It seems summer is still here in parts of the country. But, it is time to think about fall and holiday travel.
It is always a hectic time to travel but add in the pandemic and it will become even more hectic. So, what do you do?
Book Early
As usual, fall and holiday travel will get more expensive the longer you wait. If you are thinking of Thanksgiving travel, the time to book is now. Same goes for Christmas travel.
Rental Cars
Perhaps you have read rental cars are hard to find and reserve, especially at the last minute. It would be a good idea to rent one now for your fall and holiday travel. If you can rent one with a refundable reservation, even better.
TSA Pre-Check
If you are not already a TSA Pre-Check member, there are several reasons to register now before your fall and holiday travel. Security lines at the airport are long and will get longer this holiday travel season. With Pre-Check you do not stand in the regular security line. This means less time in line and less close contact with others.
Prepare for Extra Time in Lines
TSA has a staffing shortage. Combine that with more travelers this fall and holiday travel season and that means lines will be longer in security and at check in at the airport.
Also, prepare for longer lines at hotels. Staffing shortages seem to have affected all areas of the travel industry.
Check all Travel Requirements
If your fall and holiday travel destination is international, sign up for STEP https://step.state.gov/. Find out what each country requires, what is required to come back to the US, and what you need to do. Also, check with the airline to see what their requirements are.
Know CDC Travel Guidelines
Right now, the guidelines are to delay travel if you are not fully vaccinated. If you need to travel and are not fully vaccinated, follow the CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Check out if you are traveling with children younger than 12 what is best. Also, be sure to check mask requirements.
Check out more travel recommendations at https://travelsandescapes.net/