Domestic Travel and Transportation During the Pandemic

Although the pandemic is still active across the globe, travel within one’s own country is largely unrestricted and therefore small family vacations or short breaks are possible. But no matter with whom you travel and from where, you need to be aware that restrictions and procedures are still largely in place across many nations and even intercity or interstate travel isn’t advised by governments, although no one will stop you. However, international travel is currently heavily regulated.

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In the United States, for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises not to travel anywhere within the country unless you and your party are fully vaccinated. They also advise regular testing before and during travel for the unvaccinated. In addition, social distancing measures such as mask-wearing and the two-meter rule are highly regulated in all public settings and enclosed spaces.

Transportation Options Might be Limited

The potential for Covid-19 transmission means that many businesses, especially those that rely on public numbers, aren’t operating at full capacity. Establishments such as theme parks, cinemas, and restaurants are good examples of this but travel-related businesses are also affected.

Coach operators, bus rentals, passenger trains, and airlines are excellent domestic transportation options. However, many of these businesses might not be as accessible as you are used to. In many nations, government guidelines and laws are forcing these types of businesses to operate at limited capacity and to strictly enforce Covid safety. You need to stay patient and check all local transportation options when planning to travel.

Courtesy is a Must

When traveling via public systems such as planes, trains, and coaches, the restrictions and limited capacity can become somewhat frustrating and/or stressful. However, we should all remember that we are in this together and nobody, especially the travel employees, is to blame. 2020 saw an increase in air rage incidents causing the FAA to hand out more fines than before and increase the amount.

Even though international air travel is restricted, in comparison the rates of incidents are higher in ratio when compared with how many flights are taking place. While some fines of this nature are issued in relation to mentally unstable or criminal individuals, during 2020 and into 2021 many have been in relation to people being asked to follow Covid rules such as mask-wearing, staying apart a certain distance, and using antibacterial products. By asking for these simple rules to be followed, travel employees are simply doing their job and trying to keep everyone safe.

Stay Up-to-Date with Covid Policies

As recent incidents have shown, such as the UK’s removal of certain countries from their “Green List” without prior warning, Covid-19-related policies and procedures can change at the drop of a hat. For this reason alone you should try to stay on top of national and local Coronavirus policies as you travel domestically from city to city or state to state.

Various health department websites for each state, local area, or tribe (United States) will provide the most recent news concerning Covid-19 policies. While many are likely to be the same, some differences are possible and are usually reflected by Covid-19 infection rates in each region. Where it is higher, it is likely that strict measures are imposed and the opposite is likely to be true for lower infected areas.