Planning spring break travel? Being cooped up for a year because of COVID has left many people itching to travel somewhere – anywhere! While the CDC warns against it, the fact is travel is increasing. Airlines Reporting Corp. shows the January sales from their accredited travel agencies were up 21 percent compared to December 2020. Another study found the number of U.S. adults who feel safe flying and staying in a hotel has reached the highest levels since April of last year. Whether the goal is sun, sand and surf or snowy ski slopes, it’s important to take precautions and stay safe this spring break.
1. Pack plenty of PPE (you know the drill.)
While it’s fun to get away and leave behind the stressors and anxiety of work, home, or school – we’re still in a pandemic. Unfortunately we can’t leave that behind on spring break. So, you know the drill: pack your masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, maybe plastic gloves and even a thermometer. I know you’re tired of hearing it, but hopefully soon this will be a thing of the past.
2. Know before you go.
Destinations vary dramatically on their specific requirements for traveling in and out of the area. Find out the rules for your vacation destination. Are you traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean from the United States? Know that as of January 26, 2021 all travelers entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, need to have a negative COVID test taken within three days of departure. Arrange the details beforehand so you don’t get stuck and find yourself unable to re-enter the country… although a couple extra days on a Caribbean beach wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world!
Even traveling domestically you’ll want to research the local regulations at the destination you plan to visit. The current rules can differ from state to state and even between counties.
3. Stay safe traveling by car.
Traveling by car for spring break is safer than other means of travel during a pandemic simply because you aren’t packed together with strangers. Still there are some things to consider. Long road trips means you’ll be stopping along the way for bathroom breaks, meals and filling up your tank with gas. These are all ways you’ll be interacting with people or touching possibly contaminated surfaces. The CDC says COVID is spread mainly through person to person contact and not through surfaces, but you never know if the person before you just coughed or sneezed into his hand right before touching the gas pump. Eww! Use a disinfecting wipe on the pump handle before using and immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after getting gas. Better safe than sorry!
Be diligent during rest stops – mask up and keep your distance from other people. If possible, research your rest stops ahead of time and plan to stop in regions that have a lower COVID rate. Reduce your number of stops altogether by bringing plenty of snacks and drinks along.
4. Practice precautions traveling by plane.
The CDC warns against flying at this time, but if you’re planning to anyway, here are some tips. As always follow the safety rules put in place at airports and on airlines – wear masks at all times (even while eating… just drop your mask, take a bite, and put it right back up) and social distance. Obviously, you can’t social distance on the airplane, in fact most airlines are no longer leaving the middle seat empty. Tip: If you’re booking two seats in a three-seat row, reserve the window and the aisle seats. At least then you have a better chance that the middle seat won’t get booked and you two will have the row to yourselves. It’s worth a try! However, even if the middle seat gets booked, the passenger will most likely agree to switch with you and take the window or aisle seat.
Some airlines hand you a packet of sanitizing wipes while you board, but if not, have some along in your carry-on and wipe down your seating area (including seat belt and tray table) before you settle in. Use hand sanitizer often during the flight. Travelers are allowed to bring a liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in their carry-on as well as a full container of disinfecting wipes.
5. Avoid large events or gatherings.
This should go without saying since we’ve been hearing warnings against it for a year now, but… with it being spring break there may be larger events going on that shouldn’t be: Don’t attend large parties, gatherings, events or festivals where social distancing is impossible or unlikely.
6. Resist dining in restaurants.
This has been the hardest change for me. I love eating out – especially on vacation. But being in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation seated near people without masks eating, drinking, talking and laughing… it’s a recipe for COVID spread. Multiple studies confirm this.
One study found that an outbreak occurred when two diners were infected with COVID from a third, asymptomatic diner sitting 21 feet away. Turns out the restaurant’s air conditioner provided direct air flow between the diners.
Another study – this one done by the CDC – found that adults who tested positive for COVID, were twice as likely to have dined out at a restaurant in the two weeks leading up to feeling ill than those who tested negative.
Outdoor dining is less risky, and ordering take-out is even less so. Or if you happen to have cooking facilities at your lodging, you can make your own meals and stay in to eat. Not as much fun maybe, but definitely safer.
7. Opt for outdoor activities.
During your vacation, the more time spent outdoors, the better. Depending on your destination, opt for a hike, stroll or jog. Go fishing, kayaking, or golfing. Even if the weather is cold, dress in layers and you can snowboard, sled or ski. If your spring break plans take you on a ski trip, there are specific safety considerations to keep in mind…
8. Stop the spread on the slopes.
Skiing is an outdoor activity, so it’s less risky than other pastimes. But you’ll still find yourself around other people, especially in the lodge. Try to limit your time indoors with strangers. Get your gear on in your car and use your car as a place to warm up and eat your lunch. If possible, use your own ski equipment rather than rent, and always wear a mask – even under your ski mask, according to recommendations from the CDC.
9. Safely enjoy the sun, sand and water.
If you’re trying to get away from the cold and snow by heading to a sunny, beach locale, you have different safety factors to consider. An outdoor vacation consisting of dipping your toes in the sand, wading in water or reading a book on the beach is a safer option than indoor activities. However, beaches can get crowded. It is spring break after all. Practice social distancing at the beach and in the water. Fortunately, the CDC says COVID-19 doesn’t typically spread through lake or ocean water, but it can spread from person to person. Even in the water keep at least six feet away from others (just a little longer than a pool noodle!) Keep in mind that beaches may have certain limitations, such as restricted activities, limited hours or reduced capacities. Restrooms may be closed and parking may be limited to help reduce crowds. It’s best to find out this information before you arrive.
10. Stay vigilant.
It’s been a year since COVID-19 upended life as we knew it. We have endured a lot and we’re tired – mentally and physically. COVID fatigue is real! Vaccines are rolling out promising hope, but we’re not in the clear yet. While it’s easy to feel more relaxed, comfortable (and even invincible) while on vacation, we can’t forget that we’re in the middle of a pandemic. You may be tempted to let your guard down, but doing so could cost you a fun vacation at the very least. No one wants to get sick while traveling, or worse – bring it back and spread it to loved ones. Stay vigilant. Protect yourself and others while having a spectacular and safe spring break.
Are you traveling for spring break in 2021? What safety precautions are you taking? Tell us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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