How to Plan a COVID-Safe Summer Vacation in 2022

With the kids getting out of school, many families are ready to embark on the long-awaited summer vacations. Most pandemic travel restrictions have been lifted despite increasing COVID-19 cases.

Here’s what you should know about traveling this summer, including logistics and tips to stay safe.

Travel and Vaccination Status

COVID-19 cases are rising again due to a surge in Omicron infections. In the second half of May, an average of 100,000 daily cases were recorded, up from 40,000 in April, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, hospitalization and death rates remain low.

Most of the previously mandated COVID rules are still lifted, and people are free to travel without wearing a mask or showing their proof of vaccination.

But vaccination status—especially among young kids—remains a top concern. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to authorize a COVID vaccine for children younger than 5, leaving mixed emotions for parents traveling with unvaccinated infants and children.

“I’m hesitant to fly with my infant son, especially now that masks are not required,” Melissa Larkin, a parent to three children, including a six-month-old, told Verywell. “I don’t want to risk a COVID exposure while he is this young. We will stick to outdoor activities this summer.”

While some parents are worried about their family’s vaccination status, others are not too concerned about traveling this summer.

“I’m not letting COVID affect our summer plans,” Donna Reese, a grandmother to five children under the age of 10, told Verywell. “Our kids are unvaccinated and we are not worried about the delay in vaccines. Many have had COVID and it was so mild that we didn’t even know they were ill.”

For parents traveling with unvaccinated children, planning ahead and choosing a destination with low to moderate COVID transmission rates is key.

To Fly or Not to Fly

Since the CDC mask mandate was thrown out by the court in April, people are no longer required to wear face masks on planes or public transit, except in certain places like New York City.

While passengers can decide what's best for them, a previously built-in safety measure for air travelers is no longer there. Some travelers celebrated the removal of mask mandates, but others may be less comfortable with flying.

Currently, major airlines also do not require proof of vaccination for people traveling domestically. Many countries, including New Zealand and Australia, are reopening their borders to U.S. citizens but may require proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test.

The CDC strongly recommends full vaccination before traveling, especially internationally. All people flying into the U.S., including U.S. citizens, will be required to show a negative COVID test result before boarding a U.S.-bound flight. Purchasing a COVID travel insurance policy may help offset some additional costs if you do end up having to postpone your return trip due to COVID-19.

Is It Safe to Cruise?

With updated COVID guidelines, many cruise ships are setting sail once again.

If you are planning on taking a cruise this summer, be mindful of safety precautions. COVID and other infectious diseases can easily spread among people in close quarters.

If you test positive for COVID or develop symptoms while onboard, you will have to be isolated according to the cruise line and public health protocols.

After your cruise, it is recommended to get a COVID test as a precaution three to five days after returning regardless of your vaccination status.

When to Cancel a Trip

You may plan the perfect vacation only to end up canceling because someone gets sick. While postponing a long-awaited trip can be disappointing and inconvenient, there are times when it is unsafe to travel.

The CDC recommends holding off on travel under the following circumstances:

• You have COVID symptoms 
• You recently tested positive for COVID (avoid traveling for 10 days after the start of symptoms or the date of a positive test)
• You are waiting on the results of a COVID test
• You recently had close contact with someone with COVID
  

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.