After nearly two years of life in a world with Covid, it feels like travel is something we used to get to do, but is oh so complicated now. So, as the holidays draw nearer and loved ones invite us back home, is it safe to travel for Christmas this year? Safe Christmas travel during Covid isn’t impossible, but it will take some planning.
Just as you’ve done throughout the pandemic, experts say you should assess yours and your family members’ personal risks for contracting and becoming seriously ill from Covid.
“Ultimately the answer to whether it is safe to travel this year comes down to your level of risk tolerance,” Vivek Cherian, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Amita Health, tells Romper. “If you’re unvaccinated or immunocompromised, it’s safest to stay home this year. It’s important to ask yourself whether you are vaccinated first off, and next whether your destination is safe.”
Of course, some families may have to travel this year, and others may decide the risk of transmission is small enough that it’s worth it to see loved ones they’ve missed over the last couple of years.
“I know it can be challenging, but this year, if you absolutely don’t have to travel, I wouldn’t at this point. That being said, if you must, there are ways to do it that prioritize your safety,” Cherian said. “First and foremost, get vaccinated, and if you’re eligible, get a booster. Beyond this, ensure you are wearing face masks when in public, avoid large congregate settings indoors, and stick with the tried-and-true methods of social distancing when possible, and hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.”
Is It Safe To Travel If You’re Vaccinated But Your Kids Aren’t?
Cherian explains that traveling with unvaccinated kids should be treated like no one in the family is vaccinated, meaning lots of handwashing, mask wearing, and keeping your distance from others.
“If you are determined to travel with your children, even if you are fully vaccinated, planning ahead is extremely important,” Cherian said. “Always make sure adults around your children are fully vaccinated. When traveling, it is particularly important to ensure that everyone who can wear a mask actually does to minimize viral spread. When in public, it’s unlikely you can be aware of everyone’s vaccination status so continue practicing proper hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks.”
What’s The Safest Way To Travel During Covid?
Obviously, step one of travel is getting there, and your method of travel can impact whether or not you’re exposed to Covid en route.
“If you’re flying, while in the airport, do your best to stay as far away from the main gathering areas as possible. When you are actually on the plane and the doors are closed, the planes are actually well ventilated with extremely effective HEPA filters,” Cherian said of air travel. “A road trip will always be the safest route to travel because you can control most variables, like who is around you in the car, who you are being exposed to, etc.”
Safe Holiday Destinations During Covid
When it comes to your destination, Cherian points out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly update their database about current community transmission rates of Covid. You can search by state, down to the county level, and check international destinations, too. It’s definitely worth checking out the area you’re thinking of visiting to see how common positive cases are right now.
Also, who will you be traveling to see? “If you are visiting family, are they at high risk or immunocompromised?” says Cherian. That can affect your plans, too. Above all, assess everyone’s risk factors and make a decision that is the safest for your whole family.
Source:
Vivek Cherian, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Amita Health, an affiliate of Ascension
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