How to Safely Travel During the Holidays

Traveling can be dangerous as it is. With everyone going on these days, getting home for the holidays may feel scarier than ever.

But spending the festive season with your family isn’t out of reach.

If you’re determined to see your loved ones for the holiday season, but want to make sure you’re taking all the right precautions, read on for a step-by-step guide on how to travel safely this year.

Get Tested

Depending on your state’s travel mandates, you may need to produce a negative COVID-19 test result prior to visiting loved ones. Whether this is legally required by your destination or not, it’s always a good idea to get tested before seeing people outside of your household.

If you’re not sure where the closest testing site is, check with your state’s health department. Many places offer free testing with fast results, regardless of insurance coverage. 

There are two different types of COVID-19 tests:

• Viral test – The results of a viral test will determine whether or not you’re currently infected with the virus. Depending on the method of testing, you may receive results within a few hours or in a matter of days.

• Antibody test – An antibody test will determine if you’ve previously contracted COVID-19 and whether or not your immune system has built up antibodies to it. While this may suggest reduced risk of future infection, it’s not a guarantee—so remember to continue taking safety precautions regardless of your results.

Prepare for Snow

If you plan on driving to your destination, it’s important to take weather into account for a safe trip. In many parts of the country, frigid temperatures can cause hazardous road conditions. 

When driving this holiday season, remember to take the necessary safety precautions for bad weather:

• Watch out for black ice
• Equip your car with snow tires
• Check weather updates before hitting the road
• If possible, choose a vehicle with all wheel drive (AWD)

Have a Safe Flight

If you’re flying to your holiday destination, make a pre-flight checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a safe journey. Everyone’s checklist may look a little different, but some of the basics should include:

• Masks – Airlines will require you to mask up before boarding the plane. For added protection in this enclosed space, you may want to wear a reusable cloth mask over a disposable one. This will provide greater protection from germs.

• Stress relief – If flying makes you a little nervous, consider taking a safe relaxation supplement, like CBD capsules. These can help keep you calm throughout your flight. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health, so take precautions to protect yourself from a mid-flight meltdown that could ruin your trip.

• TSA guidelines – Before packing a carry-on bag, make sure the items you’ve packed meet all TSA requirements. This may mean purchasing travel-sized liquids, packing sharp objects in your checked bag (even mundane ones like scissors and shaving razors), and leaving anything potentially flammable behind.

Follow Quarantine Measures

Many states require outside visitors to quarantine for 14 days after arriving. Check the guidelines before you depart, and make sure to follow the proper instructions for everyone’s sake. 

You may have to take extra time off work or adjust your plans accordingly, so you’ll want to prepare for your holiday travels well in advance to account for any variables and roadblocks.

Give The Gift of Safety This Year

Following safety precautions when traveling can be hard work—but it’s worth it to give your loved ones the comfort of a risk-free trip.

Feel free to travel this holiday season, but make sure you go about it the right way to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.