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Holiday Traveling Tips

Friends, family, and food… Decorations, presents, and traditions… The onset of the holiday season usually inspires a tingle of anticipation that grows into a full-fledged feeling of hope filled with promise, but the approaching holiday season of 2020 includes an inkling of nervous apprehension for many due to the global pandemic. Spending time with loved ones this year can be – and should be – done in a safe and healthy way without compromising the joy of the season itself. For those who are traveling during the upcoming holidays, here are some tips to keep you as safe as possible:

If you are traveling alone, stay vigilant about keeping your distance. Continue to wear masks while with others, whether that’s on the road or at a family gathering. If you are traveling with children, the CDC recommends masks for children 2 years of age and older. Be sure to pack extra sanitizing wipes with at least 70% alcohol to wipe down what your kids get into. Don’t forget to also regularly sanitize any personal objects such as toys, bottles, and electronics. If your kids are older, have a conversation with them about the new rules and extra precautions so they know what to expect and are less likely to feel overwhelmed. Consider mailing gifts in advance to minimize what you carry so you can be more focused on your surroundings.

For those traveling by car this holiday season, stock your vehicle with face masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To limit your exposure and contact with others, only make necessary stops. The fewer stops the better, so load up on food, drinks, and whatever else you may need to keep going. Research the local and state guidelines of your route and destination before heading off so you know what is expected and what your limitations are.

If you are planning to travel by plane, keep in mind that face coverings are mandatory on every major U.S. airline. A great tip is to carry hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes with you at all times, and be sure you can get to them quickly and easily. The TSA now allows one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags. Taking a carry-on when possible instead of checking a bag is highly recommended as you will have better control of who touches and handles the bag, you can avoid crowded luggage carousels, and it will limit your time at the airport. Be sure to read up on current TSA rules and procedures before heading to the airport as they could unexpectedly change. Remember to practice social distancing whenever possible, and most of all, be patient.

For those who are staying with family or at a friend's house, be sure to find out beforehand whether anyone in the household is at a high risk for contracting a severe case of Covid-19, especially if you plan on exploring the area during your visit. If so, consider staying at a hotel instead. Rest assured that hotels are constantly adapting to the pandemic and continue to go to great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests. In addition to finding a hotel close to family or friends, look into whether or not the hotel has a phone app you can download to help speed up your check-in process and potentially provide digital keys for hotel and room access. For peace of mind, bring sanitizing wipes to ensure cleanliness of main touchpoints such as knobs, information booklets, faucets, and countertops. Keeping your personal toiletries inside a toiletry bag instead of leaving them out on the counter will eliminate housekeeping from touching and moving your personal items when they come in to clean. If you are staying at a rental house, ask the host what sanitation processes and protocols they have in place. If you are uneasy, bring your own cleaning products, such as spray and wipes, to sanitize the area before you settle in. Don’t hesitate to bring your own pillows, towels, and sheets if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Holiday travel can be stressful, but remember that everyone is trying to get where they need to be as safely as possible. With a little awareness, a lot of patience, and the willingness to take extra precautions for safety, happy holiday travels are possible!

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Created By
Savy Huynh
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Credits:

Created with images by Aaron Burden - "Christmas Star" • krakenimages - "Family and friends dining at home celebrating christmas eve with traditional food and decoration, all sitting on the table together making a toast" • Element5 Digital - "untitled image" • Kelly Sikkema - "Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting supplies" • Markus Spiske - "hotel bedroom windows"