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The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando Blog Summer Vacation in Florida: How to Go Safely During Coronavirus

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Travel experts are uncertain about when summer travel will return to pre-COVID times. Many families have put travel plans on hold to “flatten the curve” but as states reopen, it’s time for a new, safe approach to vacationing.

Despite not being able to travel as we normally would, psychologist Rober Reiner says that trip planning can be a way to have something to look forward to and give people an uplifting sense of positivity given the pandemic’s restrictions.

With states across the country reopening like Florida, more Americans are leaving their home to test the waters.

Who Can Travel to Florida

Many counties in Florida have reopened to travelers. But before you pack your bags, you should understand Florida’s coronavirus travel restrictions, including a mandatory quarantine for those coming from certain states.

Anyone travelling from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut is required to self-quarantine for 14 days, or for the duration of their stay in the state, whichever is shorter. 

Those who are exempt from the two-week rule include the military, emergency workers, health-care, infrastructure response workers, and anyone who lives in Georgia and commutes to work.

There is no set expiration date for the quarantine and each traveler or family is required to complete a form that includes the family’s contact information and details of their trip upon arriving.

5 Tips for Planning Your Summer Vacation to Florida During the Coronavirus

Here are some important things to keep in mind if you’re planning on traveling:

1. Don’t Travel if You’re Sick

If you’re planning on leaving your community, never travel if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. There’s a chance you could be an asymptomatic carrier if you’re coming from a high-transmission area.

2. Reduce Your Risk of Exposure by Staying Local

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. It’s not clear if one type of travel is safer than others. 

Airports, bus stations, train stations are all places where travelers can be exposed to the virus. These are all places where it can be hard to social distance and keep 6 feet apart.

Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals where there are lots of people in condensed areas. Sitting close to people on flights may increase your chances of risk of exposure.

Likewise, the same goes for traveling by bus or train. Depending on how long you spend on each can have a significant impact on whether you’re exposed to COVID-19 or not.

There are downsides to traveling by car too, like stopping at gas stations to refuel, eat food or take a bathroom break. All of which can put you in contact with other people and surfaces.

Reduce your risk by taking a staycation or traveling by car. If you must book air, bus or train travel, book it for a later date. 

3. Check Airline Cancellation Policies and Requirements for Public Safety

Airlines are legally obligated to give you cash refunds during the pandemic so you shouldn’t feel like you have to take a voucher in exchange for a canceled flight.

If you’re planning on flying, know that certain flights have completely stopped and it’s a good idea to get informed.

Airlines like Delta have extended their rebooking period by two years giving flyers generous room to reschedule their travel plans.

Public health officials are encouraging everyone, especially those at risk to turn their summer holidays into ‘staycations’ and avoid large crowds where possible.

4. Use Skyscanner or Kayak to find flights to Florida

Online tools such as Skyscanner and Kayak are great for finding the best deals on the latest flights to Florida.

5. Travel By Car

Going somewhere by car is the safest way to travel during the pandemic. 

Planes and public transport bring drawbacks. Being in close proximity with unknown individuals who are potential carriers of the virus makes travelers more exposed and at risk of transmission.

Outdoor Activities are Safer During the Coronavirus

It’s naturally going to be harder to transmit the virus outdoors than inside. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to do in Florida:

Visit a Florida State Park

There are plenty of beautiful parks to visit where it’s easier to socially distance from others like Lake Louisa State Park and Lake Kissimmee State Park. 

Explore Sandy Beaches

Cocoa Beach is a short drive from The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando. Beaches are great for all ages and it’s easy to social distance from others safely.

Water Parks

Florida is host to lots of water parks which are great for families. Reunion Resort Water Park and Aquatica are great options.

What’s Safer, Vacation Rentals or Hotel Stays?

It can be harder to socially distance in hotels where there are large groups of people inside. Hotels are better for single families. 

Mixed families and multi-generational families should consider opting for a vacation rental stay to lower the risk of COVID transmission. At The Bear’s Den, our resort homes provide your family with personal space while staying connected in a luxury home-like setting. 

We know how important personal space is when traveling with family, that’s why our resort homes feature private bedrooms and bathrooms for parents and extended family. 

Our private resort homes do not feature elevators or shared common areas, which makes social distancing worry-free. 

At The Bear’s Den, we are adhering to CDC-approved cleaning requirements to limit potential exposure to Covid-19. The health and comfort of our guests is of the utmost importance.

Travel Safe at The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando

Now that you know the new normal for vacationing, it’s time to start traveling. Click here for links to our latest offers.

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