How to Take a (Non-Virtual) Summer Vacation
Original image by Jimmy Conover on Unsplash.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer: warm weather, the chance to take vacations, and—this year—a dizzying array of local and state rules and restrictions for where (and how) you take that break. What follows is a handy guide to actually getting out and away under the current conditions. Note that in places under “red” designations you are not allowed to travel anywhere, for any reason, unless it is deemed essential. And in many states restaurants and other attractions/amenities are still closed.
By Plane
Many flights and routes have been canceled, but some remain; in many cases fares are cheap; and many people are sitting on airline credits from flights canceled in March and April. What’s more, many planes are mostly empty (the national average is less than 50% capacity). However, consider the following before you book that dream trip.
1. Check route.
While some routes are empty, popular routes can be quite busy, and social distancing on those flights is impossible. Even with an empty middle seat, you’ll be within six feet of fellow flyers.
2. Use lavatory sparingly.
Cabin bathrooms are impossible to keep disinfected during flight.
3. Mask up.
Airlines and airports now require masks, and some airports and airlines are instituting temperature checks at the gate. TSA is likely to make temperature checks mandatory in the coming months.
4. Check state quarantine rules.
Many states have quarantine measures in place for incoming travelers, requiring 14 days of isolation after disembarking. The list changes regularly as restrictions ease, but if new outbreaks occur (and they will) these may be re-imposed. In general, if being unable to move around for two weeks is going to be a hardship (or simply undesirable), you should seriously reconsider air travel.
5. Skip international if possible.
Flying internationally is particularly risky: some countries have imposed quarantines for travelers, many are still on lockdown, and most tourist sites are still closed. Plus, flights are longer, increasing potential exposure.
Pro Tip
There have been sporadic reports of some airports being quite crowded.
If you cancel your flight, you may get a flight credit, but you probably won’t get a refund.
By Car
This is by far the easiest means of escape, but there are also some tips to keep in mind.
1. Use a rental car.
There are good deals to be had on car rentals, and all rental companies have enacted stringent cleaning protocols, and in some cases guaranteed 72-hour windows between rentals. In addition, demand is low, so it’s unlikely you’ll be driving a vehicle that was just driven by anyone else, reducing the chances of infection from surfaces.
2. Plan well, and carefully, when driving long distances.
If you’re planning to drive long-distance, you will need to plan stops to eat, use the bathroom, and get gas (and potentially sleep). Wash hands each time you stop, try not to linger in crowded rest stops, and get meals via drive-through or to-go (likely the only options anyway).
3. Investigate quarantine restrictions before you leave.
The quarantine issues above may also apply, and there’s another wrinkle: in some states, police are checking license plates at borders and turning away out-of-state drivers. In particular, states with beaches may not allow you to enter, though restrictions change daily.
4. Prepare for a non-traditional beach vacation.
At least up to Memorial Day, some states are allowing beaches to be used (with social distancing) but with no swimming allowed.
5. Camp smart.
Camping is potentially a good pandemic vacation, but check the status of both campgrounds and facilities before you travel, as these may be closed. And, of course, owing to its built-in isolation, camping in some locations may be…crowded.
By Train
Amtrak is still operating, but on a severely reduced schedule: Many routes have been canceled, and many stations are closed. Café cars may not be open, or service may be reduced. Currently the following highly trafficked routes are suspended:
Acela (Boston – Washington, DC) (Returning June 1)
Carolinian (Charlotte – New York)
Downeaster (Boston – Brunswick, ME)
Keystone Service (Harrisburg – New York)
Pennsylvanian trains (New York – Pittsburgh)
Pere Marquette (Chicago – Grand Rapids)
Long-haul routes are operating, albeit on reduced schedules, and sleeper car service may be affected (no café service, for example). Amtrak has a mobile app with the most up-to-date service information. As on planes, you’ll be in an enclosed environment, with strangers, for some period of time. Amtrak now requires all passengers to wear face masks, and state quarantine restrictions are applicable. Where once a long, leisurely train trip may have been part of the vacation itself, the trip is now likely a means to an end.
By Cruise Line
You’re joking, right?
Pro Tip
Use extreme caution—and read the fine print carefully—when booking rental properties. Home sharing services have complex cancellation policies, and you may risk your deposit (or more) if you cancel outside a specific cancellation window.