Everything You Need to Know about Family Holiday Travel During Covid
It’s extremely common for parents of young children to feel stressed and overwhelmed at the thought of traveling during the holidays, but the 2020 global pandemic has taken things up a notch. Focus is required on the typical packing and trip planning, but there is an entirely new health component that has lots of parents feeling a bit confused. But with much of the country having been quarantined for most of 2020, many families are yearning to gather together to celebrate the holidays. So, they are turning to the CDC and other health authorities for guidance on safe travel during these busy times.
Thankfully, there have been plenty of considerations and recommendations released to the public surrounding the safety of travel during the Covid-19 pandemic. This article will explore the risks associated with traveling during 2020, tips for hosting or attending a celebration this year, and ways to keep you and your family as safe as possible. With the proper precautions, visiting your loved ones is entirely possible, and we’re going to show you how.
Is it Safe to Travel in 2020?
Fewer fliers are expected this holiday season, with searches for Thanksgiving flights down approximately 60% this year.1 However, many airlines will not be blocking middle seats during the holiday season, opening the potential for fuller planes. Taking precautions, like practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, testing prior to travel, and self-quarantining afterward can all significantly decrease the risks associated with flying. There are still risks though and, unless flying is absolutely necessary, driving offers a much more controlled opportunity to travel.
Tips for Hosting or Attending a Celebration
Holiday gatherings this year aren’t expected to look anything like they did in celebrations past, and will mostly contain small groups and virtual get-togethers. And, the CDC says that proper behavior from family members before and during the celebration is vital to curbing the spread of Coronavirus.2
Before the gathering of people outside of your household, you should consistently adhere to social distancing guidelines, mask-wearing, hand washing, and other prevention behaviors. Even if you feel healthy, you should consider getting tested for Covid-19 a few days before the gathering as an added layer of protection.
During the gathering, there should be strict safety measures in place to protect attendees and their families. Everyone should be wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing proper hand washing procedures. All attendees two years and older should wear a face covering.
Keeping Food and Drinks Safe During a Pandemic
Some encouraging news about the upcoming holidays is that, according to the CDC, activities associated with eating and handling shared food are not classified as behavior that puts you at-risk for being exposed to Covid-19. Guests are still encouraged to practice safe guidelines to help prevent transmission of the virus. These guidelines include:
Encouraging guests to bring food and drink for themselves and their household only
Encouraging the use of a mask while serving food for people outside your household
Advising people to store their masks properly when not in use
Offering no-touch trashcans and opting for single use options where applicable
Limiting crowding in areas and designating a space for guests to wash hands
Traveling and Staying Overnight During Covid-19
While staying home overnight is the best way to protect yourself from the global pandemic, sleeping somewhere outside your own home is absolutely necessary in some traveling situations. For these cases, the CDC has provided some suggestions in order to help you stay safe.3
Check that the hotel takes prevention practices seriously before you go
Ensure that all staff are always wearing face coverings
Take the stairs whenever possible
Consider options for contactless payment, check-in, and room service
Minimize use of common areas and always wear a face covering when in them
Keeping Kids Safe During Holiday Travel
While kids don’t seem as susceptible to the more serious symptoms associated with Covid-19, it’s still important to do all we can to prevent them from contracting the virus. One of the best ways is to teach kids to protect themselves. Before heading out with your family travel plans this holiday season, take time to educate your kids on ways they can prevent spreading the virus and keep themselves healthy. Some of the best ways for kids to play an active role in keeping themselves healthy include:
Spend Time Outdoors
During a global pandemic, the great outdoors is sure to be your, and your child’s, best friend. Not only does it make social distancing incredibly easy, but a little Vitamin D is always beneficial. Teach your children about social distancing by using a hula hoop or yard stick, and remind them of the importance of always maintaining their space. This is most easily done outside, so if the weather permits, take the celebration out there!
Wash Their Hands Properly
Proper hand washing is so important to preventing the transmission of Coronavirus, and keeping kids healthy overall. In order to teach kids about the value behind washing your hands, try making it fun with techniques, like singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, turning it into a game, and leading by example. Make sure the sink is easily accessible to your younger kids, and remind them to wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.