Holiday Travel Tips for 2020

At Rafi Nova, we are always looking forward to our next adventure. Even though it’s been much harder to satisfy our travel bug in 2020, the holiday season poses one of the biggest opportunities for getting on a plane or hitting the road. However, due to many states seeing surges in cases and some places heading back into shutdowns, travel in December 2020 and January 2021 has a significant risk attached to it. Whether your plans include staying home or making a cross country getaway, here is some of the most widely recommended advice for keeping your holidays happy and healthy. 

1. Consider Staying Home 

Unfortunately, one of the safest things to do this holiday season is to simply stay home. Obviously, this isn’t an option for everyone given significantly varying circumstances, but the reality is that with more travel and large gatherings, we may see a surge early into the new year. If you are on the fence about visiting family or hosting guests, experts strongly encourage you to consider a virtual gathering. Although the holidays may feel especially lonely this year, there are many things you can do to still feel connected and engaged with those who you cannot spend time with in person. 

2. Limit the Size of Gatherings 

Especially for those who have much larger families, or have family traveling from different areas, it will be a good idea to shrink the size of your holiday gathering. This substantially reduces the risk of spreading the virus if one person is asymptomatic. Some states have official guidelines related to holiday gatherings and interstate travel, so be sure to research these before continuing with any travel plans.

3. Schedule Travel for Less Busy Days 

Due to working remotely, many of us now have more flexibility when it comes to days off. Consider either extending or shortening your plans to miss out on the more busy travel days. Especially if you will be traveling through airports or entering high risk states, anything you could do to minimize the number of people you come into contact with could have a major impact if you were to be exposed to the virus. 

4. Get a Test Before Travel and Upon Arrival 

Even if you have been staying at home, social distancing, and wearing a mask, it may give you and your family some peace of mind to get a negative COVID test before travel and upon arrival. This could be especially beneficial if there are members of your family who are elderly or otherwise at higher risk for a severe reaction to the coronavirus. Be sure to research whether testing is available at your destination, and what that procedure may look like. 

5. Quarantine at Your Destination 

Because it is probably unlikely that you will be spending longer than the 10 day quarantine period at your destination, it will be incredibly crucial that you remain at your place of stay as much as possible. If this is not possible, be sure to wear a mask anytime you are entering a public place or meeting other people.

6. Hold Gatherings Outdoors 

Unless you live in Florida or Arizona, the cold temperatures make this much more of a challenge. However, it is estimated that COVID-19 spreads much faster indoors. If you can, consider moving your gathering outdoors. Who doesn’t like getting cozy around a fire pit, anyways?  

7. Cut Down on Travel Related Stress 

It is a widely known fact that stress lowers our natural immunity. And we know that the holidays can be stressful sometimes! This year especially, do anything you can to avoid travel and holiday stress. Schedule time for accidents and delays, and try not to let it bother you too much if your plans change suddenly. We are confident that you will still get to your destination in due time! 

What are your plans this holiday season? What’s on your gift wishlist? Leave us a comment and let us know!