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When the coronavirus pandemic made landfall in the U.S. and international borders closed, my summer travel plans changed. Since travelling overseas for summer vacation wasn’t going to be possible, I started putting together a list of places in the U.S. that I wanted to visit that are remote and lesser known.
On my list are places like Big Bend National Park and Hill Country in Texas, Red Rock State Park in Arizona, Glacier National Park in Montana, and The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in Oregon. So, lots of places where you spend your days outdoors hiking and exploring.
As economies begin to reopen, experts are warning that there could be a second wave of the outbreak. But, don’t let the fear of another outbreak keep you from going on a summer vacation. With careful planning and preparation, you can plan a trip that is safe for you and your family or friends.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve outlined four considerations for planning a summer vacation during the pandemic.
check state and local travel restrictions and other closures
Since pandemic restrictions vary from state to state, it’s important to do your homework to make sure your destination is open. You’ll also need to consider what rules are in place for visitors traveling to the state as well as residents.
If you’re going to parks, campsites, amusement parks, or any other recreational place or landmark, you’ll also want to check to see what the restrictions are for those places -- especially if they’re not government-run. While businesses are generally following Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state guidelines for reopening, they may be reopening at slower paces and they may have additional restrictions and requirements.
Before you hit the road, check with state and local authorities in the state you’re in, and the states you’re passing through if you’re traveling by car. And, for any parks, businesses, or other recreational places you’ll be visiting, check their individual websites for information on their individual requirements and restrictions.
air or land travel? choose what you’re comfortable with
When you’re starting to plan your summer vacation, one of the first things you should decide is how far you’re willing to travel. That will determine if you can drive or if you will need to fly to reach your destination.
Choosing a destination that you’ll need to book a flight to will require spending time in security lines and airport terminals, and you’ll be in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. If you’re unsure of whether flying is safe right now, here are some new policies that both airports and airlines have implemented in response to the pandemic that you should consider.
Airports across the country are ramping up cleaning and sanitization protocols, equipping employees with face coverings, and installing new equipment like automatic soap dispensers and faucets to restroom facilities. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has deployed a Cleaning Strike Team of 165 members who focus on increased cleaning frequencies of touch points in all five terminals. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has installed more than 250 additional hand sanitizer stations throughout the terminals and are cleaning public areas and restrooms at least once per hour. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has increased the frequency of surface cleaning in high-traffic areas and installed more than 120 additional hand sanitizing stations. These are just a few things that three airports are doing to help keep travellers safe -- every airport across the country has increased their sanitization practices and have implemented new health and safety policies.
Airline companies have also implemented new sanitization policies to keep aircraft clean and safe for travellers. According to the CDC, it’s difficult for most viruses and germs to spread on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. American Airlines and Delta Airlines are using additional electrostatic spray to disinfect planes, flight attendants are required to wear face masks on all flights, and they’re offering sanitizing wipes and face masks to customers.
Before booking your flights, you can check out your departure, transfer, and arrival airport websites to see their updated health and safety policies, and you can check your airline's website for their updated policies.
Domestic air travel is not restricted, and with the new health and safety policies from both airports and airliners, you can make an informed decision for you and your family on whether or not flying is a safe option for you.
stick close to home
The public health crisis has changed the travel industry, and it’s likely changed how you view travel too. Most cities and states are moving towards lifting lockdowns, easing restrictions on restaurants and bars, and reopening parks and recreational areas. However, even as life starts to return to the ‘new normal’, there will be a tendency for people to stay closer to home in the first few months.
Unlike traveling farther distances, traveling closer to home allows you to travel by car, which increases the control you have over the health and safety of you and your family. Roadtrips give you the flexibility to pack your own food, bring your own sanitizing wipes, and reduce your exposure to public spaces.
Pick a place you haven’t been to before that’s close to where you live -- there’s a good chance that you can find cool destinations that are ‘vacation-worthy’ a few hours from your hometown.
head to wide open and lesser known places
The travel industry is expecting to see spikes in trips to more remote, rural places like Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Even if there is an increase in trips to these types of places, they’re still going to be a good option for your summer vacation. These destinations are wide open which makes social distancing easy.
The U.S. is full of lesser known parks, lakes, and destinations that you can vacation to, without compromising on the quality of your vacation. Steering clear from crowded and tourist destinations -- like Florida beaches and Times Square -- will make it easy to maintain distance from other people.
Since popular places where crowds gather can pose problems as social distancing becomes difficult to maintain, hit the road and go to lesser known parks or head to the lake with just your family or friends.
conclusion
As border restrictions begin to ease and economies begin to open up, the CDC suggests staying home to stay safe. But that doesn’t mean traveling and your summer vacation can’t be safe. With thoughtful preparation and planning, you can plan a great vacation that’s one for the scrapbooks! For more helpful tips, check out the CDC’s considerations for planning a summer vacation.