For a year, social isolation has been our new normal. We've been stuck in our homes and have had to put our travel dreams on hold. But thanks to vaccines, the travel industry is now beginning to wake up after a long hibernation!
It's important to remember that the world isn't completely back to normal, and we have to adjust our own travel habits before we set off around the globe. Whether you are interested in tips for Domestic or International travel, we've got you covered!
Here's some advice on how to travel safely, comfortably, and ethically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Domestic Travel
The CDC says that fully vaccinated travelers can safely travel through the US — so there's hope on the horizon! Now you can take that trip to the Grand Canyon or the perfect beachside vacation that you've been putting off for the past year, no quarantines needed.
Does this mean that vacationing will return completely back to normal? Not exactly.
Despite the lowered risk, there are travel safety guidelines to follow. Don't leave your mask at home and don't forget to keep your six feet bubble intact while in public.
And while we've been social distancing and masking up for over a year, these travel safety steps might be here to stay for the foreseeable future.
The bright side is that you have an excuse to shop for some stylish new masks to match your travel wardrobe! Treat them as an accessory, just like a pair of sunglasses or a new sunhat.
Here are some other things to keep in mind while traveling domestically during the pandemic, to keep you and your communities safe!
Consider Taking a Road Trip
The Great American Road Trip was all the rage in the 1950s and 1960s and, thanks to COVID-19, might be making a comeback.
Hitting the road instead of buying a plane ticket is one of the safest ways to travel during this time since it limits your contact with other people. But that's not the only pro to traveling by car instead of by plane!
Driving can be much more budget-friendly, depending on how far you travel, and it gives you and your travel companions a lot more freedom. Instead of flying above the beautiful American landscape, you're driving through it, with no one's itinerary to follow but your own.
If you want to get out and take a picture with that historical landmark or kitschy roadside attraction, you can! You're free to treat the journey as just as much of an experience as the destination — who could ever say that about waiting around in an airport?
Do Your Research On Your Travel Destination
One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe is to do your research. Instead of just heading to Google to find out local attractions, off-season hotel prices, or the average temperatures, you'll also want to look up a particular area's COVID-19 response.
Certain places in the country have been hit much harder by the pandemic than others. If you were to travel to a big city or a hard-hit region you might be greeted by a lot of "CLOSED" signs on restaurant doors.
Similarly, certain communities might have very relaxed restrictions but high amounts of cases. It's up to your own comfort level to decide what you're comfortable with when traveling, so be sure to do your research and keep restrictions in mind!
Which State are you looking forward to visiting the most? Let me know in the comments!
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