Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by rida
Are you looking to venture into the great outdoors of Washington State? Take your pick from beaches, lakes, and mountains.
Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or purely for business, don’t go unprepared. Keep these tips from explorewashingtonstate.com in mind.
1. Check travel restrictions
Governor Jay Inslee advises Washingtonians and other visitors to comply with the Center for Disease Control’s current COVID-19 travel advisory guidance. If you need to travel, make sure to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and other people.
CDC guidance includes:
- If eligible, get a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Prior to travel, get a viral test 1 to 3 days before your scheduled departure.
- Always wear a mask when in public.
- Avoid crowded places and star at least 2 meters from anyone who’s not traveling with you.
If you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can travel within the United States and don’t need to undergo COVID-19 testing or post-travel self-quarantine. This is as long as they continue to take precautions while traveling to prevent the spread of COVID-19: avoid crowds, wear a mask, and sanitize or wash hands frequently.
However, all air passengers traveling to the United States are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documents proving recovery before boarding the flight. Masks are still mandatory on planes, trains, and all other forms of public transportation.
For more detailed information, you can visit this website.
2. Protect your identity
When you travel to Washington State, it’s important to safeguard your identity the same as how you would with valuables. Thieves are likely to target personal information as your expensive gadgets.
- Pack only the things you need – Leave checkbooks and spare credit cards at home or in any safe place like a rented security box.
- Make copies of essential documents – Make sure you have copies of your Passport, medical certificates, prescriptions, etc. Also, list your traveler’s check serial numbers, credit and bank account numbers, along with customer service numbers in case of fraud.
- Don’t put your home address on the luggage tag – Instead, use a business card and place it in your luggage tag. A thief won’t be able to rib your home if he doesn’t know your address.
- Clean up your gadgets – Don’t forget to delete sensitive information on your laptop and smartphones. Also, update the security software of your computer and protect it with log-in passwords.
3. Safeguard your money
When touring around Washington State, wearing a money belt to store cash and credit cards beneath your clothes can help thwart pickpockets. If available, you can also use the hotel safe and only carry what you need.
A credit card gives better fraud protection than debit cards. Shady merchants can steal your credit card information and use your account. Good thing, most banks now extend zero liability for customers who experienced unauthorized charges or transactions.
4. Always be alert
Be wary of your surroundings. If someone accidentally bumps into you and spills something, check your pockets for anything missing. Also, use your body or your hand to block strangers’ view of your pin at the ATM.
Although people are discouraged from going out to protect public health, thieves may still try to do their dirty work. It’s easy to spot a thief now due to social distancing, so be wary of anyone trying to get too close to you.
Lastly, when you search for things online, such as lovely places to visit in Seattle or top tourist spots in Washington, make sure to use secure internet sites. Look for those with https:// and avoidsharing private information over hotspot unless there’s no other option.
5. Confirm your options for transport
There are many restrictions in Washington State because of the pandemic, and some public transport may be limited to safeguard public health. Even if you’re confident because you’re fully vaccinated, try renting a car. It’s safer and the best way to see what Washington has to offer.
You can reach more natural spectacles in remote areas and fully appreciate regions like the Olympic Peninsula. Remember that Washington is a huge state, so don’t forget to keep your gas tank full.
- Maps – Washington maps are widely available at tourist information centers and some gas stations throughout the region. You can also get a free map of Washington by calling the Washington State Tourism Office.
- Car Breakdown Assistance – In case of a breakdown, stay with your car and lift the hood. Turn on your emergency flashers and patiently wait for a police patrol car to rescue you.
Travel with Care
With physical distancing, masks, and required quarantine for 10 days — traveling during the pandemic is indeed quite different from the usual. Gone are the days where you don’t need to get tested prior to international travel.
But even if travelers will go through a lot of health and safety procedures before reaching the state of Washington, your visit will definitely be nothing short of fascinating. It’s not just the attractions and remarkable history you can look forward to, but also wonders of nature that’ll make you glad you got vaccinated in the first place and went to visit Washington.
Read more: New COVID-19 Safety Amenities Hotels Provide For Their Guests
