- Despite the pandemic, many US travelers are eager to take a vacation, but safely.
- For safer vacation ideas during COVID, we compiled options based on expert advice and research.
- From remote hotels near beaches to private vacation rentals and road trips, consider these ideas.
With 1 in 6 Americans now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the CDC saying that travel is safe for vaccinated individuals, it's expected that travel will return in a big way.
Indeed, Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, told Insider that if you're fully vaccinated, "flying, travel, and life, in general, is significantly safer."
But that doesn't mean you're totally in the clear. "The vaccines are very good, but they're not perfect. While you're much less likely to transmit the disease or get it, there is still a chance," says Dr. Russo. The CDC still advises that vaccinated individuals continue to wear masks in public and are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after their final dose.
At that point, if you are wondering if it is safe to travel right now, the answer depends on variables such as how you plan to travel, where you want to go, the rates of infection in your destination, and your behavior once you arrive.
To help determine the risks associated with each mode of travel during COVID, we reached out to experts including infectious disease and ER doctors, cleaning specialists, travel industry professionals, and representatives from major rental cars, hotels, Airbnb, and transportation organizations.
From beaches and mountains to lakes and islands, the following list includes close to home vacation ideas during coronavirus. Just be sure to plan in advance: we're already seeing fully booked hotels and Airbnbs, rental car shortages, and full flights. If you want to travel this summer, here's what you can expect, plus great travel deals to help beat the rush.
If you do want to take a safe vacation during COVID and are seeking safer vacation ideas, think road trips over international flights, and lodging such as private vacation rentals or hotels with stringent COVID policies. In fact, both Airbnb and Vrbo have seen an uptick in bookings and domestic vacation rentals will continue to be popular in 2021.
Here are 6 ways to take a safe vacation during COVID:
Book a socially distant hotel stay
If you do want to take a safe vacation during COVID and are seeking safer vacation ideas, look for hotels with stringent COVID policies that include wide-reaching new cleaning protocols made in combination with health experts. These focus on social distancing and contact-free transactions such as virtual check-in and out, digital keys, spaced out or limited dining, and more.
However, the experts we interviewed still feel that the answer to the question 'Are hotels safe during coronavirus' is subjective and depends on whether an individual also takes proper protective measures like wearing a mask, distancing, and disinfecting.
If you swear by staying in hotels, make sure the property has announced rigorous new cleaning measures, and look for signs they are implementing such procedures, from check-in to common spaces like the elevator or pool, and of course, in your room. Some are even promoting COVID-friendly WFH — work from hotel — travel deals aimed at the socially distant traveler. Also, consider more remote properties with plenty of wide-open spaces and outdoor-friendly amenities, or smaller boutique hotels.
If you're worried about flexibility, many hotels are offering more generous cancellation policies right now than usual.
To help facilitate a socially distant hotel stay, the following destinations and hotels all detail new COVID policies and are well-suited for a domestic getaway. Think wide stretches of beaches, remote mountain retreats, idyllic island escapes, and other places that embrace the great outdoors.
- The best hotels in or near national parks
- The best US mountain resorts for all seasons
- The best ski hotels in the US
- The best farm stay vacations in the US
- The best hotels in Lake Tahoe
- The best beach hotels in the US
- The best hotels for families in the US
- The best eco-friendly and sustainable hotels in the US
- The best US island hotels that don't require a passport
- The best US lake getaways
- The best dude ranch vacations in the US
- The best hotels in the Catskills
- The best hotels in the Berkshires
Book a private vacation rental to limit interactions with others
After breaking down the risks of both hotels and vacation rentals such as Vrbo or Airbnb, the doctors and experts we spoke with agreed private vacation homes are likely safer than hotels because they come with fewer person-to-person interactions.
"While there is no question hotels are working diligently to keep their hotels clean and sanitized, Airbnb has a huge advantage given that the renter is generally the only one occupying the property," said Dr. Neil Brown, K Health's chief diagnosis officer. "With Airbnb's new Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, the company provides a better option than public hotel spaces," he said.
Additionally, the CDC's current lodging guidelines note that private vacation rentals with members of your own household are safer than hotels.
