Hi lovelies,

The holidays are about to be in full swing. Unfortunately, this year will look different for so many people in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, 115 million Americans traveled somewhere during the holiday season. This year, however, that number will undoubtedly drop dramatically. 

Many people will be staying home for the holidays in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. 

However, others don’t have much of a choice but to do at least some traveling. Or, maybe you absolutely need to head home to see your family. If you do decide to do any traveling, there are a few safety precautions you should put in place to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and protected. 

Consider Road-Tripping
Instead of choosing to fly anywhere for the holidays, a safer option might be to take a road trip. Road trips are a great way to connect with your immediate family and reduce your risk of exposure because you’ll be around fewer people. 

We’ve already talked before about how great traveling in an RV can be, so whether you rent out a rig or travel by car, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make new memories. 

If you do decide to go on a road trip to visit loved ones, be aware of any pit stops you make to get something to eat, go to the restroom, or get gas. Always wear a mask when you’re around others, wash your hands frequently, and social distance as much as possible.

It’s also important to make sure you’re keeping yourself healthy while you’re on the road. That includes getting enough rest so you’re not tired behind the wheel. Being alert will help you to be aware of any traffic issues, and can help you to avoid an accident. If you aren’t alert enough to drive, you might end up having to retain a skilled personal injury attorney - not exactly the way you want to spend your holidays! 

Educate Yourself as Much as Possible
No matter where you’re traveling, make sure to stay up-to-date on any safety rules and regulations they might have in place. Certain locations might have more restrictions than others. By educating yourself ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what to expect and you won’t be overly-stressed when you have to follow those restrictions. 

Don’t Go If You’re Feeling Sick
If you’re feeling sick at all before your travels, it’s probably best to postpone or cancel your trip. Even if you think you just have something as simple and harmless as a cold, you could be putting others at risk if they get sick, too. That’s especially true for family members with weakened immune systems. 

If you’re worried about passing on any type of illness, make a point to get tested for COVID before you go anywhere. The test is easy as usually only takes a few days to receive your results. If you test negative, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your family members won’t contract anything from you. 

Keep a Positive Attitude
Unfortunately, the mental health impact of this pandemic is a very real thing. While it’s too soon to tell just how strong that impact will be, studies have already shown increases in cases of anxiety and depression. Loneliness is a huge problem, as well, and isolation can be incredibly dangerous when it comes to your overall mental health and wellbeing. 

The holidays can often be stressful enough. But, this year feels different for so many reasons. One of the best things you can do if you’re traveling is to keep a positive attitude and try not to let that stress overwhelm you. 

In order to do that, it’s important to accept that things will be different. You may not get to experience all of the same things you do during a typical holiday season. You may not even get to see all of the family members and friends you’re used to spending time with. Being grateful for the ability to see and spend time with anyone is what’s important. In order to develop that attitude of gratitude, focus on the present moment rather than memories of the past or thoughts of the future. 

No matter how you choose to travel over the holidays, keep these tips in mind in order to keep everyone safe. Additionally, these ideas should only be used if you absolutely have to travel. If it’s possible, stay home and stay safe. The more precautions you take now against this virus, the more grateful you’ll be next year when you can hug the ones you love.