Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
How to Vacation Safely This Summer ☀️
Summer vacation plans have been thrown for a loop. No matter where you were planning to go or what you were planning to do, you probably need to reconsider your plans and regroup. Many theme parks and states are establishing rules and guidelines to follow so that you can still travel – and stay safe while doing so. Here are a few tips and ideas to check out if you’re set on taking a trip with your family this summer.
Safety Is the Priority
First and foremost, take precautions. Follow CDC guidelines no matter where you go and do your best to maintain social distancing.
Here are the CDC’s guidelines on traveling domestically within the US:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html
Ask yourself important questions about where you’re going and what you plan on doing. If you know you can’t maintain proper social distancing, consider changing your plans and going somewhere where you can. Remember that in many states, and especially in counties that have a high influx of tourism, masks are mandatory. Be sure that before you travel anywhere, you have all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment so you can follow the CDC’s guidelines on preventing yourself and others from spreading the virus.
CDC Guidelines on Protecting Yourself & Others:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
Research State, County, and Theme Park Policies
Even if you’re following CDC guidelines, certain states, counties, and theme parks have their own mandatory policies.
For example, if you wanted to go to Walt Disney World or Disneyland this summer, be aware that the parks are opening in phases, and attendance is limited by reservation only. They will be requiring and enforcing that face masks be worn at all times and temperature checks will be done before guests are allowed admittance.
Disney Parks Reopening Guidelines:
WDW Dates:
https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/breaking-walt-disney-world-plans-to-reopen-starting-july-11/
Disneyland Dates:
Universal Orlando has officially reopened after implementing policies in accordance with CDC guidelines. They will now be requiring that guests wear facial masks, receive temperature checks before park admittance, and promoting social distancing.
Universal Orlando Safety Measures:
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/safety-faqs
Universal Hollywood has not reopened yet but they plan on implementing the same guidelines as Universal Orlando.
Universal Hollywood Safety Measures:
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/operations-safety-updates
Six Flags will also be implementing a reservation system for guests to ensure daily attendance numbers are safe and within CDC recommendations. Since Six Flags has so many parks all over the nation, reopening dates will vary. Check out the individual park’s pages on their website to find out reopening dates and reservation information.
Six Flags:
Six Flags Reservation System Information:
https://investors.sixflags.com/news-and-events/press-releases/2020/05-13-2020-120003893
Some states, such as Delaware, Texas, Rhode Island, and Florida have implemented border checkpoints. Some vehicles with plates from out of state are being required to quarantine for two weeks upon entry. If you need to travel between states, especially by car, research if that state has border checkpoints and if travel there is possible for you at this time.
Check out the CDC’s list of State Health Department websites to check out each state’s restrictions and guidance on travel, including information about specific county ordinances.
CDC State and Territorial Health Department Websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html
Take Advantage of Vacation and Travel Savings Ahead of Time
Many cruise lines, car rental companies, and all-inclusive resorts are offering insane deals on trips and services months in advance. This could be the perfect time to snag deals on another vacation a year or more ahead in 2021 at a crazy low price!
Norwegian Cruise Lines has been regularly renewing this promotion for a balcony room for the price of an oceanview room with free open bar, specialty dining, excursions, wifi, and kids on all cruises in 2021 and beyond.
https://www.ncl.com/cruise-deals
Royal Caribbean has also been offering a deal they’ve been renewing – up to $350 dollars off a cruise in 2021. You could score up to 60% off a second guest, kids sail free, and cruises start at just $199.
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-deals
Rental car companies are also offering promotions on rental vehicles months ahead when you pay now!
Budget Rental is offering 35% off your vehicle when you pay now:
https://www.budget.com/en/home
Alamo is offering a free upgrade on your next car rental and a plan ahead special where you pay less if you pay now.
https://www.alamo.com/en_US/car-rental/deals.html
Enterprise is also offering a free upgrade on your rental vehicle.
https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental/deals.html?icid=footer.promotions-_-deals-_-ENUS.NULL
Hertz is offering up to 20% off a rental vehicle to drivers over 50, and they’re also offering $19.99 per day if you rent one-way from Florida.
https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/rental-car-deals
If you’re looking to go somewhere all-inclusive, check out these sweet deals on inclusive vacation spots!
Sandals Resorts is offering up to 65% rack rates at several of their resort locations!
https://www.sandals.com/specials/
Moon Palace Jamaica is boasting a BOGO deal on their rooms – book one room, get one free!
https://www.moonpalace.com/en/offers/2×1-all-inclusive-vacation-deals
Coconut Bay in St. Lucia is offering up to 65% off if you book now!
https://cbayresort.com/specials
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas has two great specials going on right now as they ramp up to reopen on July 7. If you book now, you can receive double resort credit when you stay at The Royal. They’re also offering a deal where if you stay 3 nights, you get the 4th-night free!
