8 Smart Ways to Prepare for Traveling This Summer
Two-thirds of Americans are planning to travel this summer. If you’re part of that group, you’ve probably wondered how you can travel while staying safe. While the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has calmed with the widespread rollout of vaccines, the effects of the virus are still felt all over the world. In particular, many people are still feeling anxiety over public spaces.
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The feeling is understandable. The last year has been tough on all of us, but we’re also feeling the effects of being cooped up at home since early 2020.
If you happen to have the travel bug, know that you can do so safely. From wearing a medical alert bracelet while on the go to considering where you’re going, here are some smart ways to prepare for travel during Summer 2021.
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Consider where you’re traveling to
The first thing you really want to consider is where it is you want to go. Part of the reason we’ve remained in quarantine is to avoid spreading COVID to other people. Just because numbers are decreasing doesn’t mean that we can go back to normal.
You should do your best to avoid the areas that are bound to be overloaded with people. The most popular travel destinations include:
- Cancun, Mexico
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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Think small
Before you plan a massive trip to make your return back into the world from COVID, it’s recommended that you start small. Plan a trip in your own backyard. ; nNot literally, but somewheresomeone in your region. This could include a weekend getaway at a resort up north or a few days-day leave in an AirBnB. It might not sound like much, but it’s a great way to get back into traveling without jumping right into the deep end.
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Will you be vaccinated yet?
This is an important question you’re going to have to ask yourself. The reason many people are getting vaccinated isare twofold: one, it protects against current mutations of COVID-19, and; second, it decreases the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus to other people.
If you haven’t been vaccinated by the time you want to plan your trip, you might need to wait a little longer. It’s not the best news, but it’s the best thing you can do for your health and for the health of others.
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People are booking ahead
If you’re hoping to go on vacation this summer, you should know that many other people are planning far ahead of you. Rental homes are in high demand on AirBnB, so you might have a hard time trying to find a place to stay. Start doing your research if you’re thinking of staying somewhere. —youYou might not have any, or many, options available if you’re planning a month out.
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Check to see where you’re allowed
Before you hit the road or air, you’re also going to want to check in to see where you’re allowed. Some states and nations are still not allowing travel through their borders., You’ll want to make sure that you’re allowed to stay in a specific place before spending money to go there.
Also, make sure to regularly check in on local COVID numbers, particularly new daily cases. Seeing the trends will help you decide whether it’s actually safe to go there on vacation or not. If things aren’t looking good, your best bet might be to settle on a camping trip off in the deep weeds.
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Hotel chains are a safe option
AirBnBs tend to be very cute, but you also don’t know much about the owner —, especially their cleaning policies. For this reason, major high-end hotel chains are a reliable option. Why?
For one, they have strict cleaning regimensregiments already, all of which have been increased since the start of COVID. Moreover, they’re bound to have vacancies which will allow for flexible stay, depending on how far out you’re looking to travel.
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Consider getting travel insurance
Planning a flight or a long trip? Planning far out in advance, too? You’re going to want to get insurance, in the event that your trip has to be cancelled. It’s not an ideal thought, but things happen —. eEspecially with COVID.
We don’t know what will happen a month from now to four months fromto now to six months from now. There’s no knowing, as things can change due to rising cases, low vaccinations, new mutations — the works. Hopefully, we’re past all that, but insurance can protect you in the event that we’re not.
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Be responsible
Most importantly, you need to make sure that you are being responsible while traveling. From wearing a mask while on airplanes to maintaining your hand sanitizing and washing habits, you need to do all that you can to maintain safety regulations — for yourselves and others.
You should also understand that your risk is still real, too, especially if you haven’t been vaccinated yet. A simple method for anyone with an underlying condition or who isare immunocompromised is to wear an aApple watch medical alert bracelet. These make it easy to carry your medical information with you wherever you go. If you were to have a medical emergency, whether related to COVID, the heat, or a lifelong medical condition, you can remain safe by keeping relevant information right on your wrist.
So if you do have a summer trip planned, make sure you take precautions. Do your research on what you're traveling to, from their current COVID case numbers to the cleaning tactics of where you’re staying to curfews and rules set by the city and state you’ll be residing in. It’s important we all take a breather, but don’t let that put you or others at risk.