Ready To Travel Again? Here’s How You Can!
As the United States (and the rest of the world) begins unrolling plans to reopen the economy, people are naturally curious about what this means for travel.
Let me start by making one thing perfectly clear: it is imperative that we remember reopening does not mean the threat is gone. Healthcare professionals have been warning “until a vaccine is developed and proven effective, it's impossible to fully mitigate all the coronavirus risks, including those associated with traveling.” The best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick, according to the CDC, is to stay home.
So it would be irresponsible of me to tell you it’s time to get out there and travel again -- after all, that decision is a personal one that each of us must make when we are comfortable.
But I know some people are ready to get back out there. With that in mind, let’s start talking about it here so that we can share resources and offer suggestions for practicing safe travel during this time (as opposed to just pretending there is no risk or adopting the “it won’t happen to me” mindset).
Think of it like sex-ed, traditionally abstinence-only education has failed to protect teens and young adults from unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STDs. We know that it isn’t effective to only tell teenagers, “Don’t do it.” The most effective means of preventing the spread of STDs and unplanned pregnancies is education, awareness, and teaching prevention methods.
It is my hope that if you have decided to start having sex uh... I mean traveling again, that you would want to do so in a responsible way that not only keeps you safe but is also mindful of the safety of others who may cross your path.
While this list is not exhaustive, here are some of my tips for planning safe, scaled back trips in the weeks and months ahead.
Educate Yourself
COVID-19 is new, so unfortunately confusion and misinformation is rampant. Part of this is just the internet’s tendency to feed on misinformation, but also a lot of it is because scientists are still researching and making discoveries. To stay safe and healthy, we can’t bury our heads in the sand and pretend it isn’t an issue. We need to take the time to check reliable sources and educate ourselves.
Before deciding on a destination or leaving on your trip, gather information ahead of time from reliable sources. Read up on whether or not it is safe to travel to the places you are considering visiting. Find out the status of the outbreak at your intended destination, and learn how the pandemic is impacting any activities you may be interested in participating in while there. For example, TSA has special requirements during the outbreak and some destinations have quarantine requirements for out-of-state visitors that you should be aware of before visiting.
Be a Tourist at Home
A few summers ago, I made a Philly Summer Bucket List. It was a list of all the things I say I want to do and places I want to go but never get around to them. That summer I challenged myself to go do as many of the things on the list as possible. I visited Bartram’s Gardens for a free rowboat rental, I rode the MFL line out to see the Philly Love Letter Murals, I tried new restaurants, explored Valley Forge, visited some of the city’s most popular water ice places, and so much more.
Right now, while tourism is down, is the perfect time to make your own “Stay-At-Home” Bucket List. To be extra safe, consider visiting on a weekday or calling to find out when their non-peak hours are.
Get Outside
Camping is becoming a very popular option this summer because it is a naturally socially distanced outdoor activity. Additionally, using your own equipment limits exposure. Experts consider camping to be low risk as long as you “can trust your fellow campers have been social distancing and following guidelines.”
But it doesn’t have to stop at camping. Outdoor activities, in general, tend to be safer right now. So if camping isn’t your thing, maybe kayaking, biking, or paddle boarding would be a naturally socially distanced outdoor activity you would like to try.
Visit Small Towns
Small Town America was hit really hard by the pandemic. If you’d like your upcoming trip to also serve a bit of a purpose, consider planning a getaway to a nearby small town that isn’t as over traveled. Rent an Airbnb, explore the local shops (some of them may be limited to sidewalk sales), shop the farmer’s markets or get takeout from the local restaurants and picnic in a local park. Not only will your risk of exposure be lower since it’s a less touristy spot, but the local small business owners will appreciate the business.
All that being said, please be considerate and make sure the town is open to accepting visitors before descending upon them. And be sure to follow best practices when interacting with the community. Don’t be the jerk visitor or ignorant tourist who shows up refusing to wear a mask.
Get Creative
This is not the summer to take a massive cross country road trip, backpack through Europe, or go clubbing in Miami. However, if done thoughtfully, you can still plan a fun summer trip. Ask yourself, “What is it I love about travel?” and look for small, creative ways to create similar experiences.
Are you a foodie?
Check out this list of the 10 Best small town food scenes across America and plan a trip to the one nearest you. Carrying out is still considered the safest bet , so take your food somewhere nice to enjoy it, like a nearby park or river. On my last visit to my mom’s (she lives at the Jersey Shore) we started a new tradition that we are calling “Beach Brunch.” We get breakfast takeout from a local restaurant and enjoy it on an isolated part of the beach. One morning we did pancakes from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House and another morning we grabbed eggs and fresh donuts from Brown’s Family Restaurant.
Are you a history buff?
If you’re a history buff that loves to visit historical landmarks, skip the popular National Historical Sites this summer. Instead, contact the visitors centers of towns near you and ask about the unique history there, then plan a trip around it. You will discover all sorts of fascinating stories you otherwise would have missed out on. The ACCORD Freedom Trail in St. Augustine pays respect to the “unsung ‘heroes’ and ‘she-roes’ of the local 1960s Civil Rights movement.” Most of the sites are drive-by sites with plaques, making it an easy but meaningful way to spend the afternoon while keeping your distance.
Are you an art lover?
Maybe you are an art lover who just isn’t ready to head into an art museum or gallery. If that’s the case, head to a nearby city and take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of their street art. Here’s a great (but not nearly all encompassing) list of cities with great street art to help you start planning.
What do you think?
Will you be doing any travel this summer?
Have any tips to add to this list?
Share your ideas and thoughts in the comments below.
