Though pandemic safety restrictions are predicted to ease this summer, even seasoned travelers may feel uncomfortable taking a 12-hour redeye. That’s why a smaller, shorter trip to help rebuild confidence in traveling—or a toe-dip trip, as travel booking site Travelocity is calling it—is a smart way to warm up your nomadic legs. A small trip doesn’t have to mean a staycation a mile away from home. It’s more about being intentional about your goals, where you go, and how you can travel with ease, says Sara Nathan, the president and CEO of Amigos de las Américas, a company that provides cultural immersion experiences in Latin America. Here, travel pros share their best tips for making your first post-COVID escape equal parts safe and exciting. If you feel confident boarding an airplane, try to keep it to a manageable short flight. Since it’s a federal law to wear a face-covering while in the airport and aboard your plane, you may find it uncomfortable to sport a mask for double-digit hours, so start small. Since your priorities have changed and you likely now value safety and cleaning protocols over a buzzing dining scene, you will need to comb through reviews and check hotels’ webpages. Crafting your trip in detail will give you a better sense of control, making the experience less stressful. Plus, you may also find hidden gems in your vacation spot that stimulate the economy, too. “Take time during your planning stage to find lodging, restaurants, and locally run attractions [that] benefit the community,” Nathan recommends. “Small businesses in the tourism industry have taken a hit during the pandemic—if you’re returning to travel, supporting the local economy of the place you’re visiting can make a real difference.” A real-life example: In July 2020, a negative COVID-19 test was required within ten days of travel for visiting Jamaica. But when Harrison revisited Jamaica in March, a negative COVID-19 test was required within three days of travel. It’s best to check the official government website for any place you’re thinking of venturing, since even some states have strict entry rules. “Maybe you had your heart set on a safari in Africa, but there’s no reason to be bummed about having to make a local trip instead,” she says. “We’ve been cooped up so long. Every freedom-feeling outing is worth celebrating and cherishing.” Still practice some precaution and practicality when you’re booking, since nothing is for sure quite yet, says Vered Schwarz, the president and chief operating officer of Guesty, a property management platform. Most airlines have waived their change fees if you need to switch out a flight for a later date, but Airbnbs, vacation rentals, and hotels could be stricter with their policies. “Travelers need to know that if circumstances outside of their control impact their travel plans, they won’t be financially impacted,” Schwarz says. “This is why when booking accommodations—whether at an Airbnb or a traditional hotel—they’re going to largely expect flexible cancellation policies in which they can nix their reservation at the very last moment, given varying lockdowns and city restrictions.” “Be present in a new place. You may have been looking at little but the inside of your house for the past year and travel stimuli can be overwhelming,” she says. “Ground yourself at the moment and appreciate the sensations you have missed.”
