Safety. It’s on the minds of all travelers, everywhere. It’s on ours, too. That’s why we’ve pulled together this Fourth of July travel checklist—to help you think through (and prepare for) the myriad of touchpoints ahead of your journey. 

So whether you’re planning a road trip to a national park, gearing up your RV for a camping adventure, or taking your first post-lockdown flight to visit family, you’ll have what you need to stay safe this holiday weekend. 

Flying? Road tripping? Still deciding? Weigh your options with these resources so you know what to expect and how to stay safe.

▢ What flying in the U.S. looks like right now

• TL;DR: Wear a mask.

▢ What to expect when planning a road trip during a pandemic

• TL;DR: Brings lots of wipes and hand sanitizer.

▢ RV road trip routes and tips

• TL;DR: Make overnight reservations in advance.

Before you go

Knowing where you can go (and when) will help you plan a successful weekend away. Here’s what to consider before you leave on your trip:

▢ Review CDC Travel Resources, including these best practices for traveling with kids

• If you’re traveling internationally from the U.S.:
  • Review the State Department’s Travel Advisories and Traveler’s Checklist
  • Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive proactive alerts

• If you’re traveling domestically within the U.S.:
  • Check post-landing quarantine requirements by state
  • Review state and local COVID policies

▢ Check TripIt’s Neighborhood Safety Scores, which includes COVID-19 data in the Health and Medical score

▢ Review the latest TSA regulations

▢ Check directly with your departure, layover, and arrival airports for more info on:

• Temperature scans
• Medical documentation 
• Availability of shared spaces, including:
  • Lounges 
  • Nursing lounges
  • Play areas

▢ Check current security wait times:

• Consult TripIt Security Wait Times
• Consult My TSA app

▢ Stay up-to-date with travel alerts for gate changes and delays 

At your accommodations 

If you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental (like Airbnb): 

▢ Ask about sanitization policies

▢ Ask about contactless check-in and/or digital hotel keys

Planning to hit the pool? Here’s what to know:

▢ Review CDC guidance for staying safe at the pool

▢ Bring your own:

• Mask
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
• Beach towel(s)
• Pool toys and swimming gear
• Mineral sunscreen

Getting around your destination

Many cities are reopening their public transportation systems, but you may feel hesitant to ride. Here are some considerations, plus a few other options, for getting around:

▢ Research your public transportation options (such as subways, buses, and streetcars) as well as their availability

• Review current safety policies, such as mask requirements

▢ Read up on safety protocols of ride-share programs like Uber and Lyft

▢ Consider local bike-share programs:

• Check what’s available in your destination city
• Familiarize yourself with bike lanes and open streets
• Prepare to self-sanitize and wear a mask (and your own helmet) while riding

▢ Review your options for renting a car 

• Research sanitization and new pick-up/drop-off policies 

This Fourth of July, travel is going to look different. Maybe you’ll opt to plan a staycation for the three-day weekend instead. If you do decide to travel, careful preparation can help you mitigate risks. Armed with the know-how to protect you and your loved ones, you can still make this Fourth of July one to remember.