People are yearning for travel these days and while some are waiting for next year, there are still a lot of travelers who are departing this year. Here are some tips for keeping yourself and your family healthy during your trip.

1. Have children try on masks ahead of time to find one that’s comfortable so they’ll be more likely to keep it on for longer periods of time.


2. Bring your own disinfecting products with you. There may be products available to you during your travels, but don’t depend on that.


3. Wash your hands frequently, before eating and after using the restroom.


4. Pack multiple face masks, disposable gloves, hand-sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and digital wallet or credit/debit cards (many businesses aren’t accepting cash during the pandemic).


5. If you visit or stay with friends or family, make sure no one in your party or in the house you’re visiting are experiencing symptoms. Don’t stay there if you or they are. Be prepared to wear masks while visiting. Socialize outdoors if possible and limit the amount of interaction indoors.


6. If you stay in a hotel or rental property, ask ahead of time about cleaning protocols. Wear a mask in public places. Disinfect hard, non-porous, frequently touched surfaces yourself when you check-in (e.g. doorknobs, remote controls, drawer handles). Consider bringing your own pillows and blankets since those are washed less frequently.


7. If you’re traveling by car or RV, try to select a destination you can reach in one day so you don’t have to overnight in a hotel. If you rent a vehicle, disinfect the car’s hard, non-porous, frequently touched surfaces yourself (e.g. steering wheel, interior door handles, seat belts, gear shifter). Wear a mask and gloves when pumping gas or using rest stop restrooms.


8. If you travel by airplane or train, find out ahead of time what their cleaning protocols are. Once seated, use your own products to disinfect hard, non-porous, frequently touched surfaces (e.g. tray table, armrest, window blind). Wear your mask for the whole trip.

With vigilance, consistency and proper precautions, you are more likely to minimize your risk of infection while at the same time getting to enjoy your getaway. Whether your travel plans are for this year or next year, AAA Travel Consultants are here to help you plan and book your travel. Reach out to one of our travel consultants or make a virtual travel planning appointment today.

Source: Travel Pulse. A Doctor’s Tips on How to Stay Healthy While Traveling Amid COVID-19 by Laurie Baratti, August 9, 2020

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