By Kristina Andrews

An estimated 53.4 million Americans are expected to travel for thanksgiving this year. With people relaxing, and travel picking up for the holiday season, it is important to remember to travel safely. Also, restrictions may have loosened, but it doesn’t mean that Covid is fully gone. So before you head out for the holidays, remember these tips. 

The CDC recommends wearing a mask, even if you are already vaccinated. They advocate for social distancing, when it can be implemented, and making sure you keep your hands sanitized. The basic guidelines for safety everyday should be implemented, and highlighted especially during travel. That includes limiting contact with those outside of your household, even if you are travelling to family away from home. Crowds, in any form, are highly discouraged even still. The CDC also highly recommends getting tested before and after travel, and to check the conditions of the area you will be travelling to. 

In the unsettling times of Covid, it is easy to forget small things when prepping for a trip. Just as important as it is to stay safe, it is common practice to create a list to ensure that you won’t forget your essential items at home, and to pack small in any case.  Small things, like chargers or toiletries are often forgotten, no matter their importance. Packing is also done well early, just leaving out the essentials. This ensures that you will have what you need for your approaching journey, like a toothbrush or change of clothes, or things like gifts, or non everyday necessities.  If you are travelling by car, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit with you, as well as food and water.

Travelling can be scary at any time, especially now in these uncertain times. Covid is still very present in our everyday lives, and there is no reason it should be disregarded when traveling to places outside of home. Though, as long as you are prepared, there is no reason why those moments should be limited.