TRAVEL TIPS FOR THANKSGIVING SO YOU DON’T END UP BEING A TURKEY
TRAVEL TIPS FOR THANKSGIVING SO YOU DON’T END UP BEING A TURKEY
Many will be experiencing a much different Thanksgiving celebration this year with COVID infections skyrocketing, but for those who will be traveling for the holiday here are some tips to keep you safe and reduce the chance that the Coronavirus will sneak up on you.
What to do on the way there
The CDC recommends getting a flu shot in advance of your travels and to remember to bring additional masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, etc., whether you’re traveling by plane or car. At the very least have extra masks and hand sanitizer handy for you or anyone who might need some.
Research suggests that your risk of contracting COVID on a flight is low if everyone is wearing masks, no one is sitting next to anyone, and if you don’t move around the cabin. But, of course, you may remove your mask to eat or drink and move to go to the lavatory all of which increase your risk. The important thing to remember is to be careful to limit your time unmasked, stay in your seat as much as possible, and of course wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize often.
When traveling by air, your risk is higher in the terminal than on the plane, so be careful to social distance (at least six feet apart, seven is even better) when around others or standing in lines, and disinfect your hands after coming in contact with surfaces that are touched frequently (like door handles and kiosks).
If you’re traveling by car, make sure you fully check your car beforehand (e.g., check fluid levels) perhaps even get it serviced if you’re going a long distance, and pack snacks so you can limit the number of stops you make along the way.
Similar to being in an airport terminal, if you’re at a rest stop, make sure you clean your hands constantly and sanitize surfaces such as gas pumps and keypads before you touch them.
When traveling with someone who isn’t part of your household, keep a window cracked if possible and make sure that you are not recirculating the cabin air through your vents.
What to do at your event
Socially distanced outdoor events are the best for keeping everyone safe, but if you are indoors try to windows open if possible. Use single-use plates and cutlery to minimize infection and use the same social distancing precautions at your event that you would use in the airport terminal or at a rest stop. This is not the time to get comfortable, you still need to keep your mask on and social distance. Also, this probably isn’t the best time to seat everyone at the dinner table, so people should dine apart grouped in their own households.
And don’t forget at all times to wash your hands and sanitize as much as possible (I know that I sound like a broken record). It’s the easiest thing you can do to keep yourself and everyone else safe.
Staying at a hotel during your trip? Read this list of pandemic travel tips from CNN for some great advice on choosing and surviving your stay.
Finally, it should go without saying that you shouldn’t travel if you’re sick. I know it’s difficult to not be able to do what we want and see who we want, but despite what you think you will survive on your own for the next month or two until we get this thing under control. With the internet, streaming services, and Zoom/FaceTime, it really is possible to be connected to everyone without actually being face-to-face. Enjoy this downtime before the world gets busy again.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!