HOW TO TRAVEL AMID COVID-19: TIPS ON FLIGHTS, HOTELS, AND MORE.

At the beginning of June, my husband and I decided to travel to Miami from Nashville for his 30th Birthday and our 3 year wedding Anniversary! We did all the things to make sure we were going safe and sound to ring in his new year! Here’s what you need to know about traveling amid our current global pandemic.

Let me preface this by saying none of these tips can 100% prevent you from getting Covid-19. However, I am hopeful that they help you plan your travel the safest way possible for an enjoyable trip and a pleasant return back home!

Traveling by Plane:

According to the Center for Disease Control: Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

My experience:

We booked our flights through American Airlines. They now send alerts to let you know if your plane will be full and offer you the opportunity to switch your flight accordingly! On our way to Charlotte – where our layover was, our flight was not full. It was on the way to Miami. We opted to make a go for it!

Do TSA precheck to avoid having to take off your personal items (jackets, shoes, etc.) and put them back on. Check your bags. The less you have to carry, the easier it is to take care of yourself. You won’t be touching as much or being wanded down by TSA agents. You won’t be focused on lugging your things. Better yet, whatever you are carrying needs to be sanitized along the way.

Here are some tips to take care of yourself while you journey through the airports and sit on the plane!

• Arrive at the airport at a minimum 1.5 hours ahead of time. This was you’re not rushing and can be cautious of your every move!
• Most inflight service is no longer an option.
  • Bring snacks for the plane.
  • Grab water at the airport.
• Pack sanitizer spray and alcohol wipes.
• Pack any medicines you may need.

• Wipe the handles to your bags over and over again.
• Wipe your phone down.
• Wash your hands even if you’ve been using sanitizer (i.e. layovers, etc.”)
• WEAR YOUR MASKS. Most airlines are requiring that all passengers wear their masks inflight. Bring extra masks.

Ridesharing:

• •  Crack the windows.
  • Keep your masks on. Request that your driver wear a mask if he or she doesn’t have one on. Bring an extra on to give to them.
  • Feel free to wipe down door handles, etc.

Checking into Your Hotel:

Check the hotel’s COVID-19 response policy. Also, call and talk to a representative on property. We stayed at Fontaine Bleau, and they did an awesome job of keeping everyone safe. First of all, choose a location that has more than one pool and multiple onsite amenities. This way, you can almost guarantee social distancing is happening.

Here is Fontaine Bleau’s statement.

Upon arrival at the resort, they immediately screened up for temperatures and gave up fresh masks.  You could not entire the resort if you didn’t comply.  Wearing your masks around the hotel or resort is a necessary precaution and security may even require it.

Our second hotel – SLS Brickell – (We missed out flight home and had to stay another night), was also incredible about taking care of us during COVID-19.  They had measures in place as well.

• Most hotels are not doing room service or housekeeping.
• Bring your Lysol or alcohol spray to disinfect the room down upon arrival.
  • Wipe down all door knobs, sink handles, toilet, lamps, tv remote, table surfaces.
• Spray the sheets and the comforter.
• Don’t get on the elevator with more than 2 people.  Gone are the days when you could just squeeze on in there.
• Go for a room with a balcony so that you can get some fresh air flowing.

Pool Etiquette:

• Wipe down your pool chairs with alcohol spray and or wipes.
• People may want to congregate at the pools. Feel free to let them know you’re friendly, and politely social distancing. BACK UP BOO!😩
• Buy a cabana at the pool to have your own space and privacy.   We did and were so thankful that we did!  Not many people congregate of walked past our Cabana and we could close it if we wanted to which was nice!
• At our stay at SLS Brickell, you weren’t allowed to walk around the pool without a mask on until you got in the pool.  Tip: Bring a small bag or fanny pack to put your mask in if this is the case at your hotel or resort.

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Plans:

Wear your masks at any point where you are around people. Walking the streets, crossing the street, in a crowd of people, etc.

Our Experience:

We went to the grocery store and bought snacks and water in case that was our only option for food.  Many places have modified hours, no room service, or they’re already booked.

• When you’re out to eat, make sure the restaurant is social distancing.  Making reservations will ensure that you have a spot and that you are distanced.
• In Miami, we ate at a couple of different restaurants on Ocean Drive, Call Me Gaby, then we had dinner at the Versace Mansion!
• Make sure your server or other restaurant personnel are wearing masks.  If not, ask them to do so.
• Most menus are doing QR code’s so that you don’t have to touch a menu.  If they don’t have this option, ask for it!
• Look for restaurants that have a patio. Outdoors is always best.

Avoid asking people to take pictures of you. Get a selfie stick, tripod or take photos of yourself. If you do ask someone to take photos using your phone or camera, just remember to wipe it down.

Lastly, if you take care of yourself, you can take care of others!  Do your part.  It’s understandable if you want to get out and have a good time, just do it safely and vigilantly!  Safe travels! Make some memories! 2020 isn’t over yet!

Love,

Jasmine Sweet