Holiday Travel Safety Tips

Many Americans are looking forward to reuniting with family and friends during the final months of 2021. This is especially true for those that may have put last year’s annual travel plans on hold due to COVID-related warnings or restrictions.

However, this year’s holiday season is already shaping up to be more flight-filled, with the TSA reporting higher traveler throughput as far back as March 2021, and continuing to the present. In fact, most days have seen at least double the number of travelers that flew at the same time in 2020.

While jet-setting across the miles is sure to stir excitement, it remains ever-important that families remember a few key holiday travel safety tips this season.

Read on to learn how to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season this year.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

You’ve crossed off your shopping list, packed your suitcase, and you even have your vaccination card in hand. You can’t wait to greet the faces of all the family and friends that you hold so dear. But, before you go, be sure you know how to play it safe when traveling this season.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most-essential holiday travel safety tips. These are the tips you don’t want to leave home without!

1. Make COVID-19 Safety Precautions a Priority

Now that medical data is out regarding the vaccine, the CDC reports that over 80% of adults are fully vaccinated.

When it comes to the elderly population (those 65 years old and up), vaccination rates are over 98%. And for those over 12 years old, total vaccination rates are weighing in at over 78%.

According to the latest counts, chances are most of your loved ones have already taken the shot themselves. There are, however, those few and far between that still seem to be holding out.

Despite your desire to invite loved ones who have not been vaccinated to join holiday gatherings, it could create major health concerns for guests. In this case, it’s recommended that vaccinated individuals continue to keep their distance from those who remain unvaccinated.

One possibility to consider is holding virtual celebrations to include both groups in your holiday plans. This allows everyone to be together without creating unnecessary health risks.

2. Travel Smart

If you do choose to travel this year, expect a bit more planning prior to taking off.

Determining the best flights, airports, and accommodations to ensure safety might take some additional time. But, in the end, it’s sure to be well worth the added effort.

For those that haven’t already booked their flights, you might want to choose seats on the most uncrowded planes. It’s also wise to choose dates when fewer travelers are boarding alongside you.

Whenever you do decide to hit the runway, make sure that you mask up, and follow the latest CDC guidelines for safer travel.

3. Plan for Low-Risk Gatherings

Before you RSVP to every holiday invite, weigh the risks.

While this year may feel slightly more relaxed than last, it’s essential to bear in mind that Americans aren’t out of the woods yet.

Attendance at every holiday gathering may not be worth it just yet. Planning too much time away from home could compromise your safety and the safety of others.

For some, seeing beloved family members that you haven’t hugged in over a year might be a must-do. But, you might choose to forgo your traditional office party or neighborhood luncheon in lieu of seeing your 80-year old grandmother.

Take heart. The holidays can still be special even while you continue to make a few sacrifices.

Keep Safety First this Holiday Season

Want to make this holiday season the best that it can be?

Keep safety first! One way to do this is to be sure to follow our holiday travel safety tips.

What if you do find yourself feeling more down-and-out than merry and bright in the months ahead?

Just remember, we’re here to help you get back to good health…and get on with your holidays. Contact the ER in Corpus Christi for fast and compassionate care this holiday season!

Sources:

COVID Data Tracker. (2021). Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-total-admin-rate-total

“COVID-19 and Your Health”. (2021). Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/travelers/

“TSA checkpoint travel numbers (current year versus prior year(s)/same weekday)”. (2021). Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus/passenger-throughput