There is no doubt that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has complicated travel. With an increased emphasis on health and safety, many families are making different decisions in regards to where and how they vacation. Regardless of if there is a pandemic or not, it is important to make travel decisions with safety in mind. Here are five tips for healthy and safe travel in 2021.
Pack Smart
When making your packing list, be sure to pack with safety and health at the forefront. Depending on where your travel adventures are taking you, it may be a good idea to pack insect repellent and sunscreen.
Regardless of where you are traveling, a basic first aid kit may be invaluable. Be sure that you have some of the most useful over-the-counter medications on hand. If anyone in your family takes prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of the trip plus a few extra days of buffer just in case. Even if you are not traveling to a remote area, you will appreciate having all of these health essentials on hand should the unexpected strike.
Consider Travel Insurance
Depending on the circumstances of your trip and personal situation, travel insurance may be a worthwhile investment of your money. This is especially true in today's uncertain travel climate. While airlines and hotels have relaxed their cancellation fees, you still stand the chance of losing a significant amount of money if you are forced to change or cancel your trip.
In addition to trip cancellation insurance, you may also consider travel health insurance. This is important if you are traveling overseas where your own health insurance policies may not provide adequate coverage. Many travelers also opt to add medical evacuation insurance to their policy.
Choose the Right Destination
One of the most predictive aspects of how your trip will turn out is your choice of destination. If you are looking to steer clear of COVID-19, be sure to stay away from congested cities and other highly trafficked areas.
Many families are deciding to take their family vacations to campsites during this unprecedented time. A camping trip allows you to escape the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors in a safe setting. There is no shortage of amazing campsites that beckon travelers to unwind and relax. For example, the network of West Virginia state parks provides ample opportunities to immerse yourself in Mother Nature while enjoying a safe travel experience.
Practice Proper Personal Hygiene
Wear disposable gloves for medical use when you have to pick up garbage in your hotel or disinfect the door knobs, light switches, toilet, and other high-touch areas. Always practice proper disposal of personal protective equipment, and wash your hands before and after use all the time.
As in any situation, but especially when traveling, proper personal hygiene can go a long way in keeping yourself healthy. The cardinal rule of good hygiene is to wash your hands frequently. If you do not have access to regular soap and water, hand sanitizer will work in a pinch. Be sure that it contains at least 70% alcohol.
Bringing along a container of sanitizer wipes may also be helpful if you need to wipe down tables, countertops, or other items that look suspect. It is also important to be conscious to avoid touching your mouth or your face, particularly if you are out and about and have not had the opportunity to wash your hands.
Catch Up on Vaccinations
What you do prior to leaving for your trip may have a big effect on the success that you have to stay healthy while on the road. If you have the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine before you leave, you would be remiss to pass it up. In fact, it is worth postponing your trip until you are vaccinated.
If you are traveling during flu season, the regular influenza vaccine can provide a host of protection. Travelers heading out of the country will want to check with their medical provider to ensure that they are up to date with all of the necessary immunizations. All of these vaccinations should be performed at least one month prior to departure in order to give your body the time to build up the proper immunity.
Secure Your Home
When traveling, make sure your home will be safe while you are away. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a home security system. The monthly cost of a system like Vivint costs much less than the loss incurred from a robbery!
Conclusion
With the right precautions and advanced planning, you can make your next trip as safe and healthy as possible. It is still possible to scratch your itch for wanderlust and feel confident about your travels.
The image source is Pexels.