Thanksgiving Travel in 2020: How to Stay Healthy
November 2, 2020
Hitting the road is always stressful this time of year, but Thanksgiving travel in 2020 is going to be even more challenging. We all want to spend time over the holidays, but we’ll all have to put some more thought into planning right now. To help you get started, here are some tips to help you stay sane and healthy.
Pack The Essentials
Don’t assume that you can find what you need at your destination. Secure and pack the essentials before you leave home. We all have our own strategies, but common travel necessities in 2020 include face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and immune-boosting vitamins.
Road Trip
Wherever you’re going this Thanksgiving, consider skipping an airplane in favor of a road trip. Air travel is pretty tricky right now, and driving your own vehicle gives you more control over your journey. You can limit interactions with strangers, avoid rental car costs, and return home whenever you’re ready.
Check Airline Policies
We’re all trying to figure out how to best navigate this pandemic from one day to the next, and airlines are doing the same. Reach out well in advance to learn more about their policies regarding face masks, seat assignments, cancellations, and more. You don’t want to miss your flight due to a lack of information.
Don’t Stay With Family
This, of course, is a personal decision that you’ll need to make, but we’ve all seen headlines about family gatherings that have turned into COVID-19 superspreader events. If you, or someone in your party, have pre-existing medical conditions or have experienced any symptoms, avoid staying at a family member’s house—especially if you’ve got multiple people coming in from different parts of the country.
Travel Insurance
While the coverage has changed in light of the pandemic, you can still buy travel insurance. You’ll have to review your policy carefully to fully understand what’s covered, but whenever you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to protect your trip. Flight delays, inclement weather, and lost luggage may disrupt your trek, but they could also be covered by your travel insurance!
Virtual Gatherings
It’s not the same as being together in person, but virtual gatherings can be a great option until we’re able to meet up again. Make it more special by preparing the same recipes in each of your own homes so that you’re sharing the whole experience.
We know it’s a bummer that holidays are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but look for the silver linings. Many are overwhelmed by coming together with family over Thanksgiving (especially during an election year), so look at this as an opportunity to take a break—maybe you’ll miss each other and cherish those moments more the next time you’re all around the table again.
