Editorial note: This post was originally posted on March 1, 2019 with updates nearly every day for two to three weeks as new developments emerged as we learned more about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and when travel was essentially banned worldwide. Keeping this article posted for future historical reference so please reference the CDC website for latest information.
Real question: Any recommendations on where to travel since my flight to Italy was cancelled because of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Real answer: Don’t travel. I don’t have the expertise to offer any recommendations because the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is such a fluid situation and there are too many unknowns at this time. Essentially, don’t travel so we can flatten the curve and slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is one of the reasons we’ve canceled our trip to Austria in May. Some of my full-time digital nomad travel blogger friends are more concerned about being quarantined so they are watching developments closely. In fact, one blogger that I collaborated with recently is stuck on a cruise ship in South America as no port will allow them to dock. You can read her story here.
This post contains links to products and services. While you will not accrue any additional costs to support my blog, I may – as a marketing affiliate – receive compensation if you link to or purchase products and services from places such as Amazon, Bluehost, Constant Contact, It’s a Lovely Life, HotelsCombined, etc. All images taken by kmf are available for digital download.
In fact, the border shutdown happened to one of my full-time digital nomad friends, Wendy, from Wendy in the World / Robinson Family Travels. She, along with her husband and toddler son, are not able to leave Poland as the country has closed its borders for two weeks as well as all pubs, restaurants, clubs, bars and malls. They even had to find a new place to stay when their original Airbnb unit was quarantined. So if you’re wondering if this situation is real, it is. I invite you to follow Robinson Family Travels on Facebook for her pragmatic perspective. Wendy also provides some much-needed levity among the seriousness.
One recommendation I can share is to stay up-to-date by following reputable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). You can sign up for COVID-19 updates from the CDC (once on the page, scroll down to enter your email address).
For all travel-related questions, check with CDC and your airlines / hotels / cruise lines, etc. about their travel advisories, alerts and cancellation policies. Here are a few links for your convenience.
- Airbnb
- American Airlines
- American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Cruise Lines International Association
- Delta Airlines
- Disney Cruise Line
- Homeaway
- KLM Airlines
- Mall of America
- Minnesota Department of Health – Information for Travelers
- National Restaurant Association
- Royal Caribbean
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
- U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs
- VRBO
To slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) into the United States, CDC is working with state and local public health partners to implement after-travel health precautions.
Those arriving from countries with widespread, ongoing transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19) are asked to stay home for 14 days. For the latest updates on post-travel precautions, visit the CDC website.
As a Twin Cities-based travel blogger, many of my Minnesota staycation posts focus on all the great things to do at the Mall of America (MOA). The megamall, located in Bloomington, Minn., attracts millions of visitors from around the world. The Mall of America is currently closed through March 31, 2020. Check the Mall of America website for updates.
To help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered most public accommodations to close beginning March 17 at 5 p.m., and continuing until March 27 at 5 p.m. As this is a fluid situation, visit the Minnesota State Department website for the latest information.
Here’s a pdf of the coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
What can I do to help?
As recommended by the CDC, the best way to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus (COVID-19) is to:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Are you tired of singing Happy Birthday? Try these alternative songs.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Do your own social distancing.
We received a group text today from our neighbors offering to provide help if anyone needs it (even if someone needs toilet paper). And, of course, everyone stepped up to help if and when needed. Check in with your neighbors via text of phone. Avoid unnecessary traveling; stay home if at all possible. This is not fear-mongering. It’s about being a good citizen and a kind neighbor. Even though you may be healthy, it’s possible you could pass the coronavirus (COVID-19) along to someone else who is not as healthy. Social distancing can help yourself, your family and others while we navigate the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
This is the best explanation I’ve seen on why and how social distancing will help minimize the spread of the coronoavirus (COVID-19).
How to support local businesses
To support your local businesses as we practice social distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), consider ordering carryout and/or online gift cards.
I’ll continue to update this post with links and information to any new information I learn from other travel destinations. Please visit the CDC and WHO sites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This post contains recommended links to products and services. While you will not accrue any additional costs to support my blog, kmfiswriting.com, I may receive compensation if you purchase these products and services
Thanks for sharing the link to our story about being stranded at sea. We are lucky to be aboard a luxury ship and have no virus onboard. But we still do not have a firm plan or timeline to get docked at a port. Hoping for Miami in 4 or more day. But who knows with things changing daily.
So happy to know your ship and passengers are all healthy. I hope you get to dock in Miami and make it home safely soon. Take care!