After more than a year of restricted travel, much of the world is opening up again to tourists. If you are like a significant portion of the population, you’ve got the itch to put on your traveling shoes. Though everyone might be done with COVID, the coronavirus isn’t yet done with everyone. As you plan your trip and purchase your essential travel items. — such as a good pair of walking shoes and safety glasses — you may want to consider steps to keep you safe while traveling during the pandemic. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the newly appreciated freedom travel provides.
Consider Your Destination Wisely
Transmission rates, vaccination rates and hospital facilities vary widely within the U.S. and globally. When you plan your trip, do some investigation before you land on a destination.
Domestic Travel
If you plan to travel domestically, you may not think twice about making your travel arrangements and heading off to your chosen location. However, it’s a good idea to find out more information about what the pandemic looks like in the place you want to go. Not only does it keep you safer, but it also can save you from potential disappointment.
Find out if the numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are decreasing or increasing. What are the vaccination rates? Are there local guidelines you need to know about? Individual states, municipalities, tribal lands and territories may have implemented specific guidelines, requirements and restrictions that could hamper your plans. After you’ve selected a destination, continue to check for changes in guidelines and requirements.
International Travel
Though international travel is an option, not all borders are open to all travelers. Make sure that the country you wish to go to is allowing recreational travelers. Next, check whether the country allows people from your country to come. If the answer is yes to both, then look at what their requirements are for international travelers. In some places, such as Canada, international travelers have to show proof that they are fully vaccinated, and they have to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of entering the country.
As with domestic travel, you want to find out the destination country’s transmission rates, vaccination rates and trends in the number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. It’s also good to look into the requirements upon arrival and when traveling within the country. There may be mandatory quarantines, or you may be required to get tested again during your travels. Check on masking guidelines and what businesses, services and attractions are open.
Lodging
Chances are, you are going to need to plan for accommodations at your destination. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rental properties all pose a potential risk for the spread of the coronavirus. Generally, the hospitality industry knows that travelers may be reluctant to stay in places where they could be at risk of getting sick, so the management at these facilities takes sanitation seriously. Even so, it’s a good idea to check websites to find out what specific measures are in place to ensure they protect their guests. If you have any questions about their safety procedures, do not hesitate to call and ask questions.
Pack Safety Supplies
No matter where your destination is, make sure you take along protective gear and sanitization supplies, including
- Multiple face masks
- Hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol
- Disinfecting wipes, containing at least 70% alcohol, for cleaning surfaces
- Safety glasses
- Thermometer
Plan to take enough of all safety supplies to last the duration of the trip, since these items could be difficult to obtain when traveling. It’s hard to know when supplies are going to be stocked up, and when they might be running low.
Take Precautions While Using Transportation
When using transportation systems, it’s good to make sure you mask up. In many locations, this is a requirement for buses and trains. It’s also required on planes in the U.S. and other countries. When conditions are crowded, it’s impossible to follow social-distancing guidelines, but leaving your mask in place helps protect you. Make sure yours fits correctly, and if you have a filtered mask, it may be beneficial to wear it.
Get Vaccinated
If you can get vaccinated before you go, you may want to consider doing so. You are fully protected two weeks after you receive the complete dosage required by the vaccine you receive. Since no vaccine is 100% effective, continue to follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and those around you.
Find Safety Glasses for Travel
Travel is exciting, and even more so now after everyone has spent far too many months unable to travel. When it’s time to go on your adventure, make sure you have taken the precautions that will keep you safe from the coronavirus. Marvel Optics carries a wide range of stylish prescription glasses, including sunglasses and sports glasses. Check out our wide selection of brands and styles to find just what you need on your travels.
