On the surface, a vacation may seem like nothing more than a luxury or leisure activity that you indulge in on occasion. However, a vacation has proven to be a therapeutic and essential practice for individuals, couples, friends, and families in reality. It's an opportunity to see and explore new things as you take a break from the various stresses of everyday life and bond. When you look at it that way, taking a vacation is a must.
Current Times Spark Travel Desires
The need to get away has never been more prevalent than in the present-day as the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on everyday life. You've been cooped up for months away from friends and family as you deal with the physical, psychological, and financial impact of current times. A vacation seems like just the time out you need to get back on track. The only thing that's kept you from booking a flight and packing your bags is the heightened risks of traveling during a pandemic.
Playing It Safe
If you've decided that you wish to travel during a pandemic, the best thing to do is play it safe. Doing so means that you take measures before, during, and after your vacation to ensure you and your loved ones' well-being. Below are a few things to keep in mind.
Before Your Trip
Assess Your Health - Before deciding to go on a trip, assess your health. Do you have a robust immune system? Do you have existing medical conditions that could complicate symptoms of the coronavirus? Are you currently struggling with or getting over the flu, a cold, or another virtual or respiratory illness? If you or anyone you plan to travel with cannot pass the assessment, chances are you should hold off on traveling.
Check Alerts - When deciding on a destination for your vacation, review government, state, or local websites for the latest updates on coronavirus rates, changes to regulations, or travel restrictions. If possible, sign up for notifications so you can get updates instantly, no matter where you are.
Choose Accommodations Wisely - When deciding where you'll stay, eat, and play, it is imperative to choose wisely. Let's say you want to go to a resort in San Diego with a casino for a couple's getaway. Check the resort's website to see what measures they have taken to keep guests safe while playing casino table games, dining in on-site restaurants, and enjoying live entertainment. Ideally, you want to select a place complying with federal and local health and safety guidelines to reduce your risk of contracting the coronavirus.
Pack PPE - Don't leave your health and safety in the hands of others. While you'd hope that establishments would have things like face masks and hand sanitizer, you can't be sure. Therefore, you must pack enough for everyone to use for the duration of the trip.
During Your Trip
Wear PPE - Whether there are signs requiring travelers to wear masks or not, it's best to keep your mouth and nose protected. Ensure that you and your travel companions are wearing face masks any time you're indoors or close to others in public.
Social Distance - Ensure that you and your travel companions remain at least six feet away from others whenever possible.
Wash Your Hands - Everyone should wash their hands after each meal or after touching items and surfaces in public areas. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer.
Make Sound Decisions - When it comes to participating in activities or events, make sound decisions. If the tourist attraction looks too crowded or the restaurant isn't making staff wear PPE, then chances are you should abort the mission.
After Your Trip
When returning home from travel during the pandemic, your first and only responsibility is to self-quarantine for 7-10 days. As it can take a while to start experiencing symptoms, you want to ensure that you're healthy before exposing others. So, do the best you can to stay home and protect yourself well if you have to go out.
Deciding to travel during the pandemic or remain home is your choice to make. If you do decide that you need to get away for a while, do so wisely. Take health and safety precautions, including those listed above, to reduce the chances of contracting the coronavirus while you're away.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
