Let’s keep in mind that the travel tips experts don’t always know what’s right, few admit when they are wrong, and recommendations are changing often. My goal here isn’t to convince you to travel. My goal here is to show you how we are traveling and give you suggestions on safe ways to travel if you feel so inclined to do so. Since we are in unchartered territories I feel like its only fair to explain where I come from so you can better understand my point of view, before you judge me behind your keep board.
So I did some digging around to come up with a plan we feel comfortable with. But keep in mind I am team, no fear. That is because we are very low risk as is our immediate friends, family, and we haven’t seen co-workers in months. And we are responsible travelers with a passion for local businesses and seeing them succeed. I am very conscientious of others as well, but me traveling via car and stopping to fill up and touching a gas handle, then you grabbing a pump and deciding to pick your nose before washing your hands is on you, not me. I can’t lose sleep over that.
COVD-19 TRAVEL TIPS
Consider the following risks depending on how you travel:
Air travel
Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. But masks are required on most commercial flights, and as of date of publishing, no traces have been traced back to a commercial flight.
Car travel
Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks.
RV travel
You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel typically means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies at other public places.
If you are TEAM TRAVEL
We started traveling on May first when short term rentals opened up in certain in places. I kept things quiet after seeing how many people would lose their shit over someone else on the internet traveling. People on house arrest have so much time on their hands to let everyone else know what they are doing is wrong. But when we first started traveling we were very conscientious of others. Hotels for the most part have always been opened but we were being very conservative and wanted private amenities and we wanted to be able to socially distance from other people. So we hopped in the car, packed our food, and stopped minimally. Once we arrived we had private pool and beach access. That along with UberEats delivered to the door, we came into less contact with people on vacay then we did back at home in the neighborhood.
But come June, our travel changed drastically as new information became available. No longer were people wiping off their groceries after new information came out, so I stopped wiping down every hard surface in our AirBnbs and fogging their air with possible carcinogens to make the air sterile. We also ate out more often on vacation following city guidelines and but still preferred meals outside. Its a personal preference, I’d rather just be outside. If you have kids on vacay you know how much better this is. Drinks taste just as good outside as they do inside.
How to Protect yourself and others during your trip:
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or face in general. Never realized how much I did this until being told not to.
- Avoid close contact with others outside of your family
- Wear a cloth face covering in public. This isn’t a lack freedom discussion. The way I looked at it while traveling is that it does me no harm to wear one. If I’m traveling into your town/state/etc I respect you enough to keep one on. Plus when I booked my travel I knew it was a possibility and I’m a rule follower. Just as much as I would prefer to not wear pants, I do because they are required at most establishments my family frequent.
- Cough and sneeze using elbows but I would avoid it all together If I were you because death stares come from all directions.
How to clean and disinfect
Our first trip, I went through the AirBnb knowing it hadn’t been rented for months, and emptied a can of Lysol into it. Wiping down every door knob, handle, remote, light switch etc. I brought pillowcases and blankets for the bed. hahah. If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? A month later, I did none of this. Because things changed. And in July I am flying and staying in hotels. Babysteps. All the while personal hygiene hasn’t changed. Personal space and hand washing. But then again, I did this before all this began. My travel destinations and research usually started with “least busy time to visit…”
State and Local Travel Restrictions
Make sure you check the state or local health department where you are, your route, and your planned destination. While you are traveling, it’s possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Also now is not the time to be strict with your plans. We had an AirBnb cancel the day before we were supposed to leave, because city restrictions go pushed out. (we also didn’t get back all of our money, but that’s a story for another day).Now is the time to be flexible. So book through trusted partners that have refund policies.
Things to Consider When Choosing Overnight Accommodations
Check the prevention practices before you go (check often as they change often)
- Use as many options for contactless options such as reservation, check-in, payment, key.
- Ask what the updated policies about cleaning and disinfecting
- Wear a cloth face covering in common areas. Check the cities as they have a lot have mandatory requirements now.
- Avoid areas that may lead to close contact with other people as much as possible.
- Take the stairs or use elevator when you can ride only with people from your household.
My advice has always been to “just take the trip” and now its more important than ever, because you never know what tomorrow holds.
Do you have any extra travel tips? Let me know in a comment below!
