Need A Break? 5 Steps To Travel Safe During COVID

“Winter is coming.”

This phrase, often said in the voice of Game of Thrones’ Ned Stark character, has been ringing in the back of my mind. And with this week being the unofficial end to summer, it’s getting louder and louder. Because with winter, comes longer nights, colder temperatures, and my good old friend Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). She’s a tricky BFF. She creeps up out of nowhere, and has the nerve to want to stay on my couch all season. Normally, I can get her out of my system with consistent exercise, outdoor walks/hikes and a series of weekend escapes to warmer climates. But this year? It’s gonna hit different. Because COVID-19.

Right, that part.

If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking of traveling not because you miss a girls trip (though I do miss my girls), or just “love a beach.” For some of us, a long week or weekend in the warm sun is integral to functioning normally, staying productive, and remaining mentally/emotionally balanced. Not to mention the added mega-pressures of the working-from-home and school-from-the-kitchen grind many of us are faced with now. And if you’re looking for employment, that’s another layer of anxiety. In short, this is going to be a rough Fall/Winter season. So much so that the idea of a vacay may seem like less of a “nice idea” and more of a survival tactic.

Thankfully, for those in the EU, UK, and Canada—options abound. And though most of the world remains shut off from us in the United States, a number of Caribbean and Central American locales are slowly reopening. But that doesn’t mean we should be running to the airport with passports in hand just yet. Many of these locales are opening up because their economies depend on it, so it’s up to us to make sure we’re traveling with the safety of others in mind while trying to also save ourselves. Also known as keeping our germs to ourselves.

So if you must go, have the means to do so, here are five things to know, to do, and to keep in mind so you be safe and responsible.

1) Remember That Anything Can Happen
As countries can open their borders—they can also close them at any time. With that said, if you must travel internationally it’s best to prepare yourself and take the steps to mitigate any risk. First, look at your hotel/hostel/AirBnb cancellation policies very closely. Many have relaxed restrictions, but make sure everything is clearly documented. The same goes for your flights. Obtaining travel insurance for non-refundable expenses is a must, especially if a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade is available. It’s a bit more expensive but worth the peace of mind. Start here to see how I purchase insurance.

2) Verify Entry Requirements
So you’ve set your dates and have a little budget in mind, travel insurance included. Now where to go? Some countries such as Jamaica and Barbados are requiring a recent negative COVID test in order to enter the country, plus the possibility of having to take another test when you land should you not pass an airport health screening and quarantine while you wait for those results. In Aruba, test results and health insurance are mandatory. These changes are updated almost weekly, so choose your locale and be sure to follow their tourism boards on social media for updates, and make it a point to check regularly.

If you prefer to stay domestically, the same applies. Some states that have been able to successfully manage COVID such as New Jersey and Vermont have quarantine and state mandated masking guidelines. Like any great houseguest, be respectful while visiting.

3) Choose Wisely And Stay “Low”
If you have your location set, now it’s time to figure out where to stay. And then stay low: as in keeping your contact with folks as low as possible to minimize your risk to others and to protect yourself.

When it comes to flying, be sure to follow all protocols, and be sure to limit the number of layovers to minimize interaction with other travelers and airport and airline workers. If there is more than one layover required, consider another destination. Airplanes are arguably some of the cleanest places you can be these days, but still be sure to have your hand sanitizer and seat wipes at the ready. Bring a mask you feel comfortable in and prepare to wear it the entire time. And if you can, try to upgrade or fly business. Why? Danielle and I broke it down here.

Many hotels are limiting capacity, and if that isn’t an option, aim for a smaller property. Read up on how your hotel or villas are being properly cleaned and maintained. What are they doing to ensure the safety of both their employees and guests?

Look for properties with plenty of outdoor dining and amenities, room service, and enforced social distancing protocols. The idea here isn’t to party and mingle, actually, it’s quite the opposite. Stay low, stay chill, and try to limit your own contact with as many people as possible. If your property offers rooms with private plunge pools, consider those over a public pool. If room service is an option, consider taking at least one meal on your balcony a day. If being served food/drinks poolside or in a restaurant, mask up when your server is at your table. If you are more of an AirBnB person, consider planning on how you will limit your grocery store runs, etc, and stay without in-house staff. If you plan on having a house cleaner visit or a chef cook a few meals, consider that the time that you spend exclusively outside of your guesthouse, or with masks-on if you need to interact with them.

If you plan to tour your locale, mask up—even if you see locals without them. Consider long drives, local discovery walks and more self-guided options versus crowded “tourist trap” like experiences. When it comes to transportation if you are not comfortable driving (or it’s unnecessary) be sure to book your private transportation in advance if possible to further limit interaction. And masks on the entire ride.

In short, the goal is to make sure you are not risking the lives of others while protecting yourself. Stay cute, stay safe, and stay low in your exposure to others and risks for your own health.

4) Do Yourself A Favor And Book Direct
This is a no-brainer. Once you’ve decided on your property—book direct. There are plenty of deals and vouchers out there, but few offer the level of flexibility and options for refunds that are necessary for living in the time of COVID. This doesn’t just apply to hotels, it’s airlines, transportation, everything. Plenty of websites will make you “think” you are booking direct, so as a principle take time to double-check. In the event you have to cancel or move your trip, you want absolute flexibility, something that most third-party sites cannot offer. Third party sites cannot guarantee COVID safety measures, etc. Read the fine print, and insure your purchase no matter what!

5) Schedule Your Before & After Care
No matter the requirements of your desired locale, plan on testing yourself in the week before your trip, and within a week of your return. Also, put yourself on lockdown in the WEEKS before leaving and after you return. Especially if you plan on traveling with others. Not only will you be more confident in your health status and have more clarity, but you are also taking a much-needed step to make sure you are keeping those around you safe.