what to expect while traveling
Midwest winters are grey and rainy, and a snow day is just an icy mess. We needed few days of sunshine to cure our winter blues. This would not be a typical Florida vacation, but with careful planning, some extra patience and sense of humor, we would still have a great trip. Last week, we packed our bags and headed to Tampa for a few days.
Covid safety guidelines have impacted the entire traveling experience from top to bottom and everything in-between. You have probably heard about masks on airplanes and sanitized hotel rooms, but there are many more details than you realize. If you are thinking about planning a vacation, these examples from my trip will help you to have the right expectations and mindset.
At the Airport: Mask wearing was abundant and social distancing was easy while checking our bags and clearing security. Signs and hand sanitizer were everywhere, and bathrooms were very clean. Some shops and restaurants were open, but not all. It was a little crowded on the short train ride to the rental car center, but everyone was masked.
On the Airplane: Masks worn by everyone – and consistent reminders from the flight attendants that masks should cover your mouth and nose. In-flight service was a pre-packaged snack bag with water, cookies, and crackers. Boarding began with the back of the airplane. Delta is still blocking middle seats, so the flight was not full.
At the Hotel: Rooms are sanitized – and doors sealed with a sticker. Breakfast was ‘grab-and-go’ – like a brown bag lunch, instead of a hot buffet. Housekeeping was limited. Occasionally, I rode the elevator with an extra person – we stood in separate corners with our masks on. It was nice to hear “Have a nice day!” from a stranger.
Dining Out: We chose a room with a small kitchen so we could eat breakfast in and enjoy take-out. We love fresh seafood, so we dined out a few times and reserved an outside table. Servers always wore their masks, even outside. Inside the restaurants was a bit too crowded for my comfort, so a patio reservation was perfect.
Out and About: While the state of Florida does not have a mask ordinance, Pinellas County does require masks indoors. Reminder signs were everywhere, and everyone masked up when they went into a store or restaurant. Many more masks than I expected. By the pool and on the beach, there was plenty of space for social distancing, so masks were less common. When it was crowded by the pool, I enjoyed the view and sunshine from my balcony.
This was our fifth weekend getaway since the pandemic began twelve months ago. The change of scenery was a big boost to our spirits, especially to soak up the sunshine for a few days. We have felt just as safe while traveling as when shopping at our local grocery store. We are already discussing a road trip for next month and summer vacation.
I am truly hopeful that covid cases will continue to decline and the vaccine roll-out will accelerate a return to normal life. Until then, we each have our own comfort levels – about grocery shopping, dining out, visiting with friends and family, and especially travel. When the time is right for you to travel again, please give me a call. I’d love to help you find your True Direction.
