During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans have stayed close to home. Now, many of us are ready to get out and explore, but unsure about pandemic travel while keeping our households safe and remaining socially responsible. Travel during Covid might look different than what you’re used to, but it can still be an amazing time.
As places across the country begin to reopen with various levels of safety precautions, in accordance with local guidelines, you may want to take advantage of these opportunities. If you’re looking to get out of the house without going too far, consider taking a road trip to see some of America’s most amazing tourist attractions. Travel insurance with Covid-related cancellation coverage can give you peace of mind as you take in the sights.
But before you hit the road, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can keep you and your travel companions safe.
Even if you’re traveling just a few hours from home, domestic trip insurance can give you some safeguards. Trip insurance allows you to recoup a set percentage of your costs, should you need to cancel or reschedule your plans. These costs can include flights, vacation home rentals, car rentals and hotels among others.
If you or someone in your group does not have domestic health insurance, you may want to consider travel medical insurance that may cover Covid as well. With basic trip insurance, there are a limited number of covered reasons. You’ll recoup losses if the cancellation is due to a reason beyond your control like a natural disaster or airline issues. But you won’t, for example, recoup prepaid expenses if you just suddenly decide you no longer want to go on your trip.
However, there is another option: Cancel For Any Reason Insurance. CFAR insurance allows you to cancel your trip for literally any reason and still recoup your prepaid travel expenses for things like hotel and lodging accommodations, plane tickets and other deposits.
Top Tourist Attractions (and Your Insurance Options)
Here are some fun, outdoor places to visit in the U.S. where there is a lower risk of contracting coronavirus.
State & national parks
National parks are great, inexpensive ways to get into the great outdoors. The National Park Service is slowly reopening the parks to visitors with extra precautions in place and greatly reduced visitor limits during this time.
U.S. National Parks can be great ways to get outdoors in government-protected and maintained places. You can often find places to hike, swim, fish, rock climb and more. Many parks have areas for campsites and hotels for you to stay. Many may be close enough to home for a day or weekend trip.
Some popular parks include:
- Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
- Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve, Alaska
- Fire Island National Seashore, New York
- Buffalo National River, Arkansas
- Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
- Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
- Death Valley National Park, Nevada and California
Depending on where you are, there may be state parks in your area that are open and less crowded than their national counterparts. Finding a state park near you can be a great way to venture outdoors without going too far from home.
Local beaches
If you are within driving distance of the ocean, a river, lake or other body of water, spending a day on the beach can be a relaxing way to get outside while maintaining social distance.
Before you head for the shore, be sure to check the beach for crowds. If there are more people there than you are comfortable with or you will not be able to maintain social distancing guidelines, you can find other things to do by the water including, swimming, fishing, kayaking and more. Please note, that you should always make sure that your activity aligns with local guidelines before you make your plans.
Hiking & camping
One great way to get away from the crowds and still get out of the house is to immerse yourself in nature through camping. If you don’t have camping gear already, it is easily rentable in most areas. Getting out for calming walks or invigorating hikes can be the perfect way to put the stress of everyday life behind you without going too far from home.
There are state and national parks with campsites around the U.S. as well as privately-held areas. Spend some time looking for places you might enjoy in the great outdoors in your state or near loved ones you want to visit.
Still have questions? Contact our Customer Success Team to learn more.
