As we emerge from COVID-19, what are the best travel safety tips?

With two-thirds of Americans reporting that they plan to travel this summer, now is a great time to consider how COVID-19 may change how you typically travel. When planning a trip, you already have so many things to consider, from housing to activities to having things back home in order. COVID-19 adds another layer of planning as you figure out rules and regulations for where you are traveling, along with the most important question of all: how to travel safely.

As restrictions lift and you look forward to relaxing activities in a new (or favorite) place, there are a few things you can keep in mind before, during, and after your trip to prioritize safety.

Before Departure

With guidelines varying from state-to-state within the US, one of the easiest one-stop places for information is the CDC’s travel recommendation page, which you can access here. 

Before leaving for your trip, get a COVID-19 test. Depending on your location and whether your travel is domestic or international, there may be different requirements for the time period in which the test was taken and whether PCR or rapid Antigen is required. Places like CVS, Walgreens, and urgent care centers offer multiple types of testing available at short notice or by booking an appointment.

If you are traveling by air, your airline will likely have some instructions as to what type of test is needed at your final destination (and at layovers if you are traveling internationally). If you are driving domestically, government websites are a convenient way to discover what type of testing and quarantine may be needed for your trip.

If you are fully vaccinated, you will have a leg up in some ways, and may not have to test or quarantine, especially domestically. If you are traveling internationally, some countries may not recognize some vaccines (such as J&J), so make sure your vaccine is valid for your destination, or follow their testing and quarantine requirements.

It is also a good idea to purchase a protective slip like this one for your vaccine card so it is not damaged during travel, and some countries (like Denmark) may require you to show your vaccine card in order to enter restaurants or attend events.

If you have any specific health conditions that may be affected by travel or COVID-19, it is also a good idea to call your doctor and see if they have any specific advice and to discuss any concerns you or they may have regarding your trip.

During Your Trip

During your trip, a key to staying safe is avoiding crowds and complying with government travel guidelines and recommendations by the CDC (some of which you can find here). Some travel destinations may require you to have testing regularly, but even if they don’t, it can be a good idea to know where you can get access to rapid COVID-19 testing in the event you face exposure or exhibit symptoms. Monitor yourself for any symptoms, and opt for outdoor activities that give you the opportunity to be safer as well as enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Enjoying outside picnics with your family instead of eating in a restaurant is another safe travel precaution you can take.

You can also bring a small “safety kit” of items like hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, a thermometer, and plenty of disposable masks. While many states may not require mask wearing outside for some groups, it is still a good idea to wear it if you find yourself around crowds or have one on hand in case you decide to enter an establishment that requires a mask. It can also help those around you to feel safer when strangers may not know whether or not you are vaccinated.

Masks are required on all public transportation by the CDC. Remember during your travel to wash your hands regularly and opt for lower-risk activities and accommodations such as these ones recommended by the CDC.

After Your Trip

Returning from your vacation is similar to what you do prior to departure. Make sure you are aware of the guidelines for returning to your state (or country) so that you have the proper test and are aware of a potential quarantine. If you are returning from an international trip, you must get tested within 3-5 days of returning. If traveling domestically, it is still a good idea to follow this guideline as an extra precaution, as well as quarantine for 7 to 10 days as recommended by the CDC if you are unvaccinated. This quarantine time can be a great way to wind down before returning to work or other plans, and also gives you time to reflect on your trip and memorialize it by journaling or organizing photo albums to share with family and friends.

COVID-19 interrupted (and ruined) many a good travel plan. Now that we’re beginning to emerge from this cooped-up era, be proactive about staying safe as you once again look forward to the many benefits of travel.

— Missy Roney