Should You Travel in the Time of Coronavirus?

With some states and local governments limiting travel due to the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), potential travelers are wondering about travel. There are a lot of unknowns, and while travel often is a personal decision, everyone should heed official ordinances, especially those with state or local stay-at-home orders. In the meantime, AAA will continue sharing trusted advice and tips to help consumers in these uncertain times.

“Research is important to any traveler ahead of a trip. It’s no different with the coronavirus,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a AAA news release. “Become familiar with the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations, consult your healthcare professional, talk to your travel provider about waiver policies and chat with a travel agent about travel insurance possibilities before making any decision.”

Follow Expert Advice

First and foremost, a travel agent can guide you through policies surrounding COVID-19 and help you navigate cancellations as well as future travel opportunities. Certain airlines, cruise lines and other travel companies are booking for later dates, with flexible policies; consult an agent for bookings and options.The State Department offers tools for staying connected abroad. These include maps, social media resources and information on registering for the (STEP), where you can share details of your trip and receive the latest alerts.Regarding travel outside the United States, follow the latest recommendations from the and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of January 26, 2021, the CDC is requiring all entrants to the United States, even citizens, to show written or electronic documentation of testing negative for COVID-19 — PCR and rapid antigen tests accepted — within three days before departure in order to board. There are a few exceptions for passengers, e.g., children under two, active-duty miltary and flight crews or people arriving from countries where testing is unavailable. Vaccinated people also are required to show proof of testing. However, if you have recovered from the illness within the past three months, then you should be able to board with your positive test results as long as you have a note from either a public-health worker or health-care provider.

Previously, international travel was not advised, suggesting U.S. citizens abroad should return or prepare to stay in place for an indefinite period of time. The earlier August 2020 statement advised that "with health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others, the Department is returning to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice." (Note: The CDC still advises against nonessential travel to nearly 200 places.)

Upon arrival, passengers are recommended to test again within three to five days and quarantine at home for seven days or else ten days if a second test is not taken.

If You Have Essential Travel

After researching your trip and local regulations, remember to bring along any important documents, such as health insurance cards, travel permits or testing results that may be necessary to cross state lines or borders.

Here are some additional travel tips to maximize convenience and safety:

• Let AAA help you pick the cleanest place to stay. If you're traveling within the United States, consider choosing a hotel that has earned AAA's Best Of Inspected Clean. While all AAA Diamond-designated properties must pass a comprehensive inspection, hotels that display the designation have achieved the highest possible scores for condition, cleanliness and ATP surface testing. (Hotels in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean also earn these badges. However, ever-changing travel conditions and border restrictions may affect travel; consult official sources and your local travel agent for more information.)

• Pack hand sanitizer and wipes that contain at least 60 to 95 percent alcohol as well as any additional medication in the event of trip delays or quarantines.

• If you are currently abroad, know the location and contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you’ve enrolled in STEP, you will receive alerts or notifications if conditions change. For scheduled returns, please plan ahead for any required testing or quarantine measures.

Is Coronavirus Covered by Travel Insurance?

Coverage varies greatly. Many travel insurance providers in 2020 considered COVID-19 a “known event” as of January 22 and an epidemic February 3. For those who purchased plans before those dates, policies might contain a level of protection, especially “cancel anytime” or “cancel for any reason” ones.

Check with your travel agent or providers, such as cruise lines, airlines, hotels or other operators, on your options or to find out if they offer any waivers.

Travel Safely (If You Must)—And Wash Hands!

Remember to consult with a AAA Travel Agent and plan ahead in case of local travel ordinances and recommendations. To wit, a number of best practices have emerged in the fight against COVID-19 and its variants, including the following:

• The CDC recommends individuals aged 2 and older wear a mask to protect yourself and others from respiratory droplets. Ensure it covers both your mouth and nose.

• Washing your hands remains one of the most effective ways to avoid illness. Regarding handwashing, the CDC recommends wetting, lathering with soap and scrubbing hands for 20 seconds—the length of “Happy Birthday” song twice. Use hand sanitizer if handwashing is not available, although handwashing is advised if hands are dirty.

• Keep social distancing—a practice recommended by top epidemiologists. This means stay away from crowds, keep 6 feet away from others, and avoid those who are sick.

• Disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces with wipes or a household cleaning product. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of EPA-registered products online.

• Practice good hygiene by covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue and then disposing of used tissues immediately in the trash.

Ultimately, stay at home if you or members of your household are sick. Even though an illness may register as mild in one person, it could cause serious complications in another, especially someone with underlying health conditions.