Have a healthy vacation with these great tricks
We’re halfway through summer, and at this point, many families are longing to take a vacation. But with the pandemic, we sit in uncertainty and worry that traveling could expose us to the virus. According to an article posted by the Wall Street Journal:
“Health authorities, including the CDC, maintain that the risk of infection on airplanes is low. Contrary to popular belief, cabin air is less of a concern; virtually all international jetliners are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, similar to those used in hospital operating room, capable of blocking more than 99% of airborne microbes.”
This, and many other factors influenced my decision to take the risk and travel this spring/summer. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re considering traveling during the pandemic, here are some tips to have a healthy vacation!
- Conduct your own risk assessment. Are the people you’re visiting staying safe and following precautions? Is anyone high risk? Is there any reason you may be sick and not showing symptoms? If you get sick while traveling, what nearby hospitals work with your insurance? Consider these questions before traveling anywhere.
- Check travel restrictions at your destination. Depending on where you plan to travel, or where you’re traveling from, a 14-day quarantine may be required for you to enter the state. If you don’t have that kind of time, I suggest adjusting your plans.
- Pack a safety bag. When flying, I found it essential to have what I call a “safety bag” with supplies to keep you germ-free. Some items I kept in my bag included:
- Gloves (only encouraged when switching them out frequently)
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol wipes
- Extra masks
- Use the hand sanitizer stands. All businesses are supposed to have adequate soap supplies that meet a certain standard. But the fact of the matter is that soap runs out, gets watered down, and just can’t always be reliable. I utilized the hand sanitizer stations frequently while I made my way through airports.
- Always bring an extra mask. Whether you’re making your way down a trail or just stopping for gas, an extra mask is essential. While exploring Trail Ridge Road, many stops were heavily trafficked. As a result, I occasionally wore my mask during the hike. I also switched out my mask at 10,000 feet on an airplane after visiting the restroom. I believe these sorts of precautions kept me safest.
- Clean your space. We sit on a lot of different surfaces when we travel. The Lyft to the airport, a seat at the gate and on the plane, a rental car, chairs and beds at a hotel. Don’t be afraid to wipe down everything before sitting, or ask someone to help. I had an experience at a restaurant in the Florida Keys where the table had not been sanitized (crumbs and fresh rings), so we asked our waitress to wipe it down. She was happy to oblige!
Another note: Many menus have gone digital to avoid the spread of germs from contact with a paper menu. Scan the QR code, and it will pull up the menu on your phone. This is a really awesome development in the restaurant industry!
- Try contactless pay options. I’m still learning to embrace Google Pay, but I understand that this is the safest way to pay these days! I’ve used it for the first time while traveling during the pandemic, and it is pretty great. Give it a try!
- Participate responsibly. There are certain places we all know just aren’t safe yet. Crowded bars, some tourist attractions. In Atlanta, we were saddened by the crowds at the Georgia Aquarium. We did our best, but in hindsight, realized that establishment was simply outside of our comfort zone. Do your best to find off-the-map sights and stops to reduce interactions.
- Bring your own utensils. If you don’t trust restaurant silverware, bring your own! I suggest individually packaged plastic ware, or a reusable set. If you go for the reusable, pack them in a little baggie so when you’re finished, you have somewhere to put them when you’re finished eating.
- Prepare for quarantine. Alright folks, here’s the deal. People matter. And it’s our duty as citizens to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus by maintaining our own humility to keep others safe. When you return, order your groceries for no-contact delivery. Queue up the Netflix, and make your home a space you’re ready to shack up in.
