After 3 months of quarantine due to Covid-19, countries around the world are slowly beginning to open up again. However, the virus is still far from gone especially in the United States were cases are still not under control, and prospects of a second wave are very high. But as summer is coming in hot while stay-at-home orders are being relaxed, many are left wondering whether it is safe to start traveling again. And if not now, then when?
Summer means vacation time and adventure. It's a time to explore faraway places, trips to classic beach destinations, nostalgic amusement parks, or anything that lets us get a dose of some well-needed Vitamin D. I think many, avid travelers or not, can resonate with the urge to do anything but sit inside any longer.
As skies begin to clear and temperatures continue to rise, people are clearly itching to get outside. And even though states are beginning to reopen, I'm still contemplating, myself, whether or not to hold off traveling for a while. After analyzing what other travel magazines are posting on their own thoughts of traveling, many seem to be suggesting more localized trips. In an article by AFAR, they even mentioned that road trips across the U.S will most likely be the most popular form of travel this summer. But they also bring up a good point; just because we can travel, should we really be jumping the gun too quickly?
It is without a doubt that this summer will be unlike any other, but despite the circumstances, I found that airlines, businesses, amusement parks, and more are taking extensive steps to ensure the safety of those who decide to travel this summer. Here are some resources that I came across:
International Restrictions
Travel restrictions are still present in most countries although some that are heavy tourist destinations during the summer like Spain, Italy, and France are slowly reopening to foreigners. However, the United States' travel restrictions to Mexico and Canada have been extended to June 21. Similarly, It seems like most other countries will also slowly be reopening by the end of June or early July. Although, it seems that some South American countries are holding off on international reopenings for a bit longer, like Columbia whose halted all travel until August 31. For a country by country guide to reopenings, the Points Guy blog posted an extensive article on it.
Updated Airline Procedures and Protocols
For those that do plan on flying by airplane, there is at least some reassurance of health safety. Airlines are taking extra precautions by mandating passengers and TSA agents to wear facemasks, enforcing social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting. Qatar Airways even went as far as enforcing flight attendants to wear full PPE suits.
There was also discussion in May for at least a dozen airports in the U.S to begin checking passenger temperatures during TSA checkpoints, although no updates on the matter have been found. It seems there is still some controversy over who will check temperatures and how effective it will actually be. TSA has also come out with updated rules for travelers passing through security checkpoints. Travelers can expect an increase in fluid ounce restrictions that were once held at 3.4 ounces for hand sanitizer to now carry up to 12 ounces.
Talk of an immunity passport has also been circling through the travel industry as a way to check if travelers are immune to Covid-19 and to control the spread of the virus while countries begin to reopen. However, inequality issues have risen at the prospect of implementing it. Whether or not the immunity passport will gain traction is still under discussion.
Amusement Parks Reopen
Disney announced that they will begin a phased reopening starting in July. However, it won't be the same Disney experience that most are accustomed to. Not that I have gone to Disney since I was a little kid, but at this point, I'm not even sure if it would be worth going. Visitors will be required to wear facemasks while in the park, which honestly sounds dreadful while standing in the hot summer sun. Social distancing will also be enforced with certain rides shut down to follow social distancing guidelines. There is also the possibility of implementing virtual lines that will require visitors to virtually check-in at a ride and given a time when it is their turn to go on the ride. Although the idea behind it is clever, I'd be curious to see how well it gets executed. As far as other amusement parks are concerned, I'm not sure if others plan on reopening, although I wouldn't be surprised if some do follow-suit with the procedures that Disney is implementing.
How to Safely Visit Friends and Family
Even if you don't plan on traveling long distances any time soon, there are still some decision making and organization that should be thought of before visiting loved ones we haven't seen in a while. Make sure to take into consideration what risk factors are involved, whether that is the distance, mode of transportation, or the exposure someone has had with other people.
Plan to have meet-ups with friends outdoors where the risk of exposure is less than indoors. Consider staying 6ft apart, and if there is anything that is making you feel concerned or uncomfortable, then make sure to have a discussion with your friends on how to make everyone feel comfortable and safe while visiting each other.
Whether you plan on traveling or not this summer, make sure to stay updated with Covid-19 cases in the area you are in and will be visiting. Familiarize rules implemented in modes of transportation or city-wide regulations. And always make informed decisions before leaving and be considerate of the health and safety of others.
