Pandemic Travel Guide Making the Most of Your Trip Written by Alyse Messmer Illustration by Hannah Siefkes
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raveling is no longer as easy as it was. As a result of stay-at-home orders and the fear of spreading COVID-19, most travel was shut down in 2020. A total of 217 countries and territories across the globe established travel restrictions, some closing their borders and not accepting travel across customs. According to the United States Travel Association, air travel was 62% lower in January 2021 than January 2020, showing no improvement since October 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to warn against traveling in an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Their website states: “Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. CDC recommends that you do not travel at this time. Delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are extremely high across the United States.” The CDC recommends continuing to wear masks, staying at least six feet apart, avoiding crowds and washing your hands often. But these guidelines do not make travel impossible. For many who have gone back to work or school, travel is necessary. For others, travel is their escape from work, school or everything the year 2020 held for them. Thankfully for them, transportation systems are opening back up and continue to offer people the ability to travel, with the addition of new guidelines and regulations. Hannah Hendrickson, junior exercise science major, encourages other students to be creative in traveling during this time.
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“Traveling during a pandemic certainly takes creativity. But it is doable. While transcontinental travel has been limited, there are endless options to explore areas within driving distance,” Hendrickson says. “I’ve been blessed to live in this area in Southern California, with access to the mountains, beach, and deserts like Joshua Tree. There is so much to see. Day trips have grown my appreciation for the area I live in, and being creative with the Covid-friendly activities I can do has helped me realize that it is never impossible to have a good time.”
PLANNING A TRIP Along with the needed creativity to travel during this time, there are still many precautions and steps of planning that are encouraged before a trip of any kind. Business Insider, is a good resource to rely on for the planning process. First, while planning your trip, be aware that there may be unexpected closures. Double-check with hotels, restaurants, and even the Federal Highway Administration to make sure your route won’t include any surprises. They also encourage tourists to rent a vacation home or Airbnb instead of a hotel to limit interactions with others. It is also important to know what that country, state or even airport will require of you. Do you need a specific COVID-19 test? How many negative tests do you need and within what time frame? Do you need a COVID-19 vaccination to participate in this activity? Will you need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival? Depending on the airline, airport, state or country, these regulations vary.
