5 Ways to Ensure Your Summer Vacation Happens Safely
As we continue social distancing and following safety precautions, every one of us is dreaming about the moment when we can get back to normalcy. For many, that means taking a real summer vacation.
But we’re not about to throw caution to the wind and join the lines at Disney just yet. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that it really is better to be safe than sorry.
In this post, we’re going to explore 5 things you can do to stay safe while having fun on your summer vacation.
COVID-19 may have put a damper on international travel, but don’t let that stop you from adventuring. You’ll just have to have your adventures a little closer to home for now.
This summer, join the ranks of so many who are going back to family vacation roots with a summer cross-country road trip.
One of the benefits of taking a road trip is that you stand to save a substantial amount of money. And because of the savings, it may be a good time to reevaluate your vehicle. The longer the trip, the more taxing it will be on your car. So, if you’re in need of an upgrade, now is the perfect time. Dealerships are more motivated than ever to make a deal, so it’s a good time to check out that certified preowned Genesis you’ve been eyeing.
There’s a lot we can say about how states and countries are handling the global pandemic, but what matters for safety is that we remain aware. If you live in a state with a high percentage of COVID-19 cases, you may not be allowed to visit certain other states without quarantine.
Being turned away from an entire state could really put a damper on your vacation plans, so be sure to check restrictions before you travel.
You may also want to avoid areas that are considered coronavirus hotspots. These are considered high-risk areas where you may be more likely to contract the virus.
And even if you’re not worried about contracting coronavirus, consider that you might be met with a quarantine when you return home from a hotspot.
As of today, parts of Florida, Texas, Georgia and California are considered hotspots because cases are high and on the rise. But as states change policies and take measures to control the spread, this list will change. Always check before you set out to a new city or state.
When you’re on vacation, relaxation comes naturally. But one of the worst things you can do right now is to relax your vigilance on social distancing. The closer you are to someone who may be infected, the greater your risk of contracting coronavirus. And since people are contagious before they even know they’re infected, we should act as if anyone outside of our household could be infected.
When you wear a mask, you can drastically reduce your risk of spreading coronavirus. And if everyone is wearing a mask, everyone will be safer. But the problem is that nothing is perfect. Someone who is infected can spread COVID by touching their mask and touching a surface.
It’s important to strike a balance between living in fear and practicing safety precautions. When you limit your exposure to crowds, you can rest easier.
Ideally, your vacation buddies should live in your household. But if you do want to go on a summer vacation with friends or others who don’t live with you, try to choose people at the same risk level as you.
For example, if you haven’t left your house for two weeks, your risk is fairly close to zero. You should be safe choosing a companion who has taken the same precautions. On the other hand, if you’ve been extremely isolated and choose to vacation with someone who hasn’t, you could substantially increase your risk of developing coronavirus.
Remember that you’ll be in close quarters with your vacation partner, and you don’t want to worry about getting exposed that way.
And if your own risk level is high, you may think twice about potentially exposing someone who has been isolating.
As we’re all distancing and avoiding large crowds, there’s a silver lining. Many people who have lost touch with nature are forging new relationships with the world around them. Camping has become a very popular vacation style as COVID rates increase.
But camping isn’t for everyone. If you can’t stand the thought of sleeping outside, don’t force it. Hotels have been taking extreme precautions to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Choose a reputable hotel, wear your mask and practice social distancing.
And whenever you have the opportunity, spend time outdoors. Fill your itinerary with hikes, trips to the beach and outdoor patio dining. The risk of contracting coronavirus is substantially lower when we’re outdoors. Distancing is still important, butstaying outside is a safer option.
You can enjoy your summer vacation this year while remaining safe and responsible. And the good news is that we’ve already developed habits that are almost second nature. Just keep wearing those masks, stay at least 6-feet away from other people and avoid high traffic areas.
If we all do our part to slow the spread of coronavirus, maybe we can get back to jet setting for our next summer vacation.