Domestic Travel Tips during COVID19

Are you planning to fly within the continental United States (CONUS) during the next few months? If so, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself against the spread of COVID19.

Fortunately, with some minor adjustments to your plans, you can still enjoy your travels without increasing your risk of infection.

Domestic travel during the COVID19 pandemic may prove to be challenging, especially as people are expected to board planes and share confined spaces with strangers.

Here are a few useful tips on how to get through domestic travel.

Do some research on the areas you are visiting

First and foremost, it’s important to do some research on your destination before traveling. Check travel advisories, such as those issued by the USA.

Department of State or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You can also do a little online research about where you’re going: read articles from local news outlets and blogs (to get a better feel for what’s happening in a city), and of course travel restrictions and what are the latest updates from the World Health Organization.

Check the traffic conditions

Traffic conditions are important to monitor when it comes to domestic travel. Use a travel app, This can be done quickly and conveniently with Google Maps or Waze to check traffic status throughout your route.

Or, better yet, talk with your travel companions about alternate plans just in case traffic is bad.

After all, you don’t want to be stuck in traffic when an outbreak occurs!

Get your documents ready before leaving

If you're planning on traveling by plane, train, or automobile during the COVID19 pandemic, it's important to make sure your documents are in order before leaving.

You'll want to make sure your passport is valid and up-to-date (but don't worry if it doesn't expire during that time; they'll still be accepted), and have any immunization records available with you.

Stop at checkpoints if needed

To help ensure that people are healthy before they leave, checkpoints will be set up in cities. If you feel sick or think you might have been exposed to a pandemic, visit one of these places.

Each checkpoint will be staffed by health care workers who can administer immediate aid and direct you to a hospital if needed. So even if you’re healthy right now, it’s better to stop at one than not and regret it later.

Be safe!

Wear masks if required

The masks are designed to prevent you from getting infected if there are others with pandemic symptoms. Wearing a mask is also a good way to show that you care about your fellow citizens and have their best interests at heart.

Don’t rush or panic

Some people will be tempted to try and catch their flights at the last minute, but it’s important to remember that airlines overbook their flights on purpose, so even if you’re in a rush there’s no guarantee you’ll make it. The best thing to do is be patient.

Read road signs carefully

Always make sure to read road signs carefully. Make sure you know what lane to be in before getting on a highway and keep an eye out for upcoming exits. Many of them are not well marked, and it can get confusing if you’re not paying attention.

If there is traffic in front of you, pay attention to how they handle intersections. The last thing you want is to get off at an exit without stopping and finding yourself in rush hour traffic during a pandemic like COVID19 that's spread domestically quickly.

Check for potential threats along the way

To ensure you’re prepared, check with your local travel office to see if there have been any reported incidents in your area. If there are no immediate threats, traveling by car is a great way to get around. Keep your gas tank filled and packed with essentials, like maps, food, and water.

If you must walk or bike to get where you’re going, stay on safe paths and trails until you reach your destination.

Safe Travel!