Three Tips to Follow If You Decide to Travel During Spring Break

Spring break is a time to relax and de-stress. It is meant for students of all ages to recharge and get ready for the last semester of the school year. If you’re planning on traveling during spring break but are not sure if it’s safe to travel, check out the below tips on safely traveling during COVID.  

1. Plan ahead of time. Choose your destination wisely. Are COVID-19 cases decreasing or spreading at the location you chose? If numbers are increasing, now might not be the best time to go there. Instead, choose a destination where COVID numbers are stable or decreasing. Now is the time to overplan more than ever. Decide exactly what you’ll be doing and where you will be visiting. Choose and book your hotels and restaurants a week or two in advance. You should also pre-purchase tickets to any place that requires them, as there is limited space and there are often new restrictions. Make sure you do your research and find out what is open to the public and what is not. Lastly, I want to remind you to support local businesses as much as you can. 
2. Protect yourself and others. Wherever you go, always practice social-distancing measures and wear masks around strangers, indoors in public places, and outdoors in crowds or where social distancing is not possible. Avoid crowded venues and sites. Prepare for the unexpected—and pack for it, too. Bring extra masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes. Note: Many businesses prefer payment with credit or debit cards right now to avoid handling cash. It’s better to be over-prepared than underprepared, and nobody wants to be stuck without a way to pay.  
3. Be patient. Remember to be as understanding as you can, as times have changed. Have respect and empathy for hospitality professionals trying to offer you a memorable experience in these difficult times. You owe it to them to do your best to keep them safe. For example, if a restaurant server is taking care of you while you are eating and unmasked, make sure you don’t talk directly at the server. (It’s awkward, we know, but err on the side of caution as much as possible.) Follow the rules of the communities you visit. Check for any local or regional updates while you’re on the road and once you return home. Tourism boards and municipalities are constantly updating their information online.

As long as you take the time to prepare, you should be able to enjoy a safe and fun spring break travel experience!