COLUMBUS– More than one year since the COVID-19 pandemic upended nearly all travel plans, many are eagerly awaiting their next chance to get out once again and explore. Whether planning a trip for spring break or summer, or dreaming of a trip later on, travel experts advise would-be travelers that things will look very different than the last time many took a vacation.

“The entire travel experience has been transformed by COVID-19. If you’re considering travel sometime this year, it’s more important than ever to do your due diligence ahead of any trip to ensure it is safe and enjoyable,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “As vaccines help boost consumer confidence to begin traveling again, we have to remember that wearing masks and social distancing are still requirements.”

What Travelers Can Expect:

  • Masks – Face coverings are required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Outside of these transportation requirements, states—and some establishments—have mandates and/or restrictions on where and when masks must be worn.

 

  • Air – AAA cautions air travelers that in-flight amenities, including food and beverage services, may be limited or unavailable. Some airlines continue to limit flight capacities or block middle seats to allow for social distancing. Due to COVID-19, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags, rather than limiting those to 3.4 ounces. Masks are also required at airports and on planes.

 

  • International Air Travel – All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID‑19 before they board a flight to the United States. Travelers who don’t provide this to their airline will be denied boarding. There are no test requirements for domestic travel at this time.

 

  • Cruise – Even with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) no-sail order lifted, many cruise lines have voluntarily extended their suspension of sailing operations further into 2021. Anyone considering a future cruise vacation should talk to the cruise line or a travel agent about the ship’s cancelation policy and to understand what you can expect on a cruise when they start sailing again.

 

  • Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.

 

Looking for a AAA Diamond designation can also help provide peace-of-mind. Properties earn these designations by going through rigorous inspections and must meet high standards of cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. Professional inspectors assign properties a designation of either Approved, Three Diamond, Four Diamond or Five Diamond.

 

  • Car Rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.

 

Additional Travel Considerations:

 

The CDC continues to urge Americans to delay traveling, warning that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Those who choose to travel should consider the following:

 

  • Travel Restrictions – State and local governments may still have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Travelers should remain informed, as policies change quickly.

 

Road trips to domestic destinations continue to be the preferred way for many to travel, but even these trips require additional planning and preparation. Those traveling by car can refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map located at TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to identify which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along their route.

 

  • COVID-19 Vaccines – If you are eligible, consider getting vaccinated for COVID-19. The CDC says to wait two weeks after getting your second dose to travel, so your body can build protection after vaccination. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, continue to follow all official travel requirements and guidelines.

 

  • Testing – The CDC recommends taking a viral COVID-19 test one to three days before your trip. Do not travel if you test positive. Keep a copy of your negative test results with you during your trip and make plans to get tested again with a viral test three to five days after you return. Self-quarantine for a full seven days after your trip, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, the CDC advises staying home and self-quarantining for 10 days.

 

“Vacations are an investment in memory making. COVID-19 reminded us that safeguarding those investments, where possible, is important. We recommend anyone considering making a trip seek the expertise of a trusted travel agent,” continued Twidale. “They are an invaluable resource for travelers navigating evolving travel and public health guidelines.”