVID-19

If you are traveling by air, wear a mask. Practice hand washing often and run through a routine with your family before-hand of what that will look like. Will you wear gloves through security? That’s great but understand that the improper use of gloves may contribute to the spread

How will you sanitize things after they’ve been on the security belt? Where’s the closest bathroom for handwashing:

Before and after going through the security line
Before and after eating

Have plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes on hand. TSA has modified its size restrictions for hand sanitizer during this time. Avoid touching surfaces and then using your cell phone. Wipe down credit cards after each time you use them. Always, when in public, avoid touching your face.

Be kind to the airline workers. Respect social distancing and remember that they too are on the front-lines.

Driveable Vacations

Driveable vacations may become the norm during these times. When stopping for gas, to eat or even stretch, remain socially distanced from those you come into contact with. Wear a disposable glove or cloth when pumping gas. Always wash hands or use sanitizer after touching any kind of keypad or kiosk. Remember to wipe down hard surfaces that are often touched after each stop. These include:

Door handles
Steering wheels
Radio or temperature dials
Seat belts
Cell phones that have been out of the car

Occasionally open up the windows or a sun-roof for fresh air. If possible, pack a picnic rather than stopping for food at a commercial space.

It’s About Two-Way Social Responsibility

Remember that when you travel you are a guest of a community where residents live year-round. Any time someone from the ‘outside’ comes in, this local population becomes at greater risk of exposure. As a guest, it’s your ultimate responsibility to respect and follow the wishes of the location. Mary Calhoun, Mayor of the tourist town of Red River, New Mexico had this to stay to future travelers to her community.

Pre-Planning

Hotels and Vacation Rental Home Management companies are stepping up their game when it comes to enhanced sanitation. Chad Mantz at Red River Real Estate has assured his guests that they are ‘leveraging expanded cleaning measures, including sanitizing high-touch surfaces and introducing bleach-based and hospital-grade cleaning solutions’ and this is being echoed industry-wide.

Vacation rental homes especially offer extra protection with private entryways, outdoor spaces and no need to interact with other guests. You can further plan ahead and protect yourself by:

Ordering touch-free grocery services
Bringing your own sanitizers and wipes
Finding out ahead of time which restaurants are open for take-out and when
Supporting local businesses that rely on tourism
- Order items for pick-up or buy a gift card for future use

In short, no matter what you choose to do, we all need to be as socially and hygienically responsible as we can during the outbreak of COVID-19.