COVID-19 is the virus nobody saw coming. As the travel industry is learning a new normal as a result of the quarantine, international travel is currently on hold. This is also leaving many people unsure and wary of domestic traveling, but we’re here to remind you that things don’t have to stay that way!
There are many ways to keep healthy, and stay healthy while you are traveling whether you’re simply going on a weekend getaway, or on that dream trip of a lifetime to an island far away.
Check the CDC and TSA Websites for Travel Information:
The CDC and TSA both are reliable resources to check in with for up to date tips on staying safe while traveling.
The TSA outlines some of the precautions they implemented in airports such as new security screening checkpoints. Social distancing is also in place here in all public areas.
Passenger volume on flights has been reduced for more space between passengers, and other cleaning & disinfecting measures have been increased (we think we all can agree those are great things to see taking place!).
Other information these sites include are statistics of where TSA workers have contracted the virus so you have more knowledge of which airports and cities are at a greater risk.
Keeping Your Immune System Strong
When traveling you are usually interacting with many others. Whether you’re going through an airport, train station, bus, or even when while taking stops along a road trip.
To keep your immune system healthy, experts remind us to focus on two specific areas: eating right and exercising. These are two big factor that can help a lot when it comes to keeping healthy.
Taking daily vitamins and minerals approved by your primary care physician can also help to keep your body healthy, especially if you aren’t able to focus as closely on exercise and a healthy diet. The more your immune system is in-tact, the more it can help fight a virus should you encounter one on your travels.
We’re of course also partial to the Vitamin D that you enjoy while sitting on your favorite beach!
Work With A Travel Advisor Familiar With Your Destination
Before planning a trip make sure you know all about what’s going on with COVID-19 in that area. You can certainly research this on your own; however, by working with a Travel Advisor that you trust, you’re going to learn far more, far more easily.
Advisors have contacts all around the world that they can rely on for accurate information: From hotels, to tour companies, to other advisors in their network that live in a particular are. This will help you to plan for anything and everything that could come your way – And it also gives you an on-call resource in your corner, for all of those unexpected items that could happen while away.
Take Essential Sanitation Precautions
When traveling in a small area or around a lot of people, it is recommended by the CDC to wear a cloth face mask that can cover your nose and mouth. Another essential item to have on hand is hand sanitizer. The TSA is currently allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice, which is far larger than the 3 oz limit travelers are familiar with (keep up to date on this update here).
Can’t find any hand sanitizer at your local store? No need to worry! You can make your own with aloe vera and rubbing alcohol (with at least a 60% alcohol base).
Social Distancing Is the New “Personal Bubble”
It used to be called “personal space” or a “personal bubble”, but now we are familiar with 6ft of distance being the “social distancing” standard. This is becoming a common practice that’s been going a long way with helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we anticipate that this will be continuing for quite some time to come in various ways.
Most public places are even putting markings on the floors to ensure you stay the recommended six feet away from other people.
Not quite sure how far 6 feet is? Think about the average length of a front of a sedan, or, our preferred unit of measurement, the length of two golden retrievers.
Tips For Traveling In An RV
Following all the tips above is a great start. Also, keep cleanliness in mind even if it might just be you and travel buddies. It is tremendously important to have a way of cleaning and disinfecting your dishes while traveling in an RV. If you’re heading out in an RV, always go to the store ahead of time and grab more cleaning suppliers than you think you may need. You never know when someone may come down with a bug in your group, and when traveling in such close quarters, extra cleaning supplies will be a huge help.
Also pack nonperishable foods that will keep for an extended period of time. If you run out to get food every time you stop somewhere it increases your chances of contracting a bug, and then spreading it to others.
An added tip we have for this type of travel, is to always book any accommodations to stay at campsites, truck stops, etc. ahead of time. If you don’t check beforehand you run the risk of one being closed or at max capacity.
Using Your Best Judgement Is A Must
When planning a trip in uncertain times, be smart! After taking time to research, you can make decisions that seem best for your health and safety, and for those who you are traveling with. Research, prepare, and plan ahead.
Let’s Chat!
As you can see, there are so many ways to stay healthy while you’re out there. It’s never too early to start planning your 2021 trips, and it definitely isn’t too late to secure your 2020 travel plans for the second half of the year.
You can give us a call at 732-866-9969, shoot us an email at sales@beachtravel.com contact us online by clicking here.
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