WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) – Whether you’re planning on traveling to a different state or staying close to home, there are a few helpful reminders to keep top of mind before you take off for a summer vacation this year.
The Better Business Bureau says summer vacations will not look the same this year. Your destination of choice is important, many locations require a quarantine when you get there, and a quarantine when you return. The B-B-B says, ‘know, before you go.’
Tiffany Schultz, Southwest Wisconsin Regional Director of the Better Business Bureau serving Wisconsin said, “if you’re going to plan a vacation we recommend that you do your homework. You make the best decision for your own comfort level, so there isn’t a right or wrong answer but travel guidelines are changing by the day.”
Now more than ever, travelers insurance is recommended, but be sure to know what’s’ covered before you hit the road.
As we know, the pandemic isn’t over yet, and there are still multiple risks associated with traveling both to your health and your wallet.
To best prepare, keep up with B-B-B and CDC travel recommendations.
The coronavirus has disrupted life, from a simple trip to the grocery store to planning the family vacation this summer. The Centers for Disease Control is recommending families stay within the U.S. for their travels or even just stay close to home.
If your family is still making plans for a vacation, consider these CDC recommendations:
- Never travel if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19; the same goes for anyone within your group.
- Always take a face mask with for public places.
- Pack your own food, water, plenty of medicine and hand sanitizer, in case the restaurant, gas station or convenience store can’t serve you due to occupancy limits, or there aren’t supplies available to you.
- Beaches and parks are fun outdoor places to go; keep a safe six foot distance from other people.
Before leaving on the trip:
- Check with state regulations for quarantine requirements. Some states are still requiring visitors to isolate for 14 days when visiting the state or coming back from going out of town.
- If planning to travel by air, carefully review cancellation policies, consider travel insurance, and make sure to clearly understand the restrictions; when booking the tickets, as the departure date gets closer, check to see how full the flight is getting to determine if you’re comfortable being less than six feet from someone.
- Sign up for updates for any changes in policies at the location where you intend to travel. Many states are slowly re-opening for business but that may change between the time the trip is booked and the time of departure.
- Leave an emergency contact number for a close family member or friend
- Avoid online scams when booking a trip.
- Be prepared for delays that may occur when you are planning to travel because of the coronavirus.
Learn more about how to plan appropriately on BBB.org/coronavirus
