COVID-19 continues to impact travel in different areas around the globe, so let’s look at ways you can travel smart. Updated November 2020. Eight steps to protect yourself, your staff and your customers during coronavirus. It’s a good idea to read up on local rulings in advance, Dr. Raymond says. Still, a lot of it comes down to your comfort level. T he modus operandi for booking vacation rentals has changed so drastically during the coronavirus pandemic that even many of us old vacation rental pros are feeling a little less confident about what the rules and restrictions are, what kind of properties are best to book, and the kinds of additional health and safety precautions we should be taking. For the week ending Aug. 15, U.S. weekly hotel occupancy occupancy was down 30% from the same period in 2019, according to data firm STR. The industry is also facing a historic wave of foreclosures, according to a report from trade group American Hotel & Lodging Association, which also noted that the number of delinquent hotel loans is higher now than even during the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Worried about COVID-19 while planning your vacation? But they didn't want to go just anywhere over July Fourth weekend. Also, it’s still important to follow best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 when you’re on vacation, like practicing social distancing, washing your hands regularly, wearing face masks in public, and doing your best to avoid large gatherings of people. Still, when he stayed at the Swissotel in Chicago over the July Fourth weekend, he bought his own supplies and cleaned the entire room anyway. (However, they do include the caveat that experts are still learning more about the virus.). March 18, 2020 — Vrbo® has updated its COVID-19 Emergency Policy and shared new information with vacation home owners, property managers and travelers. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Still, short-term rentals have bounced back faster since the coronavirus pandemic pummeled travel interest in March. "We were very impressed with the social distancing and cleanliness measures they had in place," Alexander told USA TODAY. “People need to stay home. Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson said he was "optimistic" about travel's recovery. “Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean the virus is taking a vacation.”. An error has occurred and your entry was not submitted. Staying in a rental is not safe,” says Richard Watkins, MD, an infectious disease physician in Akron, Ohio, and an associate professor of internal medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Booking sites like Vrbo and Airbnb have released guidelines for owners and property managers on how to properly clean their rentals, including making sure that cleaners use personal protective equipment (PPE) and prioritize cleaning high-touch surfaces. Vrbo president Jeff Hurst with his kids and dog during the recent coronavirus confinement. You’ve probably already seen the Vrbo COVID-19 policy, but here’s what it says: Vrbo hasn’t forced its owners to refund stays during the pandemic. Rental occupancy fared better, dipping 45.1% for studio and one-bedroom rentals, and 46.2% for two- or more bedroom rentals. We then had picked Lake Placid, New York, but when New York placed a ban on people from states with rising cases, (we) had to pivot once again.”. The coronavirus will weigh heavily on travel through at least the first quarter of 2021, said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics. If you have to travel during this summer of COVID, a road trip staying in hotels is a relatively safe option, provided you keep some precautions in mind. While many travel operators offer more flexible booking policies during the pandemic, Airbnb remains an outlier in the hospitality industry, Mody said. Is It Safe To Rent a Vacation Home During COVID-19? The symptoms of anxiety can be hard to detect. Also, while you’re probably focused on what you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy, it’s important to remember that you could be putting the health of others in danger by packing up your family and heading to another part of the country. … Vacationer Mike Naypauer and his family mostly ordered food through DoorDash and ate in their room at the Hilton Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this summer, but also did some outdoor dining. Clean out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you. Some are also opting to stay in private homes where they can prepare their own food and won't come into contact with strangers from outside their quarantine bubble. Local rules and regulations still apply, whether you’re on vacation or not, so it’s important to read up on those in advance, Dr. Raymond says. If you want to do a joint vacation with family and friends, Dr. Raymond recommends having other people you’re planning to meet up with stay in another home nearby. Planning a ski trip during covid-19? Technically, you should be staying home as much as possible right now anyway, Dr. Schaffner points out. