Travel Safely for the Holidays

Normally, traveling for the holidays allows families to reconnect, recharge and enjoy some much-needed nostalgia — and some intense seasonal traffic. As this year has been anything but normal, families can expect some hurdles along the way.

Protect your family from potentially spreading or catching COVID-19 while still enjoying your time together with this helpful list of tips.

Do You Need to Travel?

First and foremost, ask yourself if you need to travel for the holidays this year. Yes, we all want to get out and about, see family and enjoy some quality time, but if you don’t need to cross city, state or home quarantine lines to connect with others, this may be the year to skip.

Get Tested

For those that answered yes and have family members who need help or you haven’t seen in months, play it safe and get a COVID-19 test 72 hours before visiting, self-isolate and be extra careful during transit. Make a plan to stay with family for an extended period of time (10–14 days), just to make sure everyone is healthy. Feel free to get tested again on arrival, maintain a healthy hygiene routine and distance, just to be sure.

Of course, if you’re sick or have high-risk family members in your home, don’t travel.

Check Rules and Regulations

As many states and airlines have a COVID-19 plan of action, rules and regulations may vary. Check your arrival destination’s rules and follow accordingly. Don’t forget to pack a few face masks and hand sanitizer for the trip. Some states are not allowing groups from different households to gather, even if dinner is outside and socially distanced.

The Alternative Option

For those that don’t need to travel for Thanksgiving this year, don’t have the time to commit to one place or have high-risk family and friends, this is not your year to travel for a gathering. Stay with your pod and plan for a future trip. With that said, as humans, we still need to feel connected, seen and heard, so create an alternate holiday tradition this year, get your in-house crew together and share screens with family and friends staying home. You can cook recipes together, set up a camera and play games (like charades), share hosting tips and even join each other virtually at the table for dinner.