Research your destination ahead of time
Since travel restrictions can be put in place by jurisdictional leaders, different destinations can have different policies in terms of quarantine requirements, the wearing of masks in public, maximum allowable gathering sizes and the categories of businesses that may remain open to the public. On top of that, your travel destination may quickly change its restrictions in response to prevailing fluctuations in COVID-19 levels.
Book reservations with cleanliness and flexibility in mind
As you make your transportation and lodging selections, prioritize companies that offer flexibility and prioritize cleanliness. Many car rental and hotel companies have adjusted policies to enhance their cleaning procedures and allow customers to change their plans if required due to the pandemic.
Pack cleaning/sanitizing products in your luggage
Keep disinfecting wipes close at hand to help clean surrounding surfaces during your journey. And, while there is typically hand sanitizer in most public places now, it’s a good idea to pack travel size sanitizer for immediate needs. If you’re traveling with others, encourage them to also use hand sanitizer along the way. Also remember to pack extra masks to replace those that may get dirty or be misplaced.
Wipe down hard surfaces along the way
When possible, disinfect hard surfaces throughout your trip to limit the spread of germs. Some travel companies have made this easier. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, for example, has teamed up with Clorox to add a one-count disinfecting wipe to every vehicle rented throughout the U.S. and Canada. The program is partly in response to a survey showing 80% of Enterprise customers feel more comfortable renting when they’re able to use the disinfecting cloths on their vehicles themselves. Clorox’s in-house scientist Mary Gagliardi recommends disinfecting all the hard, nonporous surfaces in any car — cup holders, the steering wheel, door handles, seat buckles, radio knobs, etc. on a regular basis.
