If you’re itching to take a vacation—with or without the kiddos (no-judgement zone here!)—we don’t blame you. Americans are flocking to airports, train stations and bus stations like never before and travel is expected to be at an all-time high this summer. According to Tripadvisor's 2021 Summer Travel Index, over two-thirds of Americans (67 percent) are planning to travel this summer (June 1 - August 31), which is a 17 percent increase from those who traveled this spring (March 1- May 31). Millennials are the most excited to get back out there with the vast majority (72 percent) of the generation planning trips. So if you’re planning to join the ranks, whether you’re taking public transit or packing up your car for a road trip, this travel surge means a few things for you. 

First, it means that you’re in good company in your desire to let loose and have fun after a year+ of being cooped up in your house for an unforeseen number of hours a day and days a week. But it also means that you’re going to be exposed to more people and environments than you have in a long time, which can be incredibly anxiety-provoking, especially for parents of young kiddos. 

Rest assured, you probably know how to keep yourself safe from COVID, as well as pretty much any other virus out there, at this point—face masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc. But how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally about taking a first (or second or third) trip post-pandemic might be kind of up in the air. Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, as of April 29, 2021, it is now “safe to resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel,” this doesn’t necessarily refer to those who are not fully vaccinated, especially children under 12 years of age. 

If you have plans (or are considering making plans) to travel this summer with your family, here are some tips for doing so as safely as possible: 

Review the AAP’s recommendations for traveling with kids younger than 12:

Since vaccinations are not currently available for children under age 12, you may want to think twice about plane travel. The AAP recommends traveling by car whenever possible to limit the amount of people (and surfaces!) your child comes in contact with. Although, it seems so far the risk for severe COVID is small in children, there is still a risk. 

Check the COVID rates in your destination:

Whether you’re driving two hours north and staying in the same state or are jetting off to a tropical destination, it’s a smart idea to check the rates of community spread in the area in which you are traveling. You can do this with a simple Google search and check whether the transmission rate is low, medium or high. Knowing that the area is not high-risk can help you feel more comfortable taking the trip. 

Book direct flights:

While the TK has stated that air travel during the pandemic is safe, being in such close proximity to other individuals, not to mention touching the countless surfaces involved in getting on and off a plane, can increase an individual’s risk. Whenever possible, consider booking a direct flight to cut down on your exposure. 

Pack extra PPE:

PPE, which stands for personal protective equipment, isn’t just something for medical pros—it’s also important for everyone during a pandemic. When packing, remember to throw in extra face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers so that you are well-prepared should you lose anything during transit. If you’re checking a bag, be sure to pack PPE in both your checked bag and carry-on. 

Skip the on-plane snack:

Passengers traveling by plane are allowed to remove their mask while they eat the snack provided to them by the airlines. Especially if you’re traveling with young kids, it’s a good idea to skip the snack and instead choose to eat before you take off or after you land. 

Be courteous of others:

Just as you’re anxious about the prospect of traveling during a pandemic, so are others. And just as you haven’t been around crowds of people in a while, most others are also in your shoes. It’s important to remember that the past year has been challenging for so many, so as you travel to and from your destination, and while you’re on vacation, it’s important to remember that kindness can go a long way.

It’s also a great lesson to teach your kids!