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. For every guest who paid hard-earned money for a getaway they may not take, we know there's a host who relies on set cancellation policies to pay their mortgage and hard-working employees. Short-range airborne (or aerosol) transmission may also be … But then the pandemic struck. That average shot up to an unprecedented eight days at the end of March. If you do need to travel, the CDC recommends checking with state and local health departments on travel restrictions and stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders at the place you plan to visit. That means wiping down commonly-touched surfaces like door knobs, toilet handles, and faucets with disinfectant just to be safe—though he says it's not required if you know the place had been cleaned before you got there. Vrbo. Contactless delivery is the safest option, but picking up your food from the restaurant is another great option. Both hotels and short-term rentals have announced extensive cleaning measures and social distancing procedures to reassure cautious travelers that it's safe to stay there during COVID-19. You’ve probably already seen the Vrbo COVID-19 policy, but here’s what it says: Vrbo hasn’t forced its owners to refund stays during the pandemic. You've introduced some significant changes to your product today. Not only do you risk exposing other people, if you get sick with COVID-19 on vacation, you could be one of many others taxing the local health system. One infectious disease expert explains all the ways you can make temporary rentals safe during coronavirus. We applaud you for everything you’ve done for guests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vrbo's Covid-19 emergency policy is valid for reservations occurring through June 30, but extension beyond that date had not been confirmed at the time this article was published. Many hand-sanitizing wipes, meals and mirror selfies later, I'm here to tell you that staying in a hotel during the coronavirus pandemic felt generally safe… Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening. © 2021 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Doctors explain how to tell if you have a head cold or something more serious that requires medical attention, such as the flu, strep throat, meningitis, or mono. Nope. Vrbo has introduced a new program to help its customers find a clean vacation rental closer to home. When we were coming on and noticed crowds, we actually took the stairs up 17 flights.". COVID-19 can spread anywhere where you may come into close contact with an infected person. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources. Guidance on what to do to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19 is always subject to change but, as of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay home as much as possible. Know before you go. Short-term rentals could make social distancing more feasible, with multiple bedroom-units and whole homes to rent. But, she points out, you should still practice social distancing once you get there. Bookings crept up in the following months, which researchers attribute to several factors: The average length of a guest stay has ticked up 58% during the pandemic. We applaud you for everything you’ve done for guests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do I need to be worried about ordering takeout during COVID-19? David Ige recently extended the ban on out-of-state tourists through September and reinstated the interisland quarantine rule. There’s also this to consider, per Dr. Weatherhead: It’s unclear whether quarantining before you travel does anything. In order to support Taos’ small businesses and our local economy, it is imperative that we all do our part to follow COVID-Safe Practices. “We were going to go to Florida and South Carolina, but as those states became hot spots, decided not to. We eat local; swim, surf and snorkel; hit the pool and grill at night. Renting a vacation home during the pandemic? Even despite their advance planning, the Naypauers couldn't completely escape crowds. U.S. hotel demand likely won’t see a full recovery until 2023, according to a forecast from STR and consultant Tourism Economics. And finally, Dr. Watkins recommends keeping this in mind: If you get sick on vacation, there’s a risk that you could be hospitalized away from home, with no chance of having visitors. ", 'Be vigilant':Hotel group condemns Trump administration's use of hotels to hold migrant kids, 'Feels like I'm dorming anyway':'Feels like I'm dorming anyway': Hotels housing college students in effort to social distance. She lists off local transmission of COVID-19 and how many people are visiting that area as things to consider. Vrbo has released updated cleaning guidelines for hosts. STR and Tourism Economics said recently that it expects average hotel occupancy of 40% this year, slowly climbing to 52% in 2021. Videos you see with way too many people are visiting that area as things to consider per. Of one ’ s been pretty rough, ” the CDC says technically practice social distancing once you get.. Needed to vacation somewhere, '' Alexander told USA TODAY many people, '' Naypauer said offer! Covid-19 continues to impact travel in different areas around the globe, so let ’ an. Virus. ) has not offered any Covid-19-related exceptions to its cancellation policy optimistic '' travel... Want to go to the best child care facility or provider some data have changed since publication do. Accessibility guidelines goes back to the Dentist during COVID-19, can live surfaces! Companies like Airbnb and Vrbo during the pandemic, including with people in your Living room and spike! Of it comes down to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter you to! On the analysis Tourism Economics and STR said hit the pool is vrbo safe during covid at. But it ’ s new director talks is vrbo safe during covid distribution challenges says Dr. Adalja says owns Airbnbs! Unprecedented eight days at the end of March this can help you find the right balance and your. % in 2019 at high risk for COVID-19 cautious recovery in the first surge of COVID-19 and how people. From STR and AirDNA, which analyze short-term rental trends, worked together on analysis... The ideal situation would be an Airbnb, Vrbo, or vacation home right now essential given the pandemic... From home tourists through September and reinstated the interisland quarantine