Post-Pandemic Travel Resurgence: 4 Tips From a Doctor on Safer Travel After COVID-19 by Dr. Shirin Peters

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, and now “traveling safely” has an entirely new meaning. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), more than 1.8 million passengers are traveling and passing through airports across the country each and every day. These numbers are close to those seen in the summer of 2019 and are likely due to COVID-19 vaccine rollouts and relaxed international border restrictions. 

Whatever your reason for traveling, be prepared when it comes to your health and the health of others. Families and friends should talk through expectations and concerns, about who has been vaccinated, who hasn't, and agree up front on a set of rules. Understanding everyone’s point of view prior to traveling will allow you to enjoy your vacation with ease.

Here's my top tips for traveling safely:

• Do Your Research: With travel advisories and instructions changing daily, keep an eye on the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory webpage to stay up to date. Across the globe, conditions are changing rapidly, so stay informed on all known difficulties and current health threats. It is also a good idea to independently research travel warnings – this will give a general idea of what’s going on in the area you’re visiting, and alert you of specific problem areas you may want to avoid.

• Write Down Emergency Information: If disaster strikes, you might not have time to search for numbers for local police, emergency services, or directions to the nearest embassy for your country. Record that information in advance and create an “Emergency Plan” for you and your group to follow if things go badly. Save the information on your phone or write it down on a small card or sheet of paper and laminate if possible. It is also advised to have a copy of your passport, driver’s license or another form of identification printed out or scanned online.

• Pack a First Aid Kit: Injuries can happen when you travel, no matter how careful you are. That’s why traveling with a basic first aid kit is always a good idea. Items such as a small tube of sunscreen, antihistamine tablets, extra pain relief pills and a small tub of petroleum jelly can help in many situations. As mask restrictions loosen in some areas, an increase in summer colds and other respiratory illnesses is bound to occur, therefore, keeping a cold-shortening product that contains zinc and packing an immune supplement to proactively support yourself and others is advised.

• Carefully Consider the Benefits of Vaccination. Keeping loved ones safe during and after your trip is the key to an enjoyable and memorable experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), currently 49 percent of the eligible U.S. population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To provide the most protection for yourself and your companions during travel, it is best to be fully vaccinated before you leave home and continue to wear a mask when on public transportation.

Traveling is meant to be a fun time with family and friends and keeping safety in mind will make those memories that much sweeter.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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