Making The Decision To Travel: A Resource Guide

 By Edie Gupton, Travel Services Manager, Connections Housing


As more destinations, hotels and venues reopen, more people are asking if it is safe to travel.  While there’s little question that the travel/hospitality industry is going above and beyond to implement safety protocols to keep guests safe, the answer is not a simple yes or no. 

Rather, the decision to travel is one we all must make for ourselves right now -- based on our individual circumstances, health concerns and comfort levels.  The good news is that there are several resources you can use to help make an informed decision.  Among them:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

The CDC website travel page is a wealth of information –offering everything from a practical list of things to consider before you travel,  helpful FAQs,  travel health notices and post trip safety tips. In addition, the CDC also provides a one-stop resource list with links to all state & territorial health department websites.  

World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO website features an informative travel advice page with the latest travel advisories, air and sea travel advice and more.

The U.S. Department of State

For international travel, check out the Traveler Information page with links to country-specifictravel advisories and Covid-19 country specific information.  From the site you can also subscribe to the SmartTraveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive up-to-date safety and security information.

Hotel Information 

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has put forth Stay Safe®  guidelines --  an industry-wide, enhanced set of health and safety protocols designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees.  The AHLA’s Stay Safe web page has a number of guest resources, including this Guest Checklist to Travel Safely.

In addition, here at Connections Housing, we have a convenient page on our website providing the latest updates from hotel brands detailing cleaning and safety protocols each property is implementing to make sure guests feels safe and at ease.

Airline Information 

Airlines like Delta, United, American, Southwest, Frontier all feature Covid-19 safety details and updates on their sites.

Local Chambers of Commerce/CVBs

 It is also a good idea to visit the websites of local Convention & Visitors Bureaus and Chambers for the latest updates from the specific city/state you’re considering for a visit.

If you do decide to move forward with your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance at the time you pay for travel arrangements.  Many insurers offer “Cancel for Any Reason” options.

In addition, remember that a healthy and safe travel experience is a shared responsibility.  As the US Travel Association explains, “When travel businesses, residents and travelers all do their part, Americans can Travel Confidently.”

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