When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the United States last year, the travel industry came to a complete halt. Over the course of the summer, people began to venture out a little bit more, but mostly sticking to small road trips. With more and more people gaining access to COVID-19 vaccinations, the light is finally at the end of the tunnel. After over a year of isolation, it’s safe to say that we are itching to get out of our houses. Armed with the right precautions and equipment, travel is possible right now.
I do think it is possible to travel safely during this time, and I will be comfortable to travel. After the semester ends, I will have gotten the second dose of the vaccine, making it easier for me to be around people and travel with my friends and family. In addition to having the vaccine, I feel comfortable traveling because I will be taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of myself and others. Some of these precautions include wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding touching my face, and washing my hands often.
Along with personal precautions, resorts and airlines are enforcing these rules as well. Most hotels and resorts require a negative covid test when occupying a room and a negative test is also required in order to travel to most islands or countries. In addition to the negative covid test, guests must wear a mask whenever walking through the resort, and in any form of transportation provided by the resort. Guests also must make reservations at most restaurants in order to prevent too many people crowding in the same area. When hanging out by the pool or on the beach, guests must order through a server to prevent crowded bars. As far as airline precautions, passengers wear masks for the duration of every flight and present a negative covid test to prevent the spread of the virus.
For my upcoming trip, to ensure the safety of myself and those around me, I plan on isolating 10 days before my trip and 10 days after I arrive home. By isolating in this manner, I will ensure that I will not get those around me sick. While at the hotel, I plan on distancing myself from others in order to prevent any contact with the virus. I also plan on bringing extra sanitation products on my trip. For example, I will pack extra hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to wipe down our hotel room when we arrive.
COVID-19 completely changed the way we travel. However, by being extra careful, that will probably be a good thing for us. With the weather beginning to warm up and states and countries slowly re-opening, it’s a natural feeling to wonder if and when we can travel.
By taking necessary precautions before and after trips and being vaccinated, I feel comfortable beginning to travel again. Slowly but surely, the United States is starting to re-open. Although it might not be a good idea to travel outside of the United States for the time being, there are plenty of amazing places to visit.
PHOTO COURTESY of Jesse Bragger
