4 TIPS WHEN PLANNING TRAVEL DURING THIS UNUSUAL AUTUMN

In a normal year, when the leaves begin to turn and the children go back to school, it’s shoulder season in the travel world. But as we know, 2020 is not a normal year.

With school and work still taking place remotely for many and some coronavirus restrictions lifting, relatively more people may opt to travel in what’s typically the offseason.

“This is going to be a different fall than in the past, because probably 90% of the schools are closed, and so people can travel,” says Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association.

Health experts say that those who are at high risk for a severe case of the coronavirus are advised against travel unless it’s essential.

If you do embark on a fall trip this year, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Some traditional fall trips may still be viable this year.

With the exception of big events like Oktoberfest and Halloween parades, many of fall’s best-loved travel activities can be enjoyed without crowds.

Popular fall travel destinations like Salem, Massachusetts, will still host Halloween tourism events, but only if they can be carried out with social distancing in mind.

Once the 2020 fall foliage prediction map comes out, you can plan a road trip to see the country’s most colorful changing leaves near you.

2. Consider a more remote getaway.

Traveling by car may be safer than traveling by plane, or crowded bus or train, during the pandemic.

Just as important as choosing how you get there is choosing where you’re going. If you travel this fall, pick a destination that allows for easy distancing from others.

Bookings on travel organizing app TripIt between Sept. 15 to Nov. 15 showed flights to city destinations like Chicago, New York, D.C. and Seattle dropped considerably this year, while such beach destinations as Cancun, Mexico; Honolulu; and Fort Myers, Florida, have increased considerably. And even if your fall trip is to an outdoorsy destination, travelers should be mindful to avoid crowds.

3. Consider getting a coronavirus test before you leave.

Before you take off, consider getting tested for the coronavirus to know you won’t be taking the virus on the road with you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travel-associated coronavirus testing is a “worthwhile concept” that can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

But a negative test result doesn’t mean you’ll be protected while you travel. Remember to stay vigilant about mask-wearing, hand-washing and physical distancing whenever you’re out in public.

4. Know the travel restrictions of your destination, and your home state.

Coronavirus travel restrictions change often and can be difficult to keep straight. Dow says that as of last week, 31 U.S. jurisdictions have no travel restrictions for visitors coming from other places, and 21 have restrictions for visitors that could require self-quarantines.

“They need to do a lot of homework about all the different (coronavirus) policies,”Chen says.“Whether you’re going to go to Maine, or you’re going to go to Rwanda, you have to figure out of the policy at the destination and along the way.”

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