Are You Planning on Traveling? Here’s How to Safely Travel in 2021

After months of  restrictions, Americans are ready to take that long-awaited vacation. Though traveling is on the rise, permanent changes stemming from the pandemic are likely to affect how we travel now and in the future.

While vacations might look a bit different in a post-pandemic world, travel is making a strong comeback. According to a recent survey by The Vacationer, 68 percent of respondents polled plan to travel this summer.

58 percent are planning to travel just as much as they did before the pandemic. While those numbers may seem high, many Americans are sticking to safer travel behaviors. These include road trips or centering their vacations around the great outdoors. Some people are even taking Flexcations; a longer stay that accommodates both business and pleasure.

67 percent of people polled in a 2021 VRBO travel trends survey admitted to taking a Flexcation last year and want to do it again this year. The survey also showed 59 percent of families claim they would rather drive than fly on their next vacation, and 61 percent would prefer an outdoorsy trip than a more urban one.

However you choose to vacation this year, remember to follow the CDC’s recommendations for keeping yourself and others safe.

Upcoming travel plans

Planning a vacation? Navigating Covid-19 restrictions and regulations can be tricky. To help make sure you’re prepared, here are some of the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Wait until Fully Vaccinated

Ideally, the CDC would recommend waiting to travel until fully vaccinated (two weeks after second dose of vaccination). All forms of public transportation, such as planes, buses, and trains, still require you to wear a mask. Adhere to state and local recommendations and requirements when you arrive at your destination.

Unvaccinated Travel

The CDC recommends getting tested for COVID-19 1 to 3 days before your trip. While traveling, wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and anyone not in your travel party. Avoid crowded, enclosed areas and sanitize hands often. Get tested 3-5 days after you return home, AND self-quarantine for a FULL 7 days. The CDC also recommends a 10-day self quarantine if you do not get tested after travel. Regardless of testing, avoid being around high-risk people for 14 days.

Check Travel Restrictions

Before traveling, check your destination’s travel restrictions. Prepare to be flexible as restrictions and policies may change during travel. If traveling by air, check to see if your airline requires any health information, testing, or other documents.

International Travel 

Use the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination to find out which countries should be avoided and which are safe to visit. You can also see the guidelines for re-entering the country once you have traveled overseas.

This article was written by the Ohio Credit Union League.

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