Holiday Travel
The COVID-19 pandemic kept many people from traveling or seeing their families last year. With the holiday season officially in full swing, you most likely have upcoming travel plans. In fact, AAA Travel is predicting travel to rebound to record setting, pre-pandemic levels. Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel stated, “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.” If you will be traveling this holiday season, follow the tips below to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy!
Health and Safety Tips
- Take a COVID-19 Test: Before traveling to see your loved ones, make sure to check the requirements of where you are traveling to and what airline you are flying on. Due to the Omicron variant, many new travel requirements are being put in place and you may need a negative COVID-19 test in order to travel. If it is not required, it is still a good idea to get tested regardless of your vaccination status to ensure your family’s safety.
- Keep Up Good Hygiene Practices: Despite a decline in new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths, the pandemic still poses a threat. Especially during the winter, when respiratory viruses tend to rise. Continue practicing all the good hygiene steps that have been implemented since the start of the pandemic, including frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer before using high touch points, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing your mask on planes, buses or other forms of public transportation.
- Get 7-8 hours of Sleep Every Night: Adequate sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It allows your body and mind to recover from a busy day and it also keeps your immune system strong. If you will be doing a lot of driving or traveling this holiday season, then sleep is not only important for your health, but also your safety.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Keep your water bottle with you and refill it as soon as it is empty. Staying hydrated will not only keep you from feeling fatigued, but it will help keep you alert and aware as well as keep your immune system functioning properly.
- Exercise: Throughout the day, be mindful of your activity levels. Take a walk around the rest area when you stop for fuel or food on a road trip, walk through the airport between flights, take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can, and if possible, walk through the town instead of taking a taxi. No matter where you are staying, you can also start your mornings with a quick jog, do sit-ups and pushups in your room, or check out the hotel gym. This will boost your energy levels and keep you feeling your best throughout the holiday season.
- Stay Aware and Be Prepared: Make sure friends and family are informed of your travel plans, pay attention to weather alerts and conditions, keep your devices charged and pack a first aid kit. With the high influx of travel this holiday season, there could be delays or unexpected changes, so it is a good idea to have a backup plan. Also, if you will be driving, make sure to have an emergency kit relevant to your location on hand.
- Be Food Smart: Nutrition plays a major role in your overall health. Make smart food choices this holiday season and remember the key word; “moderation.” Most accommodations will have healthy options, so aim to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with your meals. Stick to water as much as possible and choose lean meats and whole grains when you can.
We wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!
