11 Ways To Stay Safe While Traveling This Summer

Research shows that confidence is growing and Americans are ready to travel again this summer. However, summer vacations will look slightly different in the time of COVID-19. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect yourself and others and travel safely and responsibly this summer. Here's some notable expert advice to consider before you leave home.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States" as they are "less likely to get and spread COVID-19." The agency points out that fully vaccinated travelers-two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and two weeks after receiving the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine-do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it nor do they need to self-quarantine. However, fully vaccinated travelers should still continue to follow other COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a mask, maintaining six feet of distance from others and avoiding crowds and washing or sanitizing their hands often.

If you are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends taking a viral test 1-3 days before your trip and testing again 3-5 days after travel. If you test positive before your trip you should stay home and postpone any travel plans. Unvaccinated travelers are also advised to stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel even if they test negative.

"Wearing masks that completely cover the mouth and nose reduces the spread of COVID-19," the CDC maintains. "People who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) or are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) might not know that they are infected but can still spread COVID-19 to others," the agency adds, noting that masks also offer protection to the wearer. The CDC has issued an order requiring travelers to wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose while awaiting, boarding, disembarking, or traveling on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares when traveling into, within or out of the U.S. Refusing to comply could end your trip prematurely or even get you banned from flying your favorite airline.

In addition to wearing a mask when around others, travelers should stay at least six feet or about two arm lengths from other people who are not from their household both indoors and outdoors. "COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period," the CDC states. "Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs." Physical distancing is an important safety measure but the agency notes that it should be practiced in combination with other preventive actions.

The CDC advises washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible as it reduces the number of germs and harmful chemicals on your hands. If that's not an option, however, travelers should use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to combat potentially harmful germs and viruses they may encounter over the course of their trip.

Sanitizing wipes are a quick and easy way to disinfect frequently touched surfaces that you're likely to come into contact with during your summer travels such as airplane tray tables, rental car cabins and hotel room doorknobs and remotes, among others. Some airline travel kits and complimentary hotel offerings include wipes but you can pack your own to ensure you're prepared.

"Short road trips with members of your household or fully vaccinated people with few stops along the way" are one of the safest ways to travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to health experts. Booking a vacation rental and staying with only members of your household or fully vaccinated people and camping are other safe ways to vacation this summer. National parks, wide beaches and outdoorsy destinations where visitors can spread out outdoors and in nature are ideal vacation destinations this summer as some big cities may present too many crowds.

Looking after your immune system is key to ensuring that you stay safe even when germs and viruses do make their way into your body so be sure to eat plenty of nutritious foods, make time for exercise and get plenty of sleep when you travel. Part of staying healthy is finding time to relax and indulge from time to time so be sure to get outdoors for some vitamin D (wear sunblock of course) and unplug from work or home life when you can to destress.

Traveling safely this summer also requires staying in the know when it comes to the latest travel advisories and entry restrictions and requirements in your destination. While many states and even countries are beginning to ease restrictions, especially for vaccinated travelers, be sure to take a look at the latest U.S. State Department and CDC advice as well as what's required to enter your destination such as a negative COVID-19 test result or a mandatory quarantine period.

You don't have to plan and book your 2021 summer vacation alone and working with a trusted travel advisor is one of the best ways to ensure you're protected. These travel professionals not only save your time, money and stress but provide invaluable advice based on their own expertise, experience and client feedback. Having a travel advisor in your corner means having a real human there to fight for you and right the ship in the event that things don't go according to plan.

Purchasing a travel insurance policy, especially if you're investing a lot in a big trip, is an easy way to protect not only your hard-earned vacation but your health in the event that you or someone traveling with you falls ill. "The two most important benefits in a travel insurance policy are for trip cancellation and medical benefits," Chief Insurance Analyst of Forbes Advisor, Amy Danise told TravelPulse. "The trip cancellation coverage comes to your rescue if you have to cancel your trip because of a reason listed in the policy. If you have made large trip deposits that aren't refundable, this is great coverage to have. Also important is the travel medical coverage to help with doctor and hospital bills, especially if you're going outside the U.S."