Summer is here and in a perfect world, you would want to jet set off on near and far vacations, but with the deadly second wave, you must be asking yourself just how safe traveling is right now. With all the new restrictions are you planning to get on a plane or even drive somewhere for a getaway? The truth is, a stay in a hotel, resort or even a homestay right now is not very safe.
Although many hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott have enhanced cleaning regimens due to the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against unnecessary travel right now. The mutant strains of COVID-19 are even deadlier. Travel increases your chances of getting infected as well as spreading the disease. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.” But if you still decide otherwise, here’s what you need to consider.
1. Ask For A Room That Has Been Empty For At Least 3 Days
While you book your stay, call the property and ask for a room that no guests or housekeeping staff, has entered in the past three days. This will ensure that the viral copies are deactivated before you arrive. The SARS-CoV-2’s can survive on surfaces for three days.
2. Book Properties With Full-Fledged Kitchens
Also, try and book properties that include full kitchens in its suites. Cooking yourself can be a great way to limit your reliance on restaurants, take-out, and hotel food. Try and book homestays and villas over hotels and resorts as they often have kitchens.
3. Consider The Total COVID-19 Cases Before Choosing A Destination
When booking any type of lodging, consider how many people you’ll be surrounded by, when was the last time someone a guest stayed in that accommodation, and how is the state or city doing in regards to breaking the chain of the transmission.
4. Villas With No-Contact Check-Ins Can Be A Safer Option
But to cut things short, staying in a private villa, especially one that allows no-contact check-in, is the safer option now, given the probability of fewer person-to-person encounters.
In addition to wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, be sure to bring your bleach spray or disinfecting wipes to clean the surfaces and handles in a hotel. Wiping down overlooked surfaces like the TV remote control and telephone is also important.
