This is tough… and it’s lasted too long.
Many of us still can’t go out. If your risk factors are high, and Covid is keeping you home this summer, please check out my tips on making the best of a staycation from the safety of your home.
For everyone who’s ready to scratch the itch to get out, let’s talk about how to navigate the ever-changing world and plan a vacation during Covid-19.
1. Know Where You Can Go
Let’s start here. If you’re hoping for international, know that your options are limited… and ever changing. Here’s a map (updated daily) of what’s open. Keep in mind, that if you’re traveling from the U.S., and leaving the country, you may have to quarantine upon your return (also always changing – updates here).
To keep it simpler, some hotels are now offering Covid-testing on-site. This could make it easier to visit places like Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, and other “neighbors.”
This is a great year for domestic travel. While the map of open states seems to be constantly changing, overall we seem to be headed in a good direction. Most important are the restrictions in your own state – make sure you know what’s required when you come home. I’m pretty optimistic as the list of places we can’t go domestically is shrinking each day!
2. Know What You Can Do
Many places are “partially open,” so just make sure you’re going to be able to do the things you want to do before you book a trip. Don’t fly across the world for that magical theme park you’ve always wanted to do, only to find it’s closed because of Corona Virus. You can google your destination’s travel restrictions for a basic outline, but make sure you check the website of any specific attractions that you want to see. For example, California is technically open, but many attractions have remained closed. Even as Disneyland plans to open, it may be limited to California residents for some time.
The same goes for mask policies. Don’t assume that an attraction’s policies are the same as the district it’s in.
Because indoor attractions are running on limited schedules or at partial capacity, make sure you remember to book in advance! Many places are selling out well in advance.
3. Make Flexible Plans
Even through you’ve carefully researched where you can go and what you can do, you can’t plan on things staying the same. We’ve certainly learned that this past year!
Book your flights through someone offering Covid flexibility. Most airlines are offering free changes, but you’ll have to pay any difference in price for the new flight. Keep this in mind if you’re booking one of those super deals at 80% off – if you rebook, you may still end up paying full price. Make sure to read the fine print on any flexibility plans. You don’t want anything with a specific end-date or that requires you to meet any specific criteria in order to change a flight (i.e. being sick or proving that you can’t get into your destination). It’s definitely easiest to travel with airlines that we know and trust right now. Customer service stretches further than financial savings, right now.
The same goes for any hotels or attractions. Don’t sign your soul over for anything this year, because you just never know!
4. Plan to be Outside
This is not a downside. It’s summer, and outside is a great place to be. The more you have planned outdoors, the safer – both in health risks and changed plans! This is the year to check off those national parks you’ve been meaning to see, to get in that camping you’ve never been adventurous enough to try, or to check out some trails, lakes, and waterfalls! Wherever you go, plan for outdoor activities. That doesn’t mean you can’t also do museums and restaurant; but, being outside increases your chances of being able to stick with Plan A.
Also, keep in mind that anywhere you go has outside options! You can head to a metropolis area and still focus on botanical gardens, art walks, or sculpture parks. Here are some tips for finding outdoor spots. Also, here’s our top pick for a Covid-safe destination from last year’s travels.
We’re thinking of taking that California trip we missed last summer, and just shifting our plans: more time in Yosemite and less time in Hollywood.
5. Know What You’re Comfortable With
This is 100% personal, so it’s not something I can advise you in. We all have different comfort levels with masks, social distancing, crowds, being indoors, etc., etc.. You need to know ahead of time what makes you happy and what makes you queasy.
If your mask gives you the confidence to face amusement park crowds, great! You can plan your amusement park trip and wear your mask.
If large groups make you nervous regardless of safety measures, skip them! This is your vacation and you can make it what you want! You can save that part for next time.
If wearing a mask makes you uncomfortable and you know you can’t keep it on for long periods of time, stick with outdoor activities and double check that any outdoor attractions you’re hoping to visit don’t require them.
Just don’t make a plan to go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go only to arrive and find out that you’re going to be uncomfortable the entire time. That’s not worth it. Know yourself. Make a plan.
Keep this in mind for Covid-testing, too! If it’s painless for you to swab your nose and move on, your destinations are a lot more open. If it’s going to ruin the experience to have to do that test, head to places where you won’t need it!