Research where you’re going
To determine if a region is safe, analyze a few key benchmarks, including the daily number of new infections in an area, the overall percent positive, and whether new infections are increasing or decreasing. Ideally, a destination should have less than four new cases per 100,000 residents.
Plan how you’re getting there
Many airlines, train services, and rest stops are doing an impeccable job keeping the public safe during the pandemic, but no transportation type is perfect. If traveling by car, minimize the number of stops taken along your route by packing the essentials, including – but not limited to – drinks, snacks, toilet paper, face masks, and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Anyone traveling by plane or train should be ready to wear a mandatory face mask (preferably an N-95) from the moment their journey begins until they reach their final destination.
Get tested and quarantine
Getting tested for the coronavirus is an essential part of everyone’s travel checklist and should be done both before and after a journey. Tests can be completed at urgent cares, pharmacies, most hospitals, and sometimes at sites like airports or hotels. If you plan on coming in close contact or gathering in tight quarters with social circles outside of your household, Madad says quarantining for fourteen days is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety.
If possible, avoid other people
The coronavirus spreads easily in areas with dense populations, so in order to maintain the recommended social distancing guidelines, choose areas that have less population. In some cases, that means avoiding city travel. Most of the good stuff like museums or concert halls are going to be closed anyway.
Take precautions in hotels and rentals
Look for signs your hotel or vacation rental is taking the pandemic seriously. Look for social spacing of tables in the breakfast area. Check if hand sanitizer is nearby when you check in. Use disinfecting wipes on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and TV remotes. Consider opting out of the daily housekeeping service, to keep interaction with strangers minimal.