WHAT TO EXPECT FLYING DOMESTICALLY IN USA / TRAVEL ESSENTIALS.

I recently travelled to Seattle this past week (oof at getting a fracture in the process), and it was a lovely getaway during these uncertain times to enjoy nature and get some fresh air! Note: This was all socially-distanced with family only, covid-tested, and to nature where many people weren't around.

Along these travels, I realized that some things I thought I needed, weren't needed at all! And some things I didn't think to bring actually made me quite sad that I didn't bring it.

Note: This is not to condone traveling during this pandemic to places high in numbers. If you are safely flying and socially distancing I definitely think nature and less densely populated areas are a great choice to travel to! I truly recommend flying with Delta, I felt immensely safe during the flight and everything was properly sanitized.

[Things I recommend to bring when traveling domestically during covid-19]

1) Your best moisturizer. So essential. Honestly, I kept thinking that any lotion of sort would do, but I realized after flying on the plane my skin got extremely dry to the point where "normal lotion" just didn't give me that full moisture to repair my skin! If you can bring a travel size that can get past carry-on security, I definitely recommend a high quality moisturizer for the plane ride and your travels!

2) Extra phone chargers. Ok, this is a given. But sometimes, you forget the necessities along the way of thinking about the small things. I completely forgot my charger, and borrowed my brother-in-laws. He actually brought three of them! Make sure your laptop, phone, and earphone chargers are ready to go and easy to access!

3) Airplane snacks that are actually filling. Right now, during Covid-19, all the restaurants and snack options are limited (most being closed at the airport). We often got hungry and couldn't find dining options. We also didn't have a lot of time between flights to buy food! Truly recommend bringing your own snacks that are filling and healthy!

4) A good book. Airplane wifi was spotty, and it was often difficult to connect to airport wifi in between transfers. When killing time, it was a lot less time-consuming and nice to get into a book. One of our flights offered movies/entertainment but it stopped working half way through the flight! I often fought through the long hours of waiting and flying with my book from Harvard Business Review.

5) An open mind. You probably know what you want to experience and eat during your travels, but during these unprecedented times everything may be slightly different from the normal. Things may be closed, and unexpected situations will occur. We would find tourist places or restaurants that were closed unexpectedly, or had different regulations due to do Covid-19.

Nearly in the beginning of our trip, I slipped on ice and got a fracture near my shoulder. It definitely pulled some of my expectations, but it also wasn't that bad given that I was able to receive health care and have my supportive family to be there with me through it. In the end, I really enjoyed my trip, and accepted what I could do through it.

It's important to keep in mind that your travels may not be the same as how you normally did things in the past. The pandemic isn't over, and society is still adjusting to keep everyone as safe as possible. With that in mind, if things chance or your schedule doesn't follow through, there's a great way to pull things through optimistically!

Some quick Q and A's:

Q: How are airports during the pandemic?

A: Honestly, I felt very safe during my entire process of flying to and from Seattle. I travelled using Delta (from Ohio), and had to switch flights in between. Each stop was clean and less crowded. Everyone socially distanced and there were markers for social distancing everywhere we went. Sanitizer was readily available, and Delta made sure to give us sanitizer each flight.

Q: How was flying during the pandemic?

A: On the flight, there weren't a lot of people, but enough that maintaining social distance was key. I had a seat open between me and my family member, and had options on where to sit. Everyone wore masks the entire flight unless eating/drinking. Overall, despite feeling a bit stuffy wearing a mask the entire time, it was fine!

Q: Are rentals/ lounges/ etc. all open?

A: It seems transportation was all working as normal, but lounges for skymiles etc. were closed for a lot of places. At the Ohio airports every restaurant was closed! I would definitely bring food with you /check the times as hours of operations have changed for a lot of places.

Q: What are some good places to travel to during covid-19?

A: I honestly don't recommend traveling unless you need to get your life back on track / get fresh air before going crazy! But if you want to, Seattle was absolutely beautiful (nature and mountains galore), and my friends have been enjoying places like North Carolina, Colorado, Utah, etc. If you can drive, I really recommend having a road trip to save your health and money! If not, there are many national parks that are currently open with social distancing measures.

With that, I hope these suggestions help you as you organize your own check list for traveling or staying safe during these times! Feel free to e-mail me at lensofestelle@gmail.com for any questions! Hope you stay safe and Happy Wednesday!