Is It Safe to Travel This Holiday Season? Here’s What You Should Know!

The holiday season 2020 is fast approaching, and some of us may wonder if it’s safe to travel during holidays amid the coronavirus pandemic. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, this period of time has always been the most crowded one; however, this year is like no other, so what should we do?

Celebrate holidays in the comfort of our homes or check our favorite destination spot? Well… considering that the number of COVID-19 cases doesn’t seem to stop very soon, it would be a smart move to stay home.

However, American Airlines are actually expecting a huge increase in flights this holiday season. So, even if health authorities continue to advise people to avoid social gatherings as much as possible, it appears that most of us are eager to travel this holiday season.

With that in mind, let’s find out together how safe it is to travel right now.

Travel during the coronavirus pandemic is not recommended

According to the CDC, you should limit travel as much as possible. It was proven that travel maximizes your chances of getting infected with COVID-19. So, no matter how much you really want to go to New York City on Christmas day, it’s best to celebrate it at home, keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Avoid social gatherings as well—it is not safe to invite people to Thanksgiving dinner or to make your Christmas tree with your neighbors. So, even if airlines may be open during the holiday season, try not to board a plane.

However, if you do travel during holidays, click on the ‘NEXT’ button to find out the CDC’s recommendations.

The CDC’s recommendations before you travel

1. Check the number of cases in the state you’re planning to travel

It’s simple math: If the number of cases in the destination state has doubled or even tripled in the last seven days, you are more likely to contract the new virus and come with it when you arrive home.

2. Make sure you haven’t been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19

It could be a close friend, a family member, or a colleague. After all, you don’t even have to get in contact with them; it’s enough to touch the doorknob, which they also touched.

Click on ‘NEXT’ to continue reading…

3. If someone in your family is actually at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, don’t travel

Forget about your vacation if you’re living with someone who is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. It could be your grandmother, or mother, don’t expose them just because Christmas looks prettier in New York City.

4. Ask yourself if you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19

You might be having an underlying condition without even realizing it. People of all ages could be at risk. So, when was the last time you visited your doctor? Maybe you need a physical examination before leaving your hometown.

The CDC’s recommendations during your trip

• Wear a mask no longer than two hours and place it in order to keep both your nose and mouth covered
• Avoid close contact as much as possible
• Wash your hands properly with soap and water as often as you can or use hand sanitizer when it isn’t possible
• Avoid individuals who seem sick
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth

You should know these rules by heart in order to minimize the spread of the coronavirus as well as keeping yourself and your family members safe.

What you need to know about the types of travel

Air travel translates to long hours of waiting in security lines, which can put you at a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19. Plus, airports are really crowded, especially during the holiday season.

Bus or train travel can also put you at a high risk of getting the virus since they can’t respect the safe distance.

Car travel is probably a safe way to travel these days. However, it’s not indestructible. Bathroom breaks at the gas station also represent COVID-19 hotspots.

RV travel is most definitely the safest way to travel during the holiday season (as long as you make sure you have everything you need in your RV).