Looking to return to the friendly skies, visit a National Park or take a road trip to the beach? If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are getting ready to travel again, safety is likely your top priority. As we start to travel again, we want safe options that will allow us to experience the joy of exploring new places. Here, we will discuss how to travel safely during this challenging time and provide tips on how to avoid getting sick while on a plane, train, or automobile.
On the Road Again
For months, millions of Americans have dealt with the uncertainty of COVID-19. Now, many are looking to take that summer vacation that was put on hold for the last few months. If you find yourself in a position to travel, you may be asking yourself what is the safest way to do so? Hopping on a crowded flight or traveling by car? Below we will outline your travel methods and varying degrees of risk.
Air Travel
Deciding to hop on a plane? While you may be at risk on a crowded flight, there are ways you can avoid getting sick on an airplane and reach your destination safely. Air travel may increase your risk of exposure to infection, as it requires you to spend time in crowded security lines in airport terminals. Once on the plane, however, most viruses and germs will be filtered out due to air circulation and filtration systems. But it still may be difficult to distance yourself from others, which could increase exposure.
You can decrease your chances of getting sick by wearing a high-quality mask at all times and by bringing gel hand sanitizer and disinfectant to clean all high-touch surfaces, such as arm rests, airplane seats, and seat tray tables. Utilizing gel hand sanitizer after use of the restrooms or touching surfaces can help mitigate risk of infection. You may also want to book your flight with a company upholding policies you are most comfortable with. For example, Alaska Airlines has announced that they are now requiring masks on all flights.
Bus or Train Travel
If traveling by bus or train, note that you may not be able to socially distance the recommended 6 feet due to crowded coaches.. Follow the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) recommendations for travel by sanitizing your hands frequently, utilizing an antimicrobial cleaner to sanitize frequently touched surfaces, and wearing a face mask.
Car and RV Travel
Traveling by car or RV may be a good option if you’d like to be more in charge of your surroundings. However, there still may be risk of crowded spaces at rest stops and high-tourist locations along your route.
Some considerations that may increase your safety while on the road include:
- Plan as few stops as possible to avoid crowded spaces and rest areas
- Place your face mask and gel hand sanitizer in an easily accessible (but sanitary!) spot to decrease the time spent during road stops
- Consider preparing and storing your own food and drink to take on your trip to avoid stopping at crowded rest areas to eat; if you do order food, consider take out or the drive-through
- Pack cleaning supplies to disinfect high-touch surfaces at rest areas, gas handles, hotel rooms, etc.
The Road to Safety
As states work to ease the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the amount of people traveling to places both near and far will increase. As you finalize your vacation plans, the CDC recommends the following precautions as you and your loved ones travel:
- Maintain 6 feet of distance between you and others
- Avoid crowds
- Wear a face mask
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your mouth during coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often (for 20 seconds with soap and water), especially after use of the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available; cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry
Final Thoughts
Packing your bags for your next adventure should be exciting. Taking the precautions listed above can help mitigate risk while on the road. Boomer Naturals Nano-Silver Reusable Face Masks can help you adhere to CDC travel guidelines and put your mind at ease. The nano-silver breathable and comfortable face masks meet WHO guidelines and are good for up to 30 uses. The Boomer Naturals face masks are made to prevent droplets from spreading with three different layers.
Boomer Naturals Refreshing Gel Hand Sanitizer can kill more than 99.9% of germs and leave your hands feeling smooth with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. A safe, easy solution while you’re on the road with no soap or water available.
At Boomer Naturals, we are dedicated to helping you stay healthy, whether you’re headed back to work or hitting the skies. Shop our protective products today!
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-safety-tips/art-20485967
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/travel-advice-covid-19.html