With memories of quarantine and isolation fresh in American’s memories, more people will be traveling this summer than in recent years. According to Travel Pulse, 63% of Americans plan on traveling domestically or internationally. Over 50% of domestic travel plans will be near water and 36% at or near national parks.
(originally published June 2022)
While extended weekends are still the most popular vacation length, 38% of Americans plan a summer trip between five and seven days. Over 20% intend on making their vacations longer than a week.
Wellness Is a Priority
No matter where people are headed, 98% of summer travelers intend on making wellness a priority during their vacation. They’re eager to reconnect with family and friends focusing on health and revitalization. Most vacation-goers plan on being active – hiking, swimming, sightseeing – and unplugging from digital devices.
International Travel
International travel rates are expected to rise sharply, with European destinations like Paris, Dublin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam topping the list. In Central and South America, Rio de Janeiro, Costa Rica, and Belize remain popular destinations. For travelers headed to the African continent, Cairo, Marrakesh, and Morocco are favorites.
Emergencies and Unexpected Events
You want to enjoy your summer vacation and return home safe and sound. Unfortunately, injuries and illness happen, including loss of life. The financial and logistical burden of dealing with a death away from home can be staggering. You can reduce the stress of the unexpected by making preplanned arrangements with an additional transportation option.
All ShareLife providers offer the option of transportation back to your home/chosen funeral home location with an Away From Home Assurance plan. The plan covers the expense and logistics of transporting your body if the unexpected were to occur while traveling 75 miles or more away from home. Give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind.
Learn more about Away From Home Assurance plans or find a ShareLife provider near you to sign up now.
Summer Travel Checklist – Ready for anything
Tips to keep you safe when you travel out of the area this summer.
COVID-19 Precautions
As of this date, mandatory masks on U.S. public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs are no longer in effect.
However, there may be different requirements based on international, tribal, and territorial restrictions. The Mayo Clinic updates this COVID-19 hot spot map if you’re traveling within the United States. If you’re leaving the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides global guidelines and updates.
What to Pack:
- Masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable gloves
- Proof of vaccination
What to Know:
The CDC recommends that you:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth indoors (including in airports and airplanes) when social distancing isn’t possible. This precaution is especially for older people, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
- Check COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements at your destination before leaving.
- Avoid travel if you test positive for COVID-19, are awaiting test results, have symptoms, or have had close contact with someone infected by the virus and are recommended to quarantine.
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster, depending on your vaccination status.
- You may need to show a negative COVID-19 test for your return trip to the U.S.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you from paying hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for a postponed or canceled trip. It also helps pay for medical care if you become ill or injured, particularly far from home.
What to Pack
- Travel Insurance Plan Details
- Copy of Travel Insurance (kept separately)
- Contact information for filing claims
What to Know
The best travel insurance policies should reimburse you 100% for money lost in pre-paid, non-refundable deposits due to:
- COVID-19 and other illnesses
- Transportation issues
- Bad weather
- A natural or manmade disaster
- Death of a family member
- Change of plans
Essential Documents
Avoid potential security risks and bring essential documents for your trip. Health crises and other emergencies may arise while you’re out of the area, so you must have what you need for identification, medical, and legal purposes.
What to Pack
- Driver’s License
- Passport and Travel Visa (if applicable)
- Travel Itinerary Details
- Tickets for Events
- Emergency Contact Information List
- Lists of medications and allergies
What to Know
Check the U.S. Department of State website for travel advisories and precautions related to COVID-19, civil unrest, and other current conditions. Contact the nearest American embassy or consulate if you experience an emergency overseas – including someone in your party passing away – click here for an alphabetized list.
The State Department does not cover the expense of transporting Americans who pass away abroad back to the U.S. People who frequently travel to other countries may wish to prearrange for transportation with their end-of-life plans.
To help you make the most of your trip, download our free Summer Travel Checklist.