Take back your vaca—COVID style!
After many months of anxiety and stay-at-home orders, many folks could use a change of scenery and a break from the day-to-day. Planning a trip amidst a pandemic may give you pause. But if you plan ahead and stay flexible, you just might be able to swing a trip this summer.
From how to travel to where to lodge, consider these 7 suggestions to protect
your health on your getaway.
1.) Driving is your best bet right now as it gives you more control over who you come into contact with and for how long. Consider the amount of time that you’re willing and able to stay in the car to get to your destination, and narrow your list of potential destinations from there.
2.) In the weeks and days leading up to your trip, keep an eye on how COVID-19 is spreading, and plan to be flexible if cases are increasing in the area you intended to travel to.
3.) Before hitting the road, think about all of the things you’ll need en route—from snacks and drinks to masks to wear during pit stops and hand sanitizer—and pack an easily transportable bag with all the essentials. Sanitizing wipes for surfaces in the car are also a must-have item right now.
4.) When deciding where to stay, the main thing to consider is exposure. At first thought, camping may seem ideal, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it could pose a risk to you if you come in close contact with others or share public facilities (like restrooms or picnic areas) at campsites or along the trails.
A Note from a Fellow Michigander and Ulliance Team Member
Family vacation in northern Michigan during Covid.
First of all, it was cut short by five family members due to my 13-year-old niece testing positive for Covid after two weeks at camp in Texas. As a result of this, my niece, my brother, my sister-in-law, my father, and my stepmother all had to cancel their trip to Michigan one day before departure because of my niece testing positive, she had unknowingly exposed my father and stepmother before she knew she had it. So that started the vacation off with a damper.
Once we arrived, up north, there were 8 of us; it was my brother and his wife from Montana, and my brother and his wife from GR, and my daughter and her boyfriend.
We carefully practiced social distancing at all times. If four rode in a vehicle together, we would all wear masks. We rode separately in our own boats, to avoid close contact. And we would not be inside the rented house at the same time in an effort to maintain distance. We ate our meals at the picnic table outside, and spent the majority of our time outside.
In the town of Glen Arbor, all the businesses required masks for entrance. So shopping was a different experience. Restaurants were at ½ capacity, so we only dined out one time. The rest of the time we cooked at the cottage.
While it was challenging, we did get used to it and we were still able to enjoy ourselves, and feel confident that we weren’t putting others at risk.
Mary Jo Baweja , MA, LLP
Business Development Director
5.) Hotels are rolling out increased safety protocols and many are implementing check-in procedures that reduce or eliminate contact with others. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hilton Worldwide launched its CleanStay program based on advice from the Mayo Clinic, and Marriott International convened its Cleanliness Council to help overhaul its standard housekeeping practices.
6.) Vacation rentals that offer no-contact check-in are a safe bet. But be sure to review state and local restrictions before you travel: Some states have suspended temporary rentals. Pure Michigan is great website resource for ideas.
7.) If you’re lucky enough to have a cabin or an RV, consider making the most of those options this summer. Even if it’s not what you had envisioned for your travel adventures, time at the family cabin still offers a change of pace and a chance to unplug.
Wherever you go, commit to being safe and following good
hygiene practices: Wash your hands often, avoid touching your
face and always wear a mask in public places.
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