The Coronavirus outbreak threw a wrench in all our travel plans for 2020, but if you’re anything like us, your thirst for travel remains unquenched. Us travelers can only stay cooped up for so long. 

In recent weeks, data from Pinterest shows interest for topics like “airplane essentials” and “vacation spots” are on the rise. Interest in road travel is up, too, with Pinterest searches for “road trip routes” up by 248%, “lake weekend” by 41%, “national parks” by 60%, and “RV camping trips” by a whopping 1257%!

If the Pinterest data tells us anything, it’s that people are gearing up to travel more. So, we want to give our best travel safety tips during COVID-19. Read on to travel safe and at ease.

Coronavirus Safety Tips for Air Travel

3 things to bring to the airport

You need to pack a mask. By now, we all know that. But what else do you need? Here’s what we recommend:

• Hand sanitizer. There are plenty of moments you’ll be touching public surfaces at the airport, from security to your seatbelt. Wash your hands as much as possible, and use hand sanitizer for those times when a bathroom isn't available.
• Disinfectant wipes. Airliners have significantly upgraded their cleaning guidelines to vigorous new standards, but it can give you peace of mind to do your own wipe down of your seat belt and tray table. You can also use wipes to clean bathroom handles, sinks, and other surfaces, if you feel they haven’t been cleaned since the last person touched it.

Stay away and stay clean

With your mask, hand sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes, you’re ready to fly. Keep yourself safe with these additional tips:

• Keep your mask on and distance yourself from other people as much as possible (at least 6 feet, if not more). Swap your handshakes or hugs for a wave or air high-five. 
• Be cognizant of communal surfaces, like a bathroom or condiment bar. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching communal surfaces.  
• Avoid touching your face unless you’ve washed your hands or sanitized first.
• When in doubt, wash your hands and sanitize!

Relax and enjoy your flight

Once you’re on the flight, try to relax. Destress with your favorite playlist or watch television. If your plane doesn’t have TV, download a few episodes to your iPad to binge on the flight. 

If you’re feeling sick, cancel your plans and stay home!

Coronavirus Safety Tips for Road Trips

Bring your mask

When you’re traveling by car, you still need your mask. But since mask mandates vary by state, don’t be surprised if you stop somewhere and see people not wearing a mask. Still, it’s important that you keep your mask on and distance yourself as much as possible to keep yourself and others safe.

Be ready when nature calls

When making a bathroom pitstop, be aware that fewer places may be open. Many hotels and restaurants are closing their bathrooms to the public or leaving them open only for guests. 

So, your best bet is a gas station or mother nature. Pack toilet paper and anything you need for clean-up like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, or even a hand towel and hand soap. Pack a jug of water and hand sanitizer for good measure. 

Psst… looking for a little pit stop inspiration? Check out our guides for the best places to visit on a road trip along the West Coast, the East Coast, and the middle of the U.S.! 

Sanitize at rest stops

If you’re able to use a restroom or stop at a gas station for snacks and fuel, be cognizant of any communal surfaces you’re touching, including credit card terminals, gas pumps, and merchandise. 

Wash your hands after touching these surfaces, or use hand sanitizer. Bring disinfectant wipes to wipe down anything you feel should be cleaned before you use it, like bathrooms, door knobs, and keypads. 

Because Coronavirus guidelines vary by state, not all businesses may be as rigorous in cleaning things in between use, so don’t feel shy about cleaning things for yourself first if you don’t think they’ve been cleaned since the last person touched it.

Just as with air travel, avoid touching others and aim to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you. Avoid touching your face, too, unless you’ve washed your hands first or sanitized.

Finally, enjoy the open road and breathe! Roll down the windows! The fresh air can be nice!

One last travel tip

During your travels, remember to be courteous to flight attendants, gas station workers, and other staff. These people are essential workers who are working to make your travels safe and enjoyable. 

Protect yourself. Protect others. Travel safe. And above all, enjoy your trip!

Roam often, and stay stylish!