I just read your post “How I Feel About Travel Right Now” and appreciate the honest and balanced perspective you shared during such an uncertain time. It feels real and relatable especially the part about trying to stay safe while still listening to your own comfort level when it comes to travel. Your emphasis on being informed, flexible, and respectful of others’ boundaries really stands out. The way you break down different travel modes and safety tips is practical and useful for anyone still debating whether to hit the road. Ghent Belgium top locations
I really appreciate your honest take on traveling during uncertain times. Planning carefully and minimizing contact clearly makes sense, and it reinforces why many people consider Travel Best for Health since responsible travel can reduce stress and exposure risks.
Your perspective on safe travel during uncertain times is refreshing—flexibility and respect for local rules make all the difference. It’s similar to a new zealand honeymoon tour package, where careful planning ensures couples enjoy stress-free journeys filled with romance and adventure.
Thanks for sharing such detailed travel insights! I totally agree that flexibility and safety are key these days. For anyone planning ahead, exploring New Zealand Tours Packages is amazing,they offer safe, guided experiences while still letting you enjoy stunning landscapes. A great way to balance adventure with caution!
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and realistic view on traveling during these uncertain times. I completely agree that flexibility and personal responsibility are key when planning trips, whether by car, RV, or air. Your tips on hygiene, social distancing, and choosing accommodations with proper cleaning protocols are practical and reassuring. I especially appreciate your approach of balancing caution with enjoyment like opting for outdoor meals and private amenities. Which can make travel much safer and more enjoyable. For anyone considering a well-planned adventure, I think incorporating New Zealand tours into your itinerary could provide a memorable experience while still following these safety practices.
This is such a relatable insight into the reality of non-rev travel. Many people assume flying for free is always a luxury, but the uncertainty and standby stress you mentioned are very real challenges. It’s impressive that you’ve been navigating this lifestyle for over 20 years. Learning to stay flexible and “roll with it” truly seems like the key to enjoying the journey despite the unpredictability. Scenic Trains
This is such a refreshing perspective on travel. I really appreciate how you’re not forcing opinions but simply sharing your personal experiences. In today’s world, travel advice changes so quickly that it’s hard to know what to trust. Your honest approach makes it easier for readers to relate and decide what works best for them. Safe travel is definitely a personal choice, and content like this helps people make informed decisions without pressure. Diving Hurghada
I found this post quite engaging. The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but travel complications often get in the way. Highlighting private jet travel as an alternative is a smart angle. It really emphasizes comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind, which are all important when planning trips to spend time with family. honeymoons
I really appreciate the honesty in this post. It’s refreshing to see someone acknowledge that even travel experts don’t always have the right answers, especially in constantly changing situations. Your approach feels more relatable and grounded rather than preachy. Sharing your personal perspective instead of forcing opinions makes this content more trustworthy. It also helps readers make their own informed decisions about traveling safely, which is something we all need right now. Thailand digital arrival card
This is such a powerful and honest reflection on road travel in the U.S. It’s easy for some people to romanticize cross-country trips without considering how different the experience can be depending on who you are. Your friend’s perspective really adds an important layer to the conversation. Travel should be about freedom and exploration, but for many, safety and acceptance are still real concerns. This kind of storytelling helps create awareness and encourages more inclusive travel discussions. Desert safari dubai
Very well said! Accommodation location can either make or break your trip. Staying near transport options not only saves time but also allows you to explore more places comfortably. I also find that checking multiple platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb helps compare options effectively. Reviews, in particular, give a realistic idea about what you’re booking, which is incredibly important for a smooth experience. Luton Airport Transfer
That’s a really honest and refreshing way to approach the topic. I appreciate how you’re not trying to push people into traveling but instead offering a transparent look at your own experience and letting readers decide what works best for them. The part about travel advice constantly changing really resonates, especially in uncertain times when flexibility is key. Sharing your personal perspective first also builds trust and helps readers connect with your journey on a deeper level. It makes the advice feel more real and practical rather than just generic tips. Looking forward to reading more about how you manage safety while still enjoying the experience of travel. Vjosa rafting
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Such a wonderful and encouraging post for traveling parents! Taking a child on a long flight like Paris is no small achievement. I like how you mentioned practicing with earlier flights, that’s something many first-time parents overlook. Very useful and realistic advice. Trolley Museum
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This sounds like such a wonderful way to enjoy a quick getaway when traveling with small children makes longer vacations difficult to arrange. Cuba seems like a fantastic choice for a short trip, especially with the convenient flight options and the opportunity to experience something completely different without spending too much time traveling. I also love hearing recommendations from family members who have already visited a destination, as their firsthand experiences can make the decision much easier. Your story definitely makes a short escape sound both exciting and worthwhile, much like planning a memorable New Zealand travel experience.
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