Tips for Traveling Safely for the Holiday in 2020
From the days of massive lockdowns to some states opening up and easing up on movement or travel restrictions. We are preparing and making plans for what celebrating the holidays will look like for us in 2020. The Transportation Security Administration shows that the number of people flying is climbing almost daily. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are continuing to issue guidance that traveling can increase your chances of getting and spreading the coronavirus.
The holidays just won’t be the same if we aren’t gathered together with friends and family. When you are making your holiday travel plans add a few extra things before you board a flight or load up the car.
- Plan for Masks
Whether you plan to take a flight or drive to your holiday destination, bring with you either disposable masks, cloth masks, or an N95 mask. The disposable masks allow you to change your masks out between flights or before you get to your destination, further reducing your spread. If you are taking a cloth mask, bring with you spares that you can wear while another is in the laundry. It is an excellent practice to get a plastic baggy to keep the cloth masks you have already used if you are away from a laundry site.
- Stock up on Personal Safety Items
Bring with you disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol. If you stay in a hotel, disinfect common touch surfaces as you go about your stay, such as the remote control for the TV, door handles, faucet handles, and light switches. Suppose you choose to drive, disinfect the gas pump handle before you fill-up.
- Bring Snacks
The least amount of times that you must interact with other people, the better. Limited interactions also applies to going to a store and touching products in the coolers or on a shelf. Bring your snacks or personal food items that satisfy you while keeping you out of stores and gas stations.
- Be Considerate of Where you Stay
While it might be a tradition for everyone to stay at Grandma’s house, it might not be the safest option for Grandma. Be considerate of the home with someone who is elderly, has a compromised immune system, or has a preexisting condition. People who fall under this category are at high risk for COVID-19 and could damage their health permanently.
- Plan for Gifts
If it is common for your family or friends to exchange gifts, you might not want the headache of dealing with the COVID-19 virus and gifts. Consider sending your gifts before you travel to limit the object’s exposure before you give it to someone. However, if you choose to travel with gifts, take some time to sanitize any bags or boxes before the grand reveal.
- Get a Test
To give you and your friends or family some peace of mind, before you travel, find a clinic or care center that offers testing. It is a wise choice to look at the city and state where you are going to ensure there are no additional travel restrictions.
