WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE TO TRAVEL DURING COVID

Travel has been at an almost standstill since things were locked down last spring due to the Pandemic of 2020. But as time goes on so does the Pandemic. Many have locked down, stayed home, followed guidelines, missed graduations, birthdays, and seeing family. But as the Pandemic continues, the numbers keep climbing. But we know that wearing a mask and socially distancing works! We have learned that we don’t have to stay at home constantly, as long as we use this knowledge, take precautions (safety measures) and continue to be mindful. So many travelers in need of a mental health break are starting to consider the option of traveling safely and cautiously. There are several things to take into account; the airline’s commitment to safer travel, hotel chains and their commitment to their cleanliness guarantee, and Rapid Covid testing for travel to certain destinations that require a covid negative test to visit.

Being that travel is such an important part of our life, we have cautiously traveled during the past few months (not for the first 5 months of lockdown) with many safety measures put into practice. With the holidays approaching, some folks are debating the following options: Here’s what we have to report…What it’s really like to Travel during Covid.

TRAVELING BY RV:

Earlier in the summer, we decided to try out RV travel. 2020 has been a good year for RV sales and rentals. We had never experienced it and wanted to give it a try. With all the risks, taking our hotel on the road seemed to be the safest bet! So we rented a brand new RV and had our groceries delivered. We loaded up with gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer and hit the road to visit some of this country’s best National Parks. Wide-open Spaces are all we wanted where we wouldn’t be at risk or risk to others. The U.S. National Park’s attendance numbers have been at an all-time low. Since vacationers from outside of the country were not able to travel to the US and those within the country weren’t traveling at all. There were many parks we almost had all to ourselves. It was a great once in a lifetime experience. We hiked in some of this country’s most beautiful parks without a crowd. If you would like to read more about this adventure be sure to read more on the blog. One was about Utah’s Mighty 5, http://box5321.temp.domains/~joysonaj/utahs-mighty-5-in-50-hours/ and another post over in beautiful California, http://box5321.temp.domains/~joysonaj/wp-admin/post.php?post=1987&action=editWe had an RV adventure of a lifetime! Please check https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm for your park’s reservations info before heading out. Some do require reservations and Shuttle passes.

TRAVELING BY TRAIN:

We recently traveled by Amtrak train within North Carolina. It seems that they are not able to clean each train car at each stop. But they are doing enhanced cleanings in the morning and an evening deep clean, along with en route cleanings of the bathrooms and other high contact areas. Of course, they have the same mandatory masks and social distancing rules as most places these days. Since many aren’t traveling during this time is it easy to space out and social distance yourself. Booking a ticket in Business Class also offers a little more space and fewer people.

TRAVELING BY AIR:

While it’s best to check with your airlines before booking, as of the time of writing of this piece, The LA Times was reporting that Southwest, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and Jet Blue were still offering limited seating or blocked middle seats on many of their flights until December and January. Masks are a requirement for all. Those who refuse can be banned from flying in the future. Due to the airplane’s special Hepa filters and the cleanings in between each flight, it has helped keep the risk to a minimum. We felt comfortable trying it with the numbers being so low for airline passengers at our point of travel. On our flight, which was American, they were mostly full flights. Even the middle seat was full. When possible we try to get the seats on the last row. We double mask, wipe down everything, and try to have limited interaction with others. When boarding they only let a certain number of people board at the time, and the same was true at arrival. There is no food or drink service but we were given a bag with water, cookie, and hand sanitizer. It did seem that the airline’s crew were a bit more peppy and kind than in the past. So that was a treat. I think they were happy to see people flying!

HOTEL STAYS

So far we have only stayed with Hilton properties. They are doing a great job of making their guests feel safe. After the rooms are cleaned and sanitized, the doors are labeled with a sticker sealing the doors that no one can enter after it has been sanitized. The remote is sanitized and then wrapped in a plastic bag. The free breakfast is a bit limited but they do a nice job. They serve your food so that only one person is touching the utensil. There are also prepackaged breakfast boxes for those who just want to take and go. We felt safe with their service. We take a lot of day trips but when we do have to stay overnight this is our choice.

OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRIP OF 2020

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA-A SECLUDED PARADISE

Everyone who travels to Antigua from the United States must have a Covid Negative PCR test within 7 days of travel. We felt pretty safe on the airplane heading to this destination because everyone had to have this test to fly there. Upon arrival, we had to submit the documentation proving that along with temperature checks through several lines entering their immigration dept. They also had a camera with temperature readings. Everyone wears masks and respects distances. When we arrived at our Hotel, it was the same process, we had to verify negative Covid test, temperature checks, and wear masks. We were some of the few Americans there. Many of the tourists there were British. But since Europe just closed back down I guess that will change. There are probably going to be some great deals for Americans with Negative Covid tests. If you would like to hear more about our beautiful escape to Antiqua and Barbuda it will be coming soon on the blog. This was another place we literally had to ourselves. Imagine a whole beach to yourself! It was like a dream.

Since travel is slowly seeing a trickle of activity, I suspect more folks are going to be putting airline safety to the test with Holiday travel. I hope this bit of information about what airlines are doing to assure travelers will be helpful. An additional tip, if you have a membership to your airline club, as we do with American Airlines. they are doing a great job with keeping that area sanitized and socially distanced. There are fewer people there and it’s a great place to wait until it’s time to board the flight. For those needing rapid covid testing, the following airports are now offering that: JFK, EWR, BOS, TPA, SFO, DFW, MIA (LIMITED) LAX and Alaska Airports check for which type of test is offered, turn around time, and pricing. Some of the first to open to Americans were down in the Caribbean with a Negative Covid Test.

This is our experience of what it’s really like to travel during Covid. Please know, that we take Covid very seriously. We research the numbers and risks and take it very cautiously. We don’t want to put others or our own family at risk. For as much as we can control we make every effort to do so. The numbers and travel risks change daily. We are not promoting travel during this time but if you chose to do so, we hope this information may be helpful in making your own travel decisions for your family. We have not been paid to share these experiences. They are just that, our experiences. You may experience something different when you travel. Therefore, Travel at your own risk. Stay well!

Joys On A Journey