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No place like home for the holidays
COVID-19 to slow holiday travel, gathering plans
Main Street holiday traffic
Cars filled Main Street roads and parking spaces Friday afternoon. Many more cars will remain parked at home than on the roads this year as officials anticipate far fewer holiday travelers than in past years, primarily in response to recent spikes in the COVID-19 virus. - photo by Daniel Kiewel

A national spike in COVID-19 cases is causing many families to make difficult decisions about whether or not to travel this holiday season to attend family holiday gatherings.

Because of the concern and uncertainty surrounding the virus, AAA Travel expects the vast majority of Americans to stay home this holiday season, with COVID-19 considered to be a key factor in the decision not to travel. While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last year’s holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline in travel of at least 29%.

Holiday travelers are continuing to take a wait-and-see approach in making their travel decisions. With COVID-19 cases steadily increasing this month, the expected continued rise will likely prompt some Americans to make last-minute decisions to not follow through with upcoming travel plans.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, citing the increased risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, Donna Krug, Family and Consumer Science agent with the Cottonwood District of the K-State Extension office, acknowledged the decision of whether or not to travel is not a simple one.

One of the biggest challenges, she said, is balancing health concerns with the wishes of family to see each other during the holiday season.

“It really is a struggle for people to know what is the right thing,” she said.

For those considering traveling, she said having open and respectful discussions with family members is key, because some family members may feel more comfortable with gathering while others may not. 

This is especially true, she said, with older, vulnerable populations who must balance virus concerns with a desires to see children and grandchildren they may not see very often. The unpredictable nature of the virus, as well as its longer incubation period, make these decisions even more difficult.

Krug urged common sense when making the decision. If you are not feeling well, she said, the best thing is to not attend family celebrations until you are sure you are not contagious.

Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas, said these concerns, along with guidance from public officials, will likely keep about three-quarters of Americans home for the holidays, and those that do travel will likely travel much lest distance for those gatherings this year.

Even if you decide not to travel, though, Krug said there is still a chance to turn this negative into a positive and share Christmas cheer with others who may need it. This can be especially true for people who struggle during the holidays emotionally due to loss of loved ones or other negative memories.

“Maybe this is a year to reach out to a neighbor or a friend you know will be alone, and do a little care package, give them a phone call or a little handwritten note,” she said.


Being prepared for the trip

For those who make the personal decision to travel, it is important to understand the risks involved and take steps to keep yourself and others safe.

Most Americans who decide to travel will do so by car, with road trips accounting for 96% of holiday travel. Up to 81 million Americans will travel by car, a decline of about 25% compared to last year, so preparation is key, officials say.

• Plan Ahead. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recommends always checking local travel restrictions both in your own location and your intended destination before making the trip, as well as any travel recommendations and preparations for any hotels you might be considering staying at.

• Follow public health guidance from the CDC, KDHE and local officials.

• The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during and after their travels.

• Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular hand washing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. 

• For automobile trips, be prepared with extra snacks and other provisions. Establishments may be closed either because of COVID, or if you arrive outside of operating hours, Krug said, so being prepared with extra provisions is important. She advised ideally having snacks that are healthy and provide energy such as fresh fruit or granola bars, especially on longer trips.

• Be prepared for winter weather. Krug advised to make sure your vehicle is equipped with a safety kit in the event of a vehicle emergency. Often these kits, which are usually inexpensive, include jumper cables, fleece blankets for protection if you become stranded, a small flashlight for vehicle repairs in the dark, and other safety items. AAA also reminds those hitting the road to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready for the road, to help avoid a breakdown along the way.

• Be well-rested - Krug said since people can be more stressed out during the holiday season, making sure you are well rested when traveling, especially by automobile.