RE-VISIT FLORIDA
Traveling in the Time of COVID Be prepared for anything this summer – and always play it safe
BY MARCIA BIGGS In early June, Florida tourism destinations began to cautiously welcome back visitors. Since mid-March, no place has been immune to the COVID-19 pandemic shut-downs, from big beach resorts to small inns and short-term Airbnb rentals across the state. Now heading into prime summer travel months, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions are slowly opening back up, but travelers should not expect business as usual. Travel, at least this year, will be a whole new trip. According to a AAA survey, nearly half as many Floridians will travel this summer versus last summer. The survey found that 57% of travelers will take fewer trips as a result of the coronavirus, and when they do travel, they will drive and stay closer to home. AAA’s Summer Travel forecast, which uses key economic indicators (versus a survey), indicates Americans are still making travel plans, though more cautiously and spur of the moment, often seeking long weekend getaways instead of extended vacations. Car trips reign supreme accounting for 97% of the favored mode of transportation.
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“The coronavirus has had a significant
July/August 2020
impact on travel this year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This means more people are opting to take a road trip, instead of a flight, to avoid being in close quarters with strangers. The added value in driving is that summertime gas prices are the lowest in 15 years.” The 2020 summer travel season looks quite different than in years past. Travel restrictions limit international travel opportunities, and some states require travelers to quarantine. Additionally, the CDC urges travelers to wear face coverings while in public, and to practice social distancing. The CDC lists airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops as places travelers can be exposed to the virus.