For those who like social distancing of aspect of vacation rentals, but prefer the comforts of hotels, consider in-between options like Sonder or Marriott Homes & Villas, which offer professionally managed vacation rentals with hotel-like amenities.
We detailed everything to know about vacation rentals, from what to know about Airbnb's new cleaning protocol to the platform's COVID cancellation policies and Airbnb Plus program, plus key differences between Airbnb and other vacation home rental sites such as Vrbo.
- Everything to know about vacation rentals, including the best booking platforms, COVID-19 safety info, and the best places to go in the US
- 6 things to know before booking a vacation rental, and where to search if Airbnb is booked or too expensive
- Airbnb announced vigorous new cleaning protocols for hosts in response to COVID-19. Here's how to know if the listing you're considering is participating — or not.
- Everything you need to know about how Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances cancellation policy for COVID-19 works — including some key warnings for new bookings
- Everything to know about Airbnb Plus, including how listings are vetted, if they cost more, and if it's worth it
- Airbnb vs. Vrbo vs. HomeAway: Here's how each vacation home rental service works, plus their cancellation and coronavirus policies
- Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.
If you're ready to hit the road, these are some of the best places in the US to rent a vacation home right now:
Nationwide
- The most remote vacation rentals in the US
- The best beach houses on Airbnb in the US
- The most secluded desert homes on Airbnb
- The best ski vacation rentals in the US
- The best Airbnbs with pools
- The best Airstream trailer rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo
- The best tree-house rentals in the US
- The best vacation rentals near national parks
- 10 of the coolest Airbnbs in the US, from a boxcar bunkhouse to an underground hobbit home
- The best pet-friendly Airbnbs
- The best Airbnbs with hot tubs
- The most romantic vacation rentals in the US
- The best spa-like Airbnbs
Northeast
- The best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore
- The best Airbnbs in Maine
- The best Airbnbs in Connecticut
- The best Airbnbs in Rhode Island
- The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons
- The best Airbnbs in the Catskills
- The best Airbnbs in the Hudson Valley
- The best Airbnbs in Upstate New York
- The best Airbnbs in Vermont
- The best Airbnbs in Adirondacks
- The best Airbnbs in New England
- The best Airbnbs in DC
- The best Airbnbs within 3 hours of New York City
The South
- The best Airbnbs in Florida
- The best Airbnbs in Destin
- The best Airbnbs in Miami
- The best Airbnbs in Key West
- The best Orlando Airbnbs
- The best Airbnbs in Nashville
- The best vacation rentals in the Outer Banks on Airbnb and Vrbo
- The best Airbnbs in Hilton Head
- The best Airbnbs in Myrtle Beach
- The best Airbnbs in Virginia Beach
- The best vacation rentals in Ocean City, Maryland
- The best Airbnbs in Savannah
- The best Airbnbs in Dallas
- The best Airbnbs in Austin
Midwest
West
- The best Airbnbs in California
- The best Airbnbs in Palm Springs
- The best Airbnbs in San Diego
- The best Airbnbs in Seattle
- The best Airbnbs on the Oregon Coast
- The best Airbnbs in Portland, Oregon
- The best Airbnbs in Big Bear, California
- The best Airbnbs in Colorado
- The best Airbnbs in Denver
- The best Airbnbs in Las Vegas
Hawaii
Plan a socially distant road trip during COVID
Remember when planning a road trip simply meant queueing up a great playlist and stocking up on snacks? Sadly, that's no longer the case.
These days, they're one of the safer-seeming ways to travel while limiting exposure, especially compared to planes, trains, and other mass transit. And should you feel any discomfort, or worse, become sick, you can hop back in the car and drive home.
From expert-recommended precautions to take and products to pack, to getaways that are close to home, scenic drives, and more, here are our top tips and ways to hit the road right now:
- 6 of the top road trips in the US and where to stay along the way
- 10 scenic getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities — and the best hotel to book for each
- Are rental cars safe?
