As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are starting to venture out and travel again. While it's exciting to explore new places and have new experiences, it's important to remember that the virus is still very much a threat. In this blog post, I want to share my recent travel experience and offer some important takeaways to keep in mind when traveling during these times.

My recent trip to the East Coast was filled with visits to museums and memorials, tours of Washington DC and Gettysburg, and a stay at one of our preferred hotels to evaluate the service and property. However, the dreaded thing happened: I contracted COVID-19 for the second time, almost a year from the first time.

I believe I know exactly where it came from, but that’s not the point. The point is, please stay home if you have symptoms, especially if you’ve tested positive, which I believe this person had done based on my observation.

I started having some tell-tale signs three days after my prolonged exposure to this person: extreme sinus pressure, headache, and fatigue. I wanted to test for COVID-19 but unfortunately, I forgot to pack my test kit and over-the-counter meds that I usually carry with me because I switched luggage. I broke my own rule of making a list of what I need and failed myself. Don’t be me…make a list and stick to it!

I was able to get a test and some meds at a nearby CVS. The test came back negative, but two days later and still not feeling great, I took another test and it came back positive. Thankfully, Jason was negative so we both masked up to protect him. We had to make a plan as we were supposed to visit and stay with my elderly Aunt and Uncle, but now that would be impossible.

Thankfully, we had a rental car so we could isolate ourselves. We drove from Gettysburg to Baltimore where we would be flying home from and got a hotel near the airport to isolate until it would be safe for me to fly. I’m still a current airline employee so our flights were easy to change since we fly on a standby basis, but I also have travel insurance for additional protection.

After a few days and no more symptoms for me, we made it home. But I wanted to reiterate that COVID-19 is still very much a thing and can derail the best made plans. So here are some takeaways I’d like to share with you all:

1. Make a packing list which includes all your meds, even over-the-counter, and stick to it.
2. Pack a COVID-19 testing kit or two.
3. Have a backup plan if you test positive and need to stay extra days.
4. Have masks available so you don’t have to try to find them while traveling.
5. Please don’t travel with an illness, especially if you know it’s COVID-19 or the flu. There are vulnerable people out there who cannot fight the illnesses as well as you might.
6. Protect your investment with Travel Insurance. I purchase a yearly plan because we travel so much. For the less frequent travelers, this small investment could save thousands of out-of-pocket expenses.
   
   

I hope these tips will help you all stay healthy and safe during your travels. Remember to take care of yourselves and each other.