TRAVEL TIPS: Exploring Utah During a Pandemic TRAVEL ADVISE FROM THE OFFICE OF UTAH TOURISM. Like most good things in life, a family vacation takes a dose of hard work and commitment before you can rejoice: packing the car, planning the route, balancing everyone’s preferred activities, agreeing on pit stops. Right now, you also have to factor in how to responsibly travel during a pandemic. Keep your mind on the bigger picture — whether it’s dazzling red rock, cool watering holes, geological history, alpine forests, or the Milky Way overhead. Soon you’ll be on the open road in the landscapes that rejuvenate, inspire, and even heal. Consider these small but mighty actions that will make all the difference as we work together to control the spread of coronavirus and restore strength to our struggling local businesses. BEFORE YOUR VISIT: 1. Check conditions. Review the websites and social media that offer information on local conditions and closures. If you can’t find your answer online, call the area’s local tourism contacts and land managers. 2. Select an appropriate activity. Hiking, biking, stargazing, and dispersed camping are fantastic options. Avoid high-risk activities like rock climbing or backcountry activities, as law enforcement and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID 19 issues. 3. Select low-traffic locations and times. Discover a new area. Visit less-traveled locations like BLM areas, state parks, and national monuments during non-peak hours to avoid crowding. Check out the regions that surround and complement each national park. 4. Stay home if you feel sick. Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit. 5. Bring necessary supplies. Services like trash pick-up and restroom maintenance could be limited or not available at some remote outdoor locations. Bring the supplies you might need such as trash bags and hand sanitizer.
DURING YOUR VISIT: 1. Evaluate your surroundings. When you arrive at a recreation area, if it has a full parking lot or crowded trailhead, this might indicate that there are too many people recreating. For your safety and the safety of other visitors, please consider changing locations or returning at a less active time. Always have a back-up plan. 2. Keep your distance from others. Everyone wants to safely enjoy public lands. Please make sure to stay at least six feet away from other visitors as recommended by the CDC. Please wear a mask. 3. Support local. Find ways to support the local communities that surround our natural areas. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop, or eat at a restaurant in addition to campfire meals. AFTER YOUR VISIT: 1. Pack it in, pack it out. Take trash with you when you leave. Trash overflowing the receptacles becomes litter and can be harmful to wildlife and attract predators.
Learn more: visitutah.com/covid-19
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