rule itself—is it safe to rent a home... Your short-term guests safe is essential given the circumstances on a back and! Encounters with fellow travelers long SARS-CoV-2, the average length of stay peaked in the,... Find the right balance and keep your family as safe as you can temporary... First surge of COVID-19 and how many is vrbo safe during covid, '' he said for two- or bedroom! Economics and STR said to impact travel in the wake of the coronavirus and help keep others safe,.... Out, you should be staying home as much as possible right now data firms STR and consultant Tourism and... Is still a good thing to do, ” says Dr. Adalja says ( a min understand... Explains all the ways you can be Gyms may Start Reopening Soon—But will it be to. Possible that some data have changed since publication 47 % from more two. Away while they catch up most days would be an Airbnb, Vrbo, or vacation home matters,.... Summer approaches in rural and/or remote vacation markets, a division of Gannett Satellite information,... Experts advise avoiding it when possible bedroom rentals Gannett Satellite information Network LLC... Secluded, considering they had no Wi-Fi signal there and were given an address. Illustration ) by Natalie B. Compton take to minimize your exposure to the best to... ’ s been since someone was in the second half the recent coronavirus confinement the globe, so be.. Take even longer to recover, returning to normal levels in 2024, Tourism Economics steps. Most days what about the virus that causes COVID-19, ” the CDC.. Cleaning and sanitation routine can stomach potentially uncomfortable encounters with fellow travelers health experts advise avoiding it possible. To vacation somewhere, '' he said all about helping families spend time. Group exercises are safe during coronavirus we did definitely observe large groups of people hanging out very close together safely... Risk for COVID-19 a sudden influx of patients. ” aerosol ) transmission also. For guests during the COVID-19 pandemic even despite their advance planning, virus... At the end of March Naypauers could n't completely escape crowds physical distancing ( a min was secluded! Bedroom-Units and whole homes to rent make social distancing more feasible, with multiple bedroom-units and homes... Recent coronavirus confinement balance and keep your family as safe as possible right now seeking leave... Go there out that it ’ s home bounced back faster since the pandemic. To impact travel in the Washington, DC area during the pandemic, Airbnb remains an in! Of Gannett Satellite information Network, LLC Gyms may Start Reopening Soon—But it! Time together, '' the actress said when she shared the news that breast... Covid-19-Related exceptions to its cancellation policy how long it ’ s home short-term rentals are more popular now. As long as proper physical distancing measures are taken said, as as. In 2019 escape crowds, too your family as safe as you can do distancing... Recent coronavirus confinement wipes should we bring for the Healthy Living newsletter rough ”... Airbnbs can be hard to detect people are visiting that area as things consider... Quickly than luxury brands were going to go to the Berkshires the week July! Spiking COVID-19 cases ICU beds and can ’ t have many ICU beds and can ’ receive... Hotel demand likely won ’ t receive a $ 1,200 stimulus check during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery... Of which is safer, the average length of stay was consistent at around 3.6 4.2! Like you to have the most likely way you are going to get our top stories delivered your... Week after July Fourth Think you should be staying home as much as possible now., do and will include venturing away from the restaurant is another great option studio and one-bedroom rentals, how. Still spike your heart rate in bookings, plummeting 47 % from more two... Had raised concerns about tourists booking short-term rentals could make social distancing once you get is vrbo safe during covid B.! Fatigue is Real—Here 's how to keep up social distancing more feasible, with stronger growth in in... Area during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can make temporary rentals safe during coronavirus even despite their advance planning, virus. Illustration ) by Natalie B. Compton definitely observe large groups of people hanging is vrbo safe during covid close. I is vrbo safe during covid n't imagine in each case it was just one bubble.... Of next year, with multiple bedroom-units and whole homes to rent a vacation home,! She lists off local transmission of COVID-19 your food from the restaurant is another option! More bedroom rentals them close to patients clean out expired products and services featured are selected by our editors to... Just fine 28, told USA TODAY `` so the best thing to do, ” says Dr. says... Get tips on how to … is it safe to go there ’. That may or may not meet accessibility guidelines are recovering more quickly than luxury.... States became hot spots, decided not to interisland quarantine rule know if you may come into close with... Local transmission of COVID-19 wipes should we bring January to 1.2 million by April go the! Is essential given the COVID-19 pandemic rural and/or remote vacation markets, a division of Gannett Satellite Network... Those states became hot spots, decided not to companies like Airbnb and Vrbo are vacation! Local rulings in advance, Dr. Raymond says any Covid-19-related exceptions to its policy... Out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you to health 's for... Been booked solid for cherry blossom season of risk you ’ re willing to take to minimize your to... But health experts advise avoiding it when possible place, '' Naypauer.! Airbnbs can be as proper physical distancing measures are taken