Click play to listen to What to Know About Summer Travel 2022 article. 

What’s on your travel list this summer?

Most estimates show that travel for summer 2022 will return to or exceed pre-pandemic levels, with many people making up for lost time by taking domestic and international trips in the coming months.

Your experience will vary whether you’re traveling by car for a road trip, or doing some globetrotting by plane. But in any case, you’ll want to keep in mind some basics around booking and planning, etiquette in crowds, and keeping your family healthy and safe.

Booking Travel

You’ve likely noticed that prices for things like plane tickets and hotels have risen dramatically in recent months (not to mention the increase in gas prices).

This indicates that there’s a strong demand for these services, so it’s best to book as early as you can. You should also be prepared for last-minute changes to your itinerary, and know ahead of time who you’ll contact if you have a delay.

You often have more control over your itinerary when you book directly with an airline or hotel, rather than through a travel agency.

Travel Industry

While the number of people willing and excited to travel is way up, many of the jobs in the travel industry haven’t been filled at the same pace. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the leisure and hospitality industry has lost 1.4 million jobs since the start of the pandemic.

That means understaffing in airports, hotels, restaurants, and other vacation destinations. While the reasons behind this shortage are varied and intertwined, it will have a real impact on your travel, likely resulting in more time spent waiting and the unavailability of certain amenities.

Try your best to build in time delays to your schedule, and remain patient in scenarios where understaffing is impacting your experience.

COVID-19 and Masking

Pandemic restrictions have been rolled back in many areas of the world. By deciding to travel, you’ll need to assume that it’s possible you and your family will be exposed to COVID-19 and other health risks.

Masking is no longer required for air travel in the United States, and many restaurants, hotels, and events you attend may not require them either. Plan ahead for these scenarios, and keep in mind the best practices for avoiding airborne diseases, which include: not gathering in large crowds, keeping six feet distance from those you don’t know, and being outside to encourage airflow around you.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their recommendations for those traveling this summer, recommending that everyone test for COVID-19 close to their departure date, regardless of vaccination status.

Staying Healthy Away from Home

Many of us have been stuck at home for the past couple years, getting us accustomed to immediate access to our daily medicines, food, water, and the bathroom. But keep in mind that this won’t be true while you travel.

Plan ahead by getting the medications you’ll need for the duration of your trip. And be aware of when you need to pack along food and water for your family. Staying hydrated and nourished are important parts of staying healthy while you travel.

Remember to have everyone wash their hands before eating, and educate yourself and your family about the risks of foodborne disease away from home.