Pandemic Travel Anxiety

You want to get out, but still remain safe. Consider staycations or either of these professionally recommended vacation ideas.

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Get Out Safely

Which group describes you? The population at large is fed up with being locked indoors and having movements restricted. Doffing masks, most people are wondering around as if COVID-19 has floated into the stratosphere. But some remain barricaded by choice.

Truth is, COVID-19 is still among us. There are just better prevention and treatment options than there were when the crisis began. It doesn’t mean no one will die. My brother succumbed to the infection less than 6 months ago. I, however, have managed to dodge infection (so far).

So how can we still enjoy life while protecting ourselves? For one thing, don’t become overconfident. Masks may not be required everywhere, but they are useful in crowds of people.

Within the post office or while riding public transportation like buses, boats, trains, and planes, why tempt fate?

Below are current CDC safety recommendations:

Wear a mask
Stay 6 feet away from others
Avoid poorly ventilated spaces and crowds
Test to prevent spread to others
Wash your hands often
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect
Monitor your health daily
Follow recommendations for quarantine
Follow recommendations for isolation
Take precautions traveling

Do NOT travel if…

You have COVID-19 symptoms, even if you recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days or are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

You tested positive for COVID-19.

Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.

You are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.

If your test comes back positive while you are at your destination, you will need to isolate and postpone your return until it’s safe for you to travel. Your travel companions may need to quarantine.

You had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and are recommended to quarantine.

Do not travel until a full 5 days after your last close contact with the person with COVID-19. It is best to avoid travel for a full 10 days after your last exposure.
If you must travel during days 6 through 10 after your last exposure:

Get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact. Make sure your test result is negative and you remain without symptoms before traveling. If you don’t get tested, avoid travel until a full 10 days after your last close contact with a person with COVID-19.
Properly wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel during days 6 through 10. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during days 6 through 10.

If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 but are NOT recommended to quarantine...

Get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact. Make sure your test result is negative and you remain without symptoms before traveling.

If you had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you do NOT need to get tested, but you should still follow all other recommendations (including getting tested if you develop COVID-19 symptoms).

If you travel during the 10 days after your last exposure, properly wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel during the 10 days. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during the 10 days

Getting Out

Measure you own risks. Immunocompromised individuals and those with underlying heath conditions may need to be content with movie nights.

Recently, I ventured out for a cooking class at a local culinary school. Including instructors, there were a dozen people present. Masks nor social distancing were enforced. I am vaxed and boosted—which is not a guarantee of absolute protection. Nevertheless, I had a great time and managed to prepare some tasty ricotta-filled ravioli in brown butter sauce.

Ravioli plate

Pandemic Vacation Suggestions

Book a socially distant hotel stay – Verify whether the property has implemented rigorous new cleaning measures. Look for posted signs they are implementing such procedures, from check-in to common spaces like the elevator or pool, and in your room.

Book a private vacation rental to limit interactions with others – Doctors and experts with agree that private vacation homes are likely safer than hotels because there will be fewer person-to-person interactions.

Plan a socially distant road trip during COVID – Pack up your own vehicle and head to scenic getaways close to home.

Camp somewhere remote – Book a home on wheels or pack your gear into the car and pitch a tent.

Book vacation with travel agent – Seasoned professionals have spent years in the business and are well-equipped to help clients identify viable locations with vetted, flexible policies.

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