Remember when the greatest hurdles to an ideal trip were sorting out everyone’s schedules and calculating the money in your vacation piggy bank? COVID-19 has undoubtedly disrupted all of our trip plans, but we’re also yearning to get out of Dodge now more than ever to rest and rejuvenate. Here are some things to think about when you plan your next vacation.

Choosing a Location

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an up-to-date list of nations where the risk of contracting COVID is high, moderate, low, or extremely low (no travel health notice). Although there are a few places where the danger is low or extremely low, most of these countries are now off-limits to Americans, making foreign travel difficult for the foreseeable future.

Should I take the plane?

Yes, some passengers are flying once again. Because most airports have implemented new procedures and social distancing initiatives, we suggest arriving at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate for new cleaning protocols, social distancing, temperature checks, extra screening, and staggered boarding and disembarkation.

While most commercial aeroplanes already have HEPA filters for air recirculation, additional cleaning procedures may include giving passengers sanitising wipes to wipe down their seats, tray tables, and arm rests, as well as flight attendants and pilots dressed in personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves, and limiting catering and entertainment to help contain the spread of germs.

Getting on the road

Many people are taking to the open road to see family and friends or to enjoy a vacation closer to home. Many rental car companies have implemented new cleaning standards, such as multi-step, certified, and rigorous techniques for cleaning vehicles after each rental, as well as special attention paid to interior customer touch points like seats, steering wheels, door handles, and other hard surfaces with recommended cleaning products. Contactless pick-up and delivery services, social distance, enhanced sanitization of common spaces and hand sanitizer provided at the pickup counter, protective equipment worn by desk agents, and spaced out reservations to allow for more time washing cars are all possible modifications.

Lodging

Many tourists now choose to stay in vacation homes. To prevent the transmission of germs, many vacation rentals include hand sanitizer and disinfecting goods, contactless check-in and check-out protocols, additional training for housekeeping personnel, and spacing out stays to allow for extra cleaning and disinfection time. Many vacation rentals are providing more flexibility, such as free cancellation within 48 hours of the reservation. Click here to book a Travelocity holiday rental.

Many hotels have reopened. Expect daily disinfections, hand-sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas like the lobby and near elevators, new room access options like keyless entry via smartphone apps or single use room key access, social distancing and reduced occupancy in common areas like the lobby or pool, take out at hotel restaurants, and hotel workers wearing protective equipment at many hotels. Many hotels are increasing their flexibility, including free cancellation within 48 hours after making a reservation. Book a hotel with Travelocity here.

What to Bring?

Most hotels, restaurants, and petrol stations require customers to wear masks, so bring enough clean ones to last the whole voyage. Pack disposable gloves and hand sanitising wipes to help prevent the transmission of germs, as well as lots of hand sanitizer to use in regions where access to water is restricted. Hands should be washed often.