- The best car rental companies
- The best RV rentals
- The best camper van rentals
- The best RV mattresses for long road trips
- What to pack and how to prepare before planning a road trip — 9 medical and hospitality experts weigh in with advice and tips
- How to drive through the Florida Keys on a socially distanced road trip according to experts, plus what to pack, recommended activities, the best hotels along the way, and what to do if someone gets sick
Camp somewhere remote
If you want to get away and embrace nature, but feel uncomfortable checking into a hotel or private lodging, there are plenty of other outdoor options from camping to glamping that make it easy to avoid crowds.
Book a home on wheels or pack your gear into the car and pitch a tent. These ideas all afford a charming level of rustic charm where you can control just how much, or little, you encounter the rest of the world. Even in colder areas, camping can be a cozy option, provided you bring plenty of warm supplies and a heavier sleeping bag. You may also want to consider car camping or truck camping to help ensure you're plenty warm.
- The gear you need to start camping with your truck
- The best glamping vacations in the US
- 17 of the best campsites across the US for a scenic outdoor getaway
- I used an online service called Arrive Outdoors to rent camping gear for a weekend trip — here's how it works, from equipment prices to its COVID-19 policies
- I used Tentrr to book a private, secluded glampsite for a remote getaway — here's how the platform works and why I'll gladly be using it again
- After 20 years of camping trips big and small, I have my essential packing list down to a science — here's what I always bring
- After DIY-ing my own van and logging thousands of miles on the road, these are my 17 go-to camper van accessories
- In addition to private homes, Airbnb lists camping sites with more flexibility and convenience than traditional platforms — here's what it's like and what I'd do differently next time
- With standalone tiny cabins ensconced in nature, Getaway makes for an ideal socially distant stay — here's what I loved about my trip, plus key tips to consider
- Expert tips and advice for camping with dogs, including what to pack and the best pet-friendly campsites
- 5 trip-booking sites where you can find last-minute camping reservations, including for private campsites
Consider safer alternatives to traditional travel
Ultimately, if you plan to head out on a trip, consider adapting your vacation plans in ways that provide safer alternatives that can help can reduce your risk of virus exposure while away from home.
To come up with a list of safer approaches to air travel, ground transportation, lodging, activities, and more, we culled the advice from our interviews with experts — including medical, sanitization, and travel industry professionals.
Do note, however, that many public health and medical professionals (including some of those we talked to) still advise limiting nonessential travel in the pandemic, as it poses inherent risks.
Here are four safer travel ideas based on expert advice — public charters over commercial flights, private home rentals overcrowded resorts, and much more
Work with a travel agent or book a tour
While many travelers previously booked travel independently, some are returning to travel agents. These seasoned professionals have spent years in the business and are well-equipped to help clients identify viable locations with vetted, flexible policies. They may also have better insights into new practices at specific hotels to help determine how clean and safe they will be, and whether facilities and amenities may be impacted.
Their advice is to book refundable options, be aware of cleaning policies, try to travel domestically, opt for socially distant places, and assess your own comfort level with risk before booking.
If you're overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a summer vacation in what's likely to be a crowded and busy season, you might also want to consider a prearranged small group tour as a way to eliminate stress.
Major tour operators like Intrepid Travel have debuted new itineraries along with vaccination and testing requirements that apply to all trips. Travelers and tour leaders must show proof of vaccination or provide a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before day one of the trip.
Read the full story on key takeaways to learn from travel agents and tour operators about how to book travel right now, and into next year.
Here are 7 travel trends to expect this summer and how to beat the rush, according to experts
For more reporting on whether it's safe to travel right now, click a link below to jump directly to related coverage:
- Is flying safe right now? Experts break down the risks associated with boarding a flight during COVID-19.
- Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in.
- Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.
- Which is safer: Airbnb or hotels? Here's what doctors say
- Are rental cars safe to drive right now? We talked to 3 leading experts to find out.
- Is it safe to travel by train during a pandemic? Doctors and cleaning experts weigh in, plus details on new protocols from Amtrak to minimize risks.
- Staying in a hotel will be very different post-pandemic — here are new safety and cleaning plans and precautions being implemented by every major hotel brand
- Is skiing safe right now? Here are the risk factors to weigh and precautions to take, according to an infectious disease doctor and ski resort representative.
