How to Plan a Healthy Summer Vacation in 2021
This summer is shaping up to be a hot season for travel. After a long hiatus, many Americans are ready to embrace the wanderlust. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), 56% of Americans indicated they would be traveling for leisure during summer vacation in 2021.
This renewed optimism to pack up and take to the skies or hit the road can be attributed to relaxed travel restrictions, travel-friendly mask guidelines from the CDC, and an increasingly vaccinated world population. In fact, the European Union announced it would be allowing fully vaccinated American tourists to visit this summer, a clear sign that even international travel is making a comeback.
In today’s new global landscape, it is even more important to take precautions against infection-causing germs to help ensure you stay safe and healthy throughout your trip. Right now, the CDC is still advising that individuals wear masks when using public transportation such as planes, buses, trains, and rideshare vehicles.
There is a lot that goes into planning a vacation, especially during these times. But that doesn’t mean you should write off the idea of traveling during summer 2021.
So, how can you be prepared and enjoy a safe and fun summer vacation?
Whether you’re looking to travel within the coming months, or you are simply brushing up on the best ways to prepare for future vacations, here are 4 tips for planning a healthier summer vacation in 2021 and beyond.
1. Where to Travel
Sandy beaches or tranquil lakes? Rich history or outdoor trails? Domestic hotspots or international locales? Your summer travel plans should start with picking the right destination.
Many Americans are planning domestic summer vacations this year, with an estimated 48 percent of insured trips being booked within the U.S. From a destination standpoint, studies indicate domestic travel patterns haven’t changed much for summer vacation 2021, with the following clinching the top spots for popularity:
- Orlando, Florida
- Maui, Hawaii
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Seattle, Washington
- Anchorage, Alaska
You’ll notice only two of these are in the contiguous U.S., but other popular “top-ten” options include: Las Vegas, Nevada, Boston, Massachusetts, and Miami, Florida, amongst others. So, if you’re not ready to jump on a plane yet, pack up the car, hit the road and visit a neighboring state, instead.
Currently, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. A good pre-travel precaution is to check out this regularly-updated list of states ranked by percentage of population fully vaccinated. For more advice on where to travel, the CDC offers a handy Travel Planner where you can learn more about health and safety restrictions in specific states.
The top international destinations for American travelers for 2021 are all based in the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico, indicating most tourists can’t wait to have their toes in the sand and some fun in the sun:
- Cancun, Mexico
- San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
- Aruba, Aruba
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
No matter where you’re thinking of traveling, it’s always a good idea to check on the latest travel recommendations and restrictions to ensure your destination is safe and ready to receive leisure visitors. For example, at the time this blog is published, the CDC recommends travelers steer clear of these countries, which are still seeing surges of pandemic cases:
- India
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Turkey
- Poland
- Canada
Consult the CDC’s travel recommendations by destination for a continuously updated list of countries and the risk level associated with the pandemic.
2. How to Find Safe Lodging
Once you’ve narrowed down your destination, it’s time to sort out a place to stay during your time away. With increased traveling for summer vacation in 2021, it’s a good idea to expect popular hotels to book up at a higher rate, so consider making reservations well in advance of travel.
Most major hotel chains and brands have implemented cleanliness and hygiene programs where they pledge to adhere to strict protocols for disinfecting. While such programs have become a bit of the new industry standard, be sure to look into whether your hotel offers this type of program when searching for a place to stay. You can also consult this guide, which outlines what many of the top hotels are doing to ensure the health and safety of their guests.
Another lodging option is home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo. Despite being driven by individuals, many of these services had existing precautionary guidelines to ensure enhanced cleaning protocols take place before each stay. Such programs are specifically geared towards protection from exposure to a pandemic virus and other infection-causing germs.
Still not sold? Consider buying or renting an RV or camper, which have become increasingly popular as a result of the pandemic. Dealers have reported strong sales and rentals for RVs and campers, because they offer a more isolated way to travel and help minimize health risks.
In the unfortunate event you get sick and are unable to travel, many hotels have eased their reservation restrictions to allow guests to book with confidence. If something unexpected comes up, travelers may be able to cancel without penalty. Be sure to look into booking policies just in case.
3. What to Research for Your Destination
When it comes to planning out an itinerary, you should always leave room for last-minute changes. This especially rings true as travel restrictions ease up from the pandemic. It’s a good idea now if you’re traveling to look into any governmental requirements at your destination for summer vacation 2021.
Overall, it’s always a good idea to confirm opening or closing times and other attendance requirements and restrictions before booking travel tickets no matter when and where go. Here are a few key things you should think about when planning your destination itinerary:
- What is the weather looking like for your dates?
- Which method of transportation is most reasonable for your time there?
- Are you required to self-quarantine upon arrival?
- Are there any testing requirements or proof of vaccination? If so, how do you provide your results?
- Are there any major attractions or popular local businesses closed to travelers? Are there any events canceled or changes in hours?
Even after your research, build a flexible itinerary with options based on possible last-minute changes.
4. How to Travel Safely
When it comes to the physical act of traveling, preparation is key.
Before traveling, be sure to pack smart with essential items that can help protect you from germs, such as immune supplements, hygiene items, and disinfectant wipes. Not sure what to pack? Check out this travel guide for the tips you need to build a trip-ready travel kit that you can take on all your travels.
One thing’s for sure: you shouldn’t leave home without Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic, which can be used daily to help reduce the risk of infection while traveling. Touching the nose—which a person does more than 100 times a day on average—can expose you to various germs picked up from other surfaces. With a 12-hour persistence and ability to kill 99.99% of germs, Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® can provide an added layer of protection against infection before, during and after your summer vacation 2021 travels. The best part is it’s easy to use and convenient to carry around in your travel bag.
Germs are everywhere. While traveling, you will inevitably end up in public, enclosed spaces like an airplane, rideshare vehicle, bus, or train. Precautionary measures like this can help to reduce your risk of infection so that you may enjoy your vacation.
To help combat the risk of infection, reapply Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® and practice other hygiene practices such as handwashing, sanitizing, disinfecting, and wearing a mask. Specifically, consult these tips and CDC guidelines on different modes of travel below:
- Plane: Pick the window seat and keep the air vent blowing on you. You should also avoid the bathroom unless necessary and try to book the shortest flight
- Train or bus: Keep your distance from others if possible and avoid eating or drinking to keep your mask on at all times
- Car: Along the way, make less stops for gas, food, or bathroom breaks to avoid close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces.
- Rideshare vehicle: Avoid getting into vehicles where other passengers are not wearing their masks properly. Sit further away from the driver. Improve ventilation by opening the window or setting the air ventilation on non-recirculation mode.
- Cruise: As a public space, be sure to disinfect, sanitize and avoid crowds if you can. On top of these guidelines, the CDC announced a 40-page framework on a Conditional Sailing Order for cruises in the U.S. and in a recent letter to cruise lines, there is the possibility that operations could restart by this summer.
In addition, throughout your trip and on the way back, follow these general health tips:
- Maintain distance from others if possible.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Eat healthy.
- Take your vitamins.
- Stay in or head home if not feeling well.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Apply Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic – in fact, don’t go anywhere without it!
Upon returning home from your travels, you should self-monitor for any symptoms of illness. Be sure to adhere to any state and local recommendations or requirements for domestic or international travel.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer Vacation by Planning Smart
Be prepared for summer vacation in 2021 by planning every step of the way, from deciding on a destination to planning a safe itinerary. Buy Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® antiseptic today for an extra layer of defense. Thank you for reading this post, be safe and make this summer vacation one you’ll never forget!
