After being stuck inside for almost a full year because of the pandemic, we’re all itching to travel. Whether you’re someone who loves going overseas or you want to see your friend who lives in another state, I bet you can’t wait to get on a plane and travel. While many states are opening back up, you might begin making plans to start traveling as soon as possible. However, the pandemic isn’t over yet, so post-vaccination travel comes with certain precautions.
Many people are vaccinated now. However, there are still dangers. Unfortunately, being vaccinated doesn’t mean you’re 100% protected from the virus. We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, even though you’re allowed to go to your favorite restaurants again. Traveling during this time requires a more cautious approach than before, but you can still travel and minimize the risks for yourself and others.
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When planning your trip
When you begin your post-vaccination travel plan, whether you’re taking a short trip or moving homes, you should be proactive. Consider where you’re going so that you know if the people you’ll be in contact with are likely to have been vaccinated. Many states lifted their mask mandates even for those who are not vaccinated, so it’s important to know that you can still spread COVID to these individuals.
You should also consider who is going with you on your trip. Even if they are vaccinated, consider asking them if they are high-risk. Those with asthma and other health conditions are still considered high risk whether they are vaccinated or not.
We’re not saying you need to be as strict as you were last June. However, it’s still important to make sure you’re safe no matter what. If you’re going to be near strangers, make sure to keep a safe distance and wear a mask when not outside. You’ll also want to make sure you wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face.
Traveling by car
Many people choose to forego planes and travel by car, especially if they enjoy taking the scenic route. Driving is now becoming the safer route because you’ll only be around those within your closest circle, such as family members and friends. By traveling with a smaller group you are less likely to catch germs and find easier ways to stay sanitized.
Before you hit the road, clean and disinfect the vehicle you’ll be using for your post-vaccination travel adventure. Make sure to wipe down all surfaces within the car and parts people will most likely be touching, like seat belts and door handles.
You should also keep some extra antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer nearby so you can continue to wipe down the car after visiting rest stops.
Limit the number of people
You could also limit the number of people riding with you in your car, and it also doesn’t hurt to wear masks. Remember, while you are vaccinated, your friends might not be, so they can still easily catch the virus.
No matter where you’re going, you should designate one person who will take care of things like pumping gas and grabbing food so everyone isn’t exposed all at once. This should preferably be someone who is already vaccinated. After all, you might not know how many people in a new place are vaccinated, and you might not know how prevalent the virus is there.
Traveling by plane
Now that many Americans are vaccinated, flights aren’t as cheap as they were last year. However, more people are flying now than before, so it’s important to continue to protect yourself even if you are vaccinated. If you decide to fly to your destination, you’ll still have to wear a mask on a plane.
Airports are crowded and filled with different people from different places, so make sure you take post-vaccination travel precautions while you’re in the airport as well. For example, make sure to wash your hands after handling money, before eating, and keep a safe distance.
Luckily, airplanes have HEPA filters that clean the air. Since the pandemic hit, airlines have been better at cleaning their planes more thoroughly to provide better protection and sanitation.
Hotels and rentals
When you travel, of course, you’ll have to stay somewhere. You have options between hotels and rentals, and either can be safe. They’re safer if you’re vaccinated, but that doesn’t mean you’re fully protected. If you want to be super cautious during post-vaccination travels, you can disinfect your hotel room or rental as soon as you get there so you can ensure it’s a safe environment.
Most places have had a cleaning protocol since the beginning of the pandemic and have continued to follow through with it. If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of where you’re staying, you can ask the hotel how often they clean the rooms.
Can I travel after getting COVID vaccine?
And is it safe to travel after COVID vaccine?
As long as you are fully vaccinated, which means it’s been 14 days after your second vaccination, then it’s generally considered safe for you to travel. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to try post-vaccination travel or not. The vaccine makes travel safer, so if you’re not vaccinated, it’s a good idea to make sure you become fully vaccinated before your next trip.
If you are not vaccinated, it’s still up to you. You must protect yourself if you haven’t gotten the vaccination and some destinations have COVID vaccine travel restrictions. If you are considered high-risk, now is the time to book your appointment to get vaccinated so you can ensure your safety as we continue to fight the virus.
Whether you are vaccinated or not, it’s important for individuals traveling internationally to pay attention to the virus where they are headed. With the spread of new variants, you do not know what to expect until you do the necessary research.
Where can I travel now without restrictions?
Many countries around the world are slowly reopening their borders to international travelers again; and while masks, social distancing, and COVID tests and restrictions will probably stay with us for some time, there are more places open now than in the past 18 months.
For all destinations where you can travel right now, check out BORDERLESS by SafetyWing. And wherever you decide to go, stay safe!
Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music.
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