After spending several months at home, you’re likely waiting desperately to get out and enjoy the many benefits that come with travel. Whether it’s visiting another state or another country, traveling is a great way to disconnect and recharge your mental health and overall well-being. It can help to broaden the mind by bringing new experiences or by bringing something familiar that allows you to reminisce and improves your mood.
Health organizations state that the safest way to travel as we are approaching a post-Covid-19 era and travel destinations are opening is that you follow protocols to ensure you lower the risk of contracting the virus and you keep others around you safe. Travel will be different. People are considered fully vaccinated on the following conditions: 2 weeks after a second dose or a single or double dose vaccine. Your body requires time to build protection after any type of vaccination and considering that this is a pandemic you will likely be exposed to the virus whether you experience symptoms.
Check Local Mask Rules
Per federal law, people are still required to wear a mask on buses, planes, and trains as well as in indoor transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bus depots, and train stations). If you travel within the U.S., you check all local and state recommendations to avoid circumstances where you may be refused services or face legal issues.
Fully vaccinated seniors are allowed to travel anywhere within the United States. Other countries still have varying restrictions that may prohibit you from visiting. Because the level of Covid-19 cases varies from place to place you will need to check beforehand. The easiest place to look is on the web, just be sure you get your information from official government city or state sites.
Avoid Large Crowds
People should keep taking precautions until they are fully vaccinated. This means avoiding large crowds if you are at a higher risk. You should also look toward attending gatherings or events that are held outdoors. You should also check the rates of local Covid-19 cases. It’s still recommended that you wear a mask indoors and outdoors in places where cases are high.
Remember that even though you are vaccinated you may carry the virus and can spread it to others. The safest way to be in public is to consider the risks of others. These are trying times and even though we are reaching normalcy, we must be committed to doing everything we can to keep others safe. Only then will we eradicate this disease which has affected so many people around the world.
Consider Traveling by Vehicle
The safest way to travel is still in a vehicle. You can surround yourself with people that are in your circle and know their vaccination status. It will also keep you away from crowds. If you rent a vehicle, you can rest assured that companies are taking extra precautions to completely sanitize their vehicles before you leave the lot.
During your trip, you should still make sure to wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer before and after you go to a public place (e.g., a restaurant or a gas station). As we enter a post-pandemic time, there are still risks we should keep in mind and prepare for so that we can enjoy travel in the safest ways possible.
What to Do After Travel
Quarantine is a word that many seniors don’t want to hear. But it’s still an important act one can do to keep friends and family safe. The CDC recommends that all people that have traveled domestically or internationally get a viral test within 3 to 5 days after travel. It’s also recommended that people self-quarantine for a week after travel even if viral tests prove negative. If people decide not to get tested, they should self-quarantine for at least 10 days after travel. This may seem inconvenient, but you must do your part to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Avoid Travel if You Aren’t Vaccinated
You should delay travel if you are not fully vaccinated. You may be asymptomatic, or you may have symptoms you don’t realize are related to Covid-19. If you have decided to avoid vaccination for private reasons you should consider the health of others and avoid travel and self-quarantine if you have come into close contact with someone who may have contracted the virus. Vaccination is still the most effective way of eradicating the Covid-19 virus, but if you are adamant about bypassing the vaccine for personal, religious, or medical reasons, keep the health of others in consideration and avoid traveling until we have achieved 100% normalcy.
Recommendations and updates are constantly happening as more people are vaccinated, so it’s a good idea to continue to check OurSeniors.net and other reputable resources for current information. OurSeniors.net is dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date content that will help you enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling life. Check out our website, Facebook page, and blog for informative content that will enrich your lifestyle.
