Is It Safe To Stay In A Hotel, Cabin Or Rental Home Yet?
After nearly three months of quarantine, millions of Americans are ready to travel -- an overnight trip, a weekend getaway, a summer sojourn. With states reopening, that's now possible, with a caveat. Before coronavirus, few people likely thought twice about staying in a hotel room, rental home or cabin in the woods. But now, we have to factor in the potential for coronavirus exposure.
(CNN) - After nearly three months of quarantine, millions of Americans are ready to travel -- an overnight trip, a weekend getaway, a summer sojourn. With states reopening, that's now possible, with a caveat. Before coronavirus, few people likely thought twice about staying in a hotel room, rental home or cabin in the woods. But now, we have to factor in the potential for coronavirus exposure. Even if you're OK with the travel risks taking you to your destination -- plane, train or automobile -- what about the risks of the destination spot itself?
We are both exposure scientists. One of us feels comfortable booking a "no contact" stay; the other still isn't sure whether to take an overnight trip anytime soon. But we agree on two things: Traveling these days brings increased risk, yet ways exist to minimize that risk.
The issues
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance is clear that travel heightens your chance of getting or spreading Covid-19. The travel industry is taking this seriously. Both the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Vacation Rental Management Association have released best practice guidelines and standards.