Are you beginning to plan your holiday vacations, or wondering if it’s still possible this year? Read below for more details on how you can still make this holiday season a special one for you and your loved ones.
We are heading into what is normally the busiest time for travel. Just think about how many movies have been made about the woes of holiday travel due to weather and the sheer volume of travelers. Always lots of unpleasantries in these films, right?
Well, what is holiday travel going to look like this year? The travel industry has taken a bit hit this year thanks to the coronavirus – and many people are still hesitant to venture out. But when is enough actually enough? Do we give up our precious time with loved ones due to the world around us? Do we stay home instead of making memories on our annual vacation due to fear?
Holiday vacations are going to look much different this year, but they don’t have to involve giving up your travel plans.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic
When the coronavirus hit, the tourism industry saw a huge decline in demand. People were afraid to travel – and some countries were banning flights to and from certain areas. And, it is understandable. We didn’t know much about this virus except that people were getting sick and dying. We didn’t know how it was spread or how to prevent its spread. We simply halted our plans – everything from going to school or heading into the office and most definitely our vacation plans.
As time has elapsed, though, we have been slowly grasping a better understanding of this virus and what can be done about it. While there is no cure, we now know that handwashing, wearing masks, and keeping our distance can greatly reduce our risk of contracting COVID-19. With CDC guidelines in place, the airline industry started opening back up. Though, it is safe to say that many travelers were/are a bit hesitant.
Unfortunately, as the resurgence of the coronavirus is making itself known, there is likely to be a future impact.
Holiday Travel Expectations
Traveling this holiday season is going to be different than in years past. This year, the pandemic is causing people to reconsider their plans. For instance, those who travel home to see family may think they are safe now, but what happens after they surround themselves with hundreds of others in crowded airports and flights? Will they show up to Thanksgiving dinner with a side dish of COVID-19 for their entire family?
It’s enough for some to say no thanks.
CNBC posted analyzed figures from software firm Guesty showing that Thanksgiving travel could be down 16%, Christmas down 35%, and New Year’s travel down 33%. These numbers could fall even more if the cases of COVID-19 continue to increase.
So, what does that mean for you? Do you stay in or do you go and make the most of your time?
Tips for Safe Holiday Travel
For those who need to travel or want to live life to the fullest no matter what, travel doesn’t have to be a thing to fear. Sure, we need to be cautious and careful, but we don’t have to be afraid to get our feet off the ground.
If you’d like to travel this holiday season – then do it! Just follow these tips to keep yourself safe and healthy.
Fly private.
Imagine being able to head to the airport and board your plane without ever having to come in contact with hundreds of other travelers. That’s right – no long security lines or crowded waiting areas. And of course, no shoulder to shoulder seating on the aircraft itself.
Flying private means you get all the perks of reaching your destination quickly without all the risk that comes with air travel. The best part? You get all the benefits that come with flying on a private jet. It’s a win-win!
Get tested and monitor yourself.
Rapid testing is fairly easy to come by today. Before you head off on a vacation, get tested. When you arrive at your destination, take another. Then be sure to monitor yourself throughout your vacation. How are you feeling? Are you showing signs or symptoms? Take your temperature. Granted, you could be a carrier and not have any symptoms at all, but it is important to do what you can.
Travel prepared.
You know you are going to need your face mask, hand sanitizer, maybe even some gloves. Be sure you travel prepared. What happens if you lose your mask? Travel with extra – especially if traveling with little ones.
Consider also bringing your own drinks and snacks to reduce any contamination on the flight. Not to mention, many commercial airliners have halted food and beverage services.
Know the guidelines.
By now, we are all fairly well-versed in the CDC guidelines, aren’t we? We know that we need to wear a mask when indoors or in areas in which we cannot be socially distant. We also know that we need to wash our hands (or sanitize) regularly – and that we shouldn’t touch our face with our hands.
Before you head out, it is a good idea to make sure you review any new guidelines for the airports you will be visiting as well as the state (or country) that you are traveling to, as well as where you live. As cases are beginning to rise, many areas are putting restrictions into place making testing and quarantining mandatory.
Enjoy your trip.
COVID-19 is something to fear, but we can’t let this fear run our lives. We can’t continue to allow it to steal our time with loved ones. While we want to keep everyone safe – including ourselves – we can take all the necessary protection steps and follow the guidelines. As long as we are careful and we know that we have done our part, then we can move forward with our travel plans – and enjoy the trip!
Conclusion
The world heading into the holiday travel season this year looks much different than last year. But, that doesn’t mean you have to stay home and sulk. The holidays are about love and family. Book yourself on a private jet, follow all of the safety protocols, and head home this season.
