With COVID-19 vaccinations on the rise and cases on the decline in some places, travel plans seem more feasible than they have in a long time. While some areas are starting to open up again and more people are booking airline flights, travelers should not expect their trips to be quite as carefree as they were before the pandemic. Taking precautions is the best way to stay safe and avoid spreading the virus. Here are tips for traveling in summer 2021.
Ask About Safety Protocols
While almost any destination will have safety protocols in place, calling your hotel, attraction or airline ahead of time can let you know what to expect when you arrive. You can also find information on your destination’s website. Reduced capacity or quarantine requirements might be in effect.
Travel rules and restrictions vary from place to place. If you are booking a Caribbean cruise, for example, a cruise line representative can inform you of policies in the places they visit. Some destinations require a negative test result within a specific time frame.
Stay Prepared
If you depend on prescription medication or special medical equipment, it’s always important to pack what you need. Now more than ever, it’s best to ensure you have some extra medication or supplies with you. Travel delays or quarantine restrictions could come into play during your trip, and having vital supplies on hand ensures your health and safety if your schedule is altered.
In 2021, essential supplies include masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Pack more than you think you’ll need, and you’ll always be prepared.
Book an Outdoor Vacation
If the idea of spending lots of time in crowded buildings doesn’t seem like a good idea to you, consider planning to visit an outdoor attraction. Some ideas to look into are:
- Visiting a national park
- Hiking in the mountains
- Spending time at a secluded beach
- Visiting a ranch
While you may not spend every minute outside, knowing the majority of your vacation time will take place away from indoor crowds can give you some peace of mind and help reduce your risk of spreading the virus.
Consider Driving
Many travelers hesitate to board a plane, bus or other enclosed vehicle with crowds of people on board. If you want to avoid public transportation, you might try driving your car or renting an RV. Not only will you have the freedom of starting and stopping on your own schedule, but you also won’t have to be as guarded if you’re riding with people in your immediate household.
Driving can take longer than flying or riding a bus. Make the journey interesting by planning to see sights along the way. Visiting an unusual roadside attraction or local diner can add lots of unexpected fun to your vacation.
Driving can also save you money. You will probably spend less on gas for your vehicle than you would for plane tickets. If you rent an RV, you can skip hotel expenses and enjoy the convenience of bringing your accommodations with you. Plan to reserve your recreational vehicle ahead of time; bookings are nearly double the 2019 rate.
Buy Travel Insurance
In 2020, cancellation policies were lenient in many sectors of the travel industry. That may not be the case in 2021, though. With some instability still present, your travel plans can change on short notice. Purchasing travel insurance can help you protect your finances and allow you to feel a little better about postponing or canceling a vacation if restrictions change or you get sick.
Travel medical insurance is a necessity if you travel abroad. If you become ill or injured and your destination country requires you to pay before treatment, you might not have the money on hand without medical insurance. Check with your current policy to see if you’re covered outside of the country.
Many travelers are hopeful that the summer of 2021 will offer the chance to take the vacations they postponed in 2020. Whether you travel far from home or stay close by, planning ahead and packing extra essentials will help you enjoy your experience safely.