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Whether you’re visiting family, going solo, or looking forward to a getaway with your partner, the existence of COVID-19 has made traveling a little different, even if you’re fully vaccinated. But that doesn’t mean travel has to be stressful. Liftnwander shares a few things to take note of for a safer and less stressful trip.
Crowded Airports
More people are starting to travel again, but you can be strategic about how you handle the crowds. The first thing to do is plan well ahead of time. Plane tickets and hotel reservations should all be in place, so you don’t have to be in crowded areas for too long. Do an online check-in to further reduce the wait time.
Another way to avoid some of the crowds when flying is to travel out of smaller regional airports, which are preparing for the surge of travelers. And, if your plans allow, take the overnight flight. There may be fewer passengers, and you’ll likely get a better fare.
Higher Costs
Since so many have been fully vaccinated, everyone wants to travel again. Because of the surge, airlines and hotels have increased their rates to accommodate travelers, as mentioned on Forbes. Peak travel times can also mean peak costs. You can find ways to save money, though, by being a little flexible with your plans. Avoid traveling over weekends because weekday travel is typically less expensive. Try to be flexible with your location too. Even if you’re visiting family, if you stay on the outskirts of the city you’re visiting rather than in the most central areas, you can snag a better hotel rate.
When it’s time to take off, keep costs low by traveling light. Fees for checked luggage can add up, so pack only the necessities and take only a carry-on bag. If you’ll be taking gifts, mail those to the recipient ahead of time. Shipping costs will almost always be less than the cost to check extra bags when flying.
Be Prepared
The pandemic has made us a little more wary of getting a cold or catching the flu, and we worry that crowded airports and planes are full of germs. Be prepared with bottles of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces.
Bring your vaccination card with you, as mentioned on NPR. Make sure the date or dates of vaccination are displayed. As a backup, make sure that you take and store a picture of the vaccination card on your phone (or the cloud). Also, carry extra masks, and a face shield if your destination requires it.
Make sure you pack an extra charger for your phone. Wouldn’t want your phone to get drained when you’re so busy socially distancing yourself from people.
Travel can take a toll on your body, so try and avoid the vacation mindset of leaving good eating and exercise habits at home. Try preparing some healthy snacks that you can have on the road.
Dealing With Anxiety
Even with careful planning, travel can still create anxiety if you don’t take care of yourself. Verywell Mind recommends meditation and breathing exercises. Meditating helps regulate breathing and gives you a more grounded perspective when you get anxious. Making time for exercise keeps you healthier and it packs the extra punch of mental health benefits too.
Some people get anxious about going away, making their home an easy target for burglars. Take a little time before you leave to make sure your house is properly secured. If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s on and alert the alarm company that you’ll be gone. Check that all locks and deadbolts are fastened on windows and doors, and move valuables away from windows. If you’re especially concerned about entry points, connect with a local locksmith to add extra deadbolts or other security features. Search for reviewed and top-rated experts on sites like Angi to make sure you work with a trustworthy service. Also, before you leave, tell a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Set light timers and motion sensors, or arrange for a house sitter to stay at your home.
Traveling after being told for a year to stay home may seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Take care of yourself and be prepared so you can leave the anxiety at home and enjoy the trip.
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About the Author:
Jason Lewis, has a first hand experience as a senior caregiver, in addition to a background in personal training. He's passionate about helping seniors stay healthy and injury-free.
You can learn more about him at strongwell.org
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