Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

We know you’re yearning to get out of town—to visit with loved ones, relax on a beach or hit the road in search of new adventures. Hotels and vacation rentals are working hard to offer a safer travel experience. Here is our advice on traveling smarter and safer, as well as what you can expect from many Travelocity hotels and vacation rentals upon arrival.

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Traveling smarter

Whether your next trip is for leisure or business, here are some tips to keep in mind during the planning process:

• Do your research Particularly around travel advisories and restrictions for certain home cities and destinations, which may include, among other things, on-arrival quarantine, preclusions on non-essential travel, requirements or changes in visa-approval protocols. An interactive country-by-country list of air travel restrictions and advisories can be found here.
• Look for flexibility Filter search results for penalty-free and flexible cancellation policies.
• Understand travel insurance If you have travel insurance, make sure you know what it covers.
• Stay close Consider staying close to home and exploring drivable destinations.
• Pack PPE Pack personal protective equipment, including masks and sanitizer.
• Stay informed Learn about new and updated cleanliness and safety measures being taken by our hotel and airline partners.
• Ask questions If you have questions about an existing Travelocity itinerary, visit the Customer Service Portal for assistance.

Traveling safer

We’ve compiled a list of travel guidelines from health organizations around the world (such as the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control) to help you consider measures you should take to help reduce health risks when you travel. Please review all information that you need to protect yourself. The below list is not exhaustive.

• Wash your hands often Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wear a mask Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or soap and water, before putting on a mask.Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or face covering and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
• Coughing and sneezing etiquette If you are not wearing a mask, cover your mouth or nose with a flexed elbow or use disposable tissue and discard immediately after use. Clean hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water after coughing or sneezing.
• Social distancing Maintain at least 6 feet or 2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) distance between yourself and others.
• Avoid traveling if unwell If you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, a sore throat or have seen recent changes in taste or smell, medical professionals recommend you not travel. If you get sick in-trip, stay home and follow the advice of local officials.
• Anticipate travel needs Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip, ensure you keep medication in original packaging with label intact, and have prescription paperwork with you if traveling internationally. Consider packing enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it within easy reach; but remember some airports or airlines may have limitations on volume of liquids you can carry. Bring a cloth face covering or mask to wear in public places. Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed; but remember some airlines may limit your ability to carry food and beverages onboard.

Hotels

• Daily disinfection Above and beyond typical cleaning, some properties are disinfecting spaces several times a day and visibly labelling sanitized high-touch items such as remote controls and light switches for your peace of mind.
• Hand sanitizer stations By installing hand sanitizer stations in high traffic areas such as elevators or lobbies, some properties give you more opportunities to keep hands clean and germ free. However, we still encourage you to bring your own personal supply of sanitization wipes if possible.
• Spacing out stays Some properties are reducing potential exposure by temporarily shutting down rooms or vacation rental properties between guest visits so they can take additional safety measures.
• New room access options Say goodbye to returning keys—some properties are switching to single use room key access, or keyless entry via smart phone apps to increase your safety from the moment you enter to the moment you exit your room to minimize interaction with staff.
• Contactless experiences and social distancing Touchless transactions, including contactless check-in, paperless checkout and custom room service delivery may be adopted to minimize your interaction with others. Some properties are placing floor markers at elevator banks, check-in and concierge desks and in other common areas to promote social distancing while you wait.
• Staff precautions Staff are focusing on staying safe, with many properties providing additional hygiene training and personal protective equipment such as disposable masks and gloves. Some properties now have their own cleanliness programs, which in many cases are available for review on their site.
• Food offerings Many venues have switched to grab-and-go style offerings, so they can still start guests’ days off right. You may also find buffets now have staff serving food.
• Monitoring pools, gyms and common spaces In some cases, pools and gyms are reopening—with staff cleaning of lounge chairs, tabletops, pool toys and gym equipment between guest use so you can still enjoy all they have to offer.
• Concierge services Many of our hotel concierge partners are implementing social distancing measures and using Perspex screens while interacting with guests, as well as requiring staff to wear personal protective gear as they work with you to schedule activities upon arrival at the hotel.

Vacation rentals

• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting products Some vacation rental homeowners and property managers may provide hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap products at property entry points and key areas and will also encourage hand-washing regularly. We also encourage you to bring your own personal supply of sanitizing wipes if possible.
• Social distancing and contactless experiences In many cases, the check-in and check-out process for vacation rentals will be contactless and noted on the property details page.
• Training for housekeeping professionals Many vacation rental property managers are providing or requiring training for their housekeeping staff around enhanced cleaning procedures, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches and furniture.
• Spacing out stays Many properties are extending the time between guest stays to allow enough time for cleaning and disinfection.

Traveling, especially in the time of COVID-19, has inherent risk. Our goal is to provide the best information available to help you make informed choices and stay safe during your travels. But, we can’t promise that this information is perfect. We don’t fly planes, clean hotel rooms, or have an army of inspectors to independently verify all the information provided by our suppliers. Nor are we experts in virology, public policy, or sanitation protocols. And we do not know anything about any underlying situation or health conditions. Please consult reputable sources, like the WHO and the CDC, and make your own determination about whether travel at this time is right for you. Expedia Group disclaims all liability for COVID-19 and other travel hazards.