As the world starts getting used to the new normal, many are planning vacation travel again.
Did you know that vacation rentals are considered the safer option when it comes to travel accommodations?
According to the CDC, vacation rentals where you do not share common areas with travelers outside of your party are safer than, say, a hotel or B&B, where common spaces are shared between groups. Essentially, vacation rentals offer greater control over one's holiday environment.
The CDC has tips and tricks for COVID-safe travel to ensure the highest level of safety for you and in your travel pod. We've highlighted some of these below, including the safest dining accommodations, mask, and transportation recommendations, as well as things to avoid!
Vacation Rentals Are Safer
Hotels and multi-unit guest lodgings with common areas such as bed and breakfasts are considered less safe vs. a vacation rental. The reason is simple: minimizing exposure to common areas indoors will help limit the potential spread of the virus.
The CDC recommends vacation rentals such as houses and cabins as the safer option for accommodations when traveling with people from your household or other fully vaccinated people.
Visiting the home of a fully vaccinated family member or friend is also considered a safer option while visiting an unvaccinated family member or friend is less safe and not recommended.
The CDC also recommends against renting or staying in a house or cabin with people who are not vaccinated or not in your household. Basically, avoid sharing spaces with a large group of people whose vaccination history is unknown. The same goes for sharing bathroom facilities such as a dormitory-style hostel.
We would also recommend checking your accommodations' COVID-19 prevention practices prior to arrival to ensure that you will be as safe and prepared as possible.
Transportation Tips
Transportation is also an important consideration when booking a vacation. Road trips are still considered safe as long as they are made with members of your household or fully vaccinated people with minimal stops along the way. Remember to wear a mask and keep your hands clean and sanitized after touching common surfaces during stops. t
While nothing is 100% safe, flying is generally considered to be a safe mode of travel because of the way air is filtered on airplanes. Flights with the fewest stops and layovers are preferred and recommended as safer, since most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights. Avoid long-distance train or bus trips as well as traveling on a cruise ship or riverboat as these increase your risk of exposure.
Dining On Vacation
When it comes to food and travel, the CDC recommends that the safest way to eat is to bring your food and drinks with you when possible, as it does not require exposure in a restaurant or shop. The second best option is to organize takeout if dining at a restaurant.
Utilizing restaurants that offer drive-thru, delivery, and curbside pick-up options is highly recommended. Dining outside at a restaurant where social distancing is possible, and servers and other staff wear masks is considered less safe than takeout but safer than other styles of restaurant dining. The same goes for dining inside at a well-ventilated restaurant where social distancing is possible, servers and other restaurant staff wear masks, and diners wear masks when not actively eating or drinking.
Avoid poorly ventilated indoor restaurants or dining spaces where social distancing is not possible, and servers and staff do not wear masks.
The Good Old Mask Still Works
Mask wearing is still considered one of the best tools to prevent and limit exposure to and spread of COVID-19. While traveling, you should wear a mask over your nose and mouth in public.
NOTE: It is required to wear a mask over your nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling to, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of conveyance.
Remember to avoid big crowds and stay at least 6 feet or about two arm's length from anyone not traveling with you. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
Information Changes - Check The Cdc Webpage For Travel Tips
Ensure you always check the CDC's Domestic Travel or International Travelers pages for the latest recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Keep these guidelines in mind as you plan your vacation to help improve the likelihood of a COVID-safe travel experience.
