Holiday Travel Guide
Getting ready to travel for the holidays? If so, you’re not alone. Experts predict holiday travel could be up as much as 80% over last year.
Truth is, holiday travel can be stressful, no matter the circumstance. The spread of COVID-19 and its variants adds an extra layer of uncertainty.
The good news? If you’re fully vaccinated, your journey should be a safe one — so long as you’re following proper guidance along the way. Here’s how you can keep yourself and others safe as you hit the skies and roads this holiday season.
Domestic travel
No matter how you’re getting to your destination, there are some guidelines to remember for traveling within the United States:
- Ask your travel companions and those you’re planning to see at your destination if they’re vaccinated. People from different unvaccinated households can meet most safely online.
- Get your vaccine booster if you’re eligible, and encourage others to do the same. This will give you an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and new variants. But remember, it takes 14 days for your full immunity to kick in — so try to get your booster as soon as possible, before traveling.
- Check the current COVID-19 situation at your destination. Make sure you understand and follow all state and local travel guidelines. These include mask wearing, proof of vaccination, and testing or quarantine requirements.
- Do not travel if you’re sick, have been exposed to COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19. Ask those you’re visiting to do a health check, too.
- What if you’re not fully vaccinated and must travel? Get tested both before and after your trip and follow self-quarantine recommendations. The CDC provides guidance depending on the type of trip you’re taking.
- Everyone aged 2 and older must wear a mask while on public transportation and in U.S. transportation hubs. This includes while you’re on airplanes, trains, buses and in airports, train stations, and bus stations. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms when you return; isolate and get tested if you have symptoms.
- If flying, check if your airline requires any testing or vaccination before travel.
International travel
Traveling to or from another country (outside the U.S.)? You’ll need to follow some additional CDC guidance:
- The CDC advises against international travel until you are fully vaccinated.
- Check your destination’s COVID-19 situation and travel requirements before traveling. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements.
- Before boarding a flight to the U.S., people ages 2 and older (regardless of vaccination status) are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result. The result must be from a test taken no more than 1 day before you board your flight to the U.S.
- All international travelers should take a COVID-19 viral test 3–5 days after travel. This includes those who are fully vaccinated.
- Visit the CDC’s Non-U.S. citizen Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States page for more requirements for these travelers.
Staying local
We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful state that shines extra bright during the holiday season. Staying local, or taking a weekend trip, is an easy and safe way to get into the holiday spirit.
Kate Hudson, Public Relations Manager for Visit Spokane, says there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Spokane. With dozens of parks, ski hills and trails to explore, you’re sure to be busy. Hudson says, “Bring a mask along if you’d like to pop in for a hot chocolate to warm up after a day outdoors.”
She also encourages visitors and locals to check out River Park Square, which is at the heart of Downtown Spokane and steps from Riverfront Park. The display includes decorations, indoor snow flurries, and festive happenings throughout the season. Check out Visit Spokane’s Holiday Events Guide for more area activities.
Ui Robinson, Public Relations Director for Visit Seattle, invites Western Washington visitors and locals to holiday favorites like The Nutcracker, Downtown Lights and Delights, Magic in the Market and Winterfest. According to Robinson, some local hotels will be offering holiday packages and discounts. Find more Seattle area activities at seattleholidays.com.
Robinson says the entire hospitality industry is experiencing staffing shortages this holiday season. She kindly asks that “visitors show understanding and patience with businesses and staff.”
Washington has a lot to offer beyond our state’s two largest cities. Visit experiencewa.com for more recommendations.
There are a couple of tools to have handy while safely exploring Washington. WA Notify will alert you if you were around someone who tested positive for COVID-19. You can also download WA Verify, for ease of entry when visiting sites across the state that require proof of vaccination. WA Verify uses a SMART Health Card QR code that allows you to confirm your vaccination, wherever you are.
Following travel guidance, and encouraging others to do the same, will make this time of year a whole lot safer, and a lot less stressful, for all of us.
Want to hear what Washington experts have to say about gathering and traveling safely this holiday season? Watch a free recording of our December 16th panel discussion.
More Information
This blog is accurate as of the date of posting. Information changes rapidly, so check the state’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date info at coronavirus.wa.gov. You can also sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 5 and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington State may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.
