This week, I have a guest author contributing with a great article on how to plan for future travel after the pandemic!  I think Emma provides a more holistic perspective than the posting I try to maintain with some overall travel details.

On to the story!

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every facet of modern daily life, including travel. Globetrotters have found opportunities to see the world severely limited in the last year. Meanwhile, the tourism industry has taken a serious hit, leaving many to wonder if it will ever recover. Even with a vaccine, it’s doubtful that things will return to like they were before. Instead, it’s time to adjust to a “new normal.”

It might seem like travel is impossible, but that’s not the case. David Cross Travels is finding unique ways to keep moving. From charting out local hiking trips to scouting out lockdown-free beach vacations, David offers resources for those who have been bitten by the travel bug and don’t want to stop exploring.

With some research and advanced planning, it is possible to keep traveling. The below guide provides actionable tips on how to plan for future journeys while staying safe.

Prioritize destinations within driving distance.

International travel for Americans is particularly difficult right now, as many countries have put restrictions in place barring entry from the United States. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding airplanes, which are riskier in terms of potential COVID-19 exposure than driving. Airports put you in contact with many people, while social distancing is virtually impossible on planes.

Instead of jetting off to faraway locations, look for spots you can visit within driving distance. Get inspired by The Culture Trip’s list of top sights in the U.S., which covers everything from The Grand Canyon to Mount Rushmore and the Hollywood Sign. Alternatively, pick a city on the map and create your very own city trip. For example, Bellevue, WA, offers museums, a botanical garden, a lakeside beach, and more.

Chart out road trips in advance.

Spontaneous travel is a thing of the past. Future trips will require more advanced planning. Before you jet off, check state restrictions in advance. Look at the official website of the state to see if stay-at-home orders are in place. Scout locations where you can enjoy a lockdown-free vacation. You can also check COVID-19 cases by county using this handy tool from Johns Hopkins.

If you’re headed on a long road trip, plan your pit stops beforehand. Prioritize restaurants and hotels that have COVID-19 safety measures in place. When it comes to accommodation, consider getting a vacation rental. In Bellevue, for instance, there are many vacation rentals that are professionally cleaned, come with their own kitchen, and accommodate different group sizes. Best of all, you avoid contact with other people in hotel lobbies, elevators, and dining areas.

Play it safe if traveling by air.

If you’re intent on going further afield, air travel is still possible. However, check current government advisories before you go ahead and determine whether restrictions are in place for U.S. arrivals. You may have to present a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter and/or quarantine yourself for a specified amount of time upon arrival. Find a participating health center or pharmacy in your area to get a test.

If you are flying, take preventive measures to stay safe during your trip. Wear a mask and face shield and wash your hands regularly. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Finally, maintain distance from other people whenever possible. Many airlines have put in place measures to support social distancing, such as keeping middle seats free.

As the above guide shows, you don’t have to stop traveling altogether due to COVID-19. Future globetrotting will require added precautions and advanced planning but it won’t be impossible. Let the above tips inspire as you plan your journeys.

Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she’s not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don’t have to mold themselves to conventionality.  emmagracebrown.com