If your flights are already booked, and you don’t want to go through the refund process OR you’re taking full advantage of cheap flights that are popping up during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, then this post is for you!
First off, to make sure you travel safely during Coronavirus, you need to stock up on all the products that are listed in the COVID-19 Travel Starter Pack AND download the necessary apps. Hahaha
- A GOOD carry-on travel bag!
- CNN Breaking News App!
- A protective face mask to protect yourself is a must! (if you can purchase a high-grade mask, that would be best!)
- Hand sanitizer is a high priority (you can also make your own)
- Clorox Wipes!! (you need to make sure all surfaces are clean during a time like this!)
- Washing Your Hands is a MUST (if you can, purchase travel soap sheets!)
- Water (or reusable filter water bottle)
- Tissue (travel size of course!)
- SNACKS! (get a nice balance of healthy snacks and unhealthy snacks)
- Entertainment Apps (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
Jk, jk. These items aren’t required BUT a lot of the items listed above would be good to have in general while traveling. Now, let’s get to the facts!
Pandemic Travel: How To Book Cheap Flights
These are websites that I use to find discounted flights. Explore their features to see which ones fit what you’re looking for! Note: A few of the links are referral links.
*** UPDATE: Please avoid booking directly through 3rd party companies, as it is hard to get refunds and vouchers directly from them. If you see a travel deal on any of the 3rd party apps, make sure you book from the airline! ***
- Skipplagged – This app makes the popular travel hack of “skiplagging” accessible for all. In short, you’ll get hidden flight deals. Hotel deals are also offered. *third party app, avoid booking flights directly*
- Skyscanner – Global travel search for cheap flights. *third party app, avoid booking flights directly*
- Hopper – Plan, and track flights, with Hopper’s flight alerts feature. *third party app, avoid booking flights directly*
- Scott’s Cheap Flights – Uncover flight pricing mistakes and last minute flight deals. They only show flights, you’ll need to book from the airline.
- Google Flights – Similar to Hopper, but doesn’t always offer the best deals. This is, however, a good tool to use to see what your options are.
- **Bonus** Do you have a travel credit card? See what offers they have, and if you have enough credits to purchase flight tickets, rental cars or hotel stays!
SOUND OFF: ARE YOU TRAVELING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?
Sound off, and then tell me where you’re going in the comments below!
Pandemic Travel: Personal Hygiene Tips That’ll Keep You Safe & Healthy
- Although I hate feeling trapped, I’m avoiding the aisle seat, and you should too. Aim for the window seat! You’re more likely to come in contact with sick people passing through the aisles, the closer you seat to it.
- Create a kit of essentials (like the COVID-19 Travel Starter Pack above)
- Avoid touching unnecessary surfaces (i.e.bathroom doors, the table trays on flights, etc.)
- Always wash your hands before you eat. Sanitizer is a great alternative, but if soap and water are readily available, go wash your hands!
- Sing Happy Birthday while washing my hands (or count to 30)
- Be mindful of who you touch, and interact with (absolutely no handshakes, fist bumps or hugs, especially from strangers)
- Get your own bed. If getting a room with one bed saves money, I’m usually all for it. But during times like this, it might be best to get your own bed.
- Avoid Hostels or similar living arrangements. Avoiding places where people from around the world are constantly in and out, might be for the best.
- Get travel insurance. One that covers canceled flights, luggage damage, accidents, and health incidents. Research which one works best for you. Also, take a look at your travel credit cards to see what type of coverage they offer.
- Pack light, and aim to only bring carry-ons. Your bags will come into contact with fewer things.
- Book clean. Meaning, make sure to read the reviews of the hotels and stays that you’re booking. If there’s absolutely any mention of subpar cleaning practices, avoid them.
- Travel to places that are notorious for being clean. For example, you shouldn’t book trips to smaller towns or rural locations where you might need medical shots to visit. It’s safer to avoid those places at a time like this.
- Be mindful of excursions and your activities. Yes, they’re fun, but things lurk in hidden places. Just be careful and ask all of the necessary questions you need to in order to feel 100% safe.
*** UPDATE JAN 2021: Please do your own research! This list was last updated in March of 2020.***
The countries/states on this list have no reported Coronavirus cases or the least amount of cases reported. Please do in-depth research before booking any flights or stays during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
CORONAVIRUS SAFE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS ABROAD
Monitor the listed destinations on CDC’s Interactive Risk Assessment Map
- Barbados
- Nauru (Small Is. in Northeastern Australia)
- Cape Verde
- Isle of Man
- Bermuda
- Croatia
- Egypt
- Africa (take your pick)
- Central & South America (although some of the borders are closing)
LOCAL (UNITED STATES) CORONAVIRUS SAFE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Monitor the listed destinations on ABC6’s Interactive US State Map
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Northern Texas
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Missouri
- West Virginia
- Vermont
- Maine
Pandemic Travel: A Final Note About Traveling
Of course, I want you (and me) to live our best lives, but I also realize safety is important. When in doubt: PUSH YOUR TRIP BACK. It seems like every day, a new country is shutting down its borders. So, it’s extremely important to monitor worldwide news outlets, like CNN. You want to have fun on your trip, not be quarantined as soon as you touch down or be trapped in a country with no possible way to get back home.