Travel Plans? Here's Your Travel Safety Checklist to Help Prevent COVID-19
Still Making Your Summer 2021 Travel Plans? Here Are the Safest Ways to Travel to Help Prevent The Spread of COVID-19
If you are still undecided about where to take your summer vacation, you aren’t alone. For the first time in over a year, we now have the ability to travel to places once off-limits. Both domestic and international travel is reopening again. As a result, the options for possible vacation destinations may seem endless.
Despite the lifting and easing of many restrictions nationwide, it is still important to balance fun with a sense of caution to prevent any future outbreaks of COVID-19. If you’re looking to stay as safe and healthy as possible this summer — while enjoying yourself to the fullest — explore these pro tips.
Avoid all areas where COVID-19 is still spreading.
In the United States, COVID-19 numbers are rapidly improving. Thanks to having a large percentage of the population fully vaccinated, the spread of the virus has dramatically decreased. It is safer than it has been in a long while to go just about anywhere in the country.
However, this is not the case everywhere. In many parts of Asia, COVID-19 cases are rapidly growing. Resources and hospital space are limited, resulting in a dangerous situation for anyone in the region. If you are considering international travel of any kind, be sure to check COVID-19 cases before booking your accommodations.
Go camping (or “glamping”).
Looking to prevent the risk of contracting or being a carrier of COVID-19 altogether? In cases like this, it is best to aim for travel that reduces your exposure to others as much as possible. One of the best kinds of vacations you can take in this case is a camping or “glamping” excursion.
Whether you prefer to tough it out through all of the elements in a simple tent or you enjoy the comforts of an air-conditioned yurt, being outdoors and away from the public will significantly reduce any chance of developing or becoming a carrier of COVID-19. You can reduce your risk even further by wearing masks and using hand sanitizer when in public spaces.
Consider a “staycation” to avoid excess travel.
Another way to substantially reduce your chances of exposure to COVID-19 is to plan a staycation. Even if you’ll be out with others, you will be around far fewer people than if you were to travel a longer distance. Vacationing near home eliminates the need to go to the airport, travel on a plane, stay at multiple hotels, and drive across multiple states.
Staycations can be just as fun as long-distance travel. In fact, since you are already well-acquainted with the area, you have the advantage of being able to book the best accommodations available. To get started, find a vacation property in San Diego that best meets your needs and budget. Then, curate an itinerary full of fun activities, including visits to the beach and La Jolla Cove.
If you haven’t done so already, get your COVID vaccine.
Ultimately, one of the most effective ways to stay safe and healthy while traveling this summer is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Once you are fully vaccinated, you are over 94% protected from the virus. Many places across the nation will require you to show proof of your vaccination to go unmasked, and almost all countries are requiring U.S. citizens to be fully vaccinated before being able to enter. To avoid extra hassle and risk, getting the vaccine ASAP is your best strategy.
What is right for you will ultimately depend on your needs, preferences, and individual situation. The guidance above is a great starting place when looking to plan a COVID-safe vacation this summer.
Contributing Author- Jesse Clark with Soulful-Travel
The Rad Traveler is the leading blog for travelers and those with a sense of wanderlust. Explore the latest travel tips and destinations here.