The increasing surge of Corona Virus has dampened many families’ vacation plans. After months of staying home and self-isolation, many are eager to get out and have some fun especially with the ease of restrictions previously put in place by various governments to contain the spread of the virus like international travel bans and restricting movement to essential services only.
Whether it is safe to travel depends on many variables, namely, how you plan to do so, where you want to go, the rates of infection in your chosen destination, who you are travelling with, and your anticipated behavior once you arrive.
As you plan for your family vacation, consider the following factors:
Travel restrictions
You should stay up to date on local and international recommendations and restrictions, and check back for potential changes regularly. Be aware of any policies or actions that you will be expected to take whether when travelling or on your return. For example, some places require visitors to self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.
Choose your destination wisely
Avoid corona virus hotspots. It is still important to avoid crowded places and limit the interactions you have with others. Ensure you book accommodations at places where you have confirmed necessary safety measures have been put in place.
Plan to be flexible. Restrictions and guidelines may change at any time and you need to be ready to roll with any such changes.
Mode of transportation
Though it may be impossible to know if one type of travel is holistically safer than another during this period, airports, bus, train stations, and rest stops remain high risk areas for transmission. You should therefore consider short-distance road trips as they allow more control of your surrounding and limit interaction and contact with strangers. Always pack a TSA-compliant pandemic essentials bag – hand sanitizer, face masks, disinfecting wipes, health insurance cards, a thermometer, latex gloves- whenever you travel and especially if you are flying. Consider using airlines that are compliant with the set guidelines like social distancing and minimizing contact, and check their policy guidelines beforehand.
Check in with your doctor
The immunization rates among children have greatly gone down during this pandemic as many are skipping routine check-ups. The risk of contracting new diseases when travelling remains and it is advisable that you remain up to date on vaccines. Ensure you conduct individual risk assessments of all those planning to travel with the help of a medical practitioner.
Prepare children on staying safe
Ensure you talk to your child about the importance of physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask while travelling. You can act out how you anticipate your travel will differ from previous ones. It is important to take advantage of this learning opportunity that will benefit your entire family.
- Consider planning low risk family vacation during the period. These include:
- Book a socially distant hotel stay
- Book a private vacation home rental to limit interactions with others
- Plan a socially distant road trip during COVID
- Camp somewhere remote
The pandemic is an evolving situation and it’s crucial to follow guidelines set forth by organizations such as the government and WHO. Practice safety measures, no matter where you go, including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Additionally, consider quarantine mandates for your destination, as well as your own level of risk and whether you’re traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.
