Even though Covid is still raining on our travel plans, we can travel. The problem is that there are countless new restrictions in place and they can change on a moment’s notice. Now is not the time to travel anywhere without doing some serious homework beforehand.
Before you make any travel plans, you should check your destination for potential in-bound traveler restrictions. Several destinations are allowing foreigners to visit but with the caveat that visitors must self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. If you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, that destination obviously won’t work for you at all.
If your departure date is anytime soon, check the weather report for that day. February and March can be a tricky time for flights that originate in the midwestern or northern U.S. states. Always have a Plan B in mind. Once when a long-planned flight out of Indianapolis was cancelled due to a freak snowstorm, my travel partner and I followed our Plan B: We drove to Cincinnati, arrived ahead of the snowstorm expected there, and caught an alternate flight. Our trip was saved by having a sensible Plan B in mind.
If you have a lengthy layover, check the layover airport website for current restaurant offerings. A great many are closed right now, even in the bigger airports. Last fall I made the mistake of assuming my favorite restaurant at the Orlando airport would be open. When I arrived, I found nearly all of the restaurants near my gate were closed and the one that was open had a line that stretched out across the terminal. I wound up having chips and soda for lunch, which wasn’t at all what I had in mind. I was starving by the time I got home.
Finally, check the websites for any attractions you intend to visit. Some are closed and some are allowing only a limited number of visitors each day. Many of those that are open require advance reservations. You don’t want to waste time driving to a special attraction only to be turned away at the gate.
Travel isn’t as easy as it used to be, but it can still be a wonderful experience. Checking the relative sites will only take a few minutes but the payoff on the investment of your time will be well worth it. Knowing what to expect, and planning ahead, can make the difference between a great vacation and a miserable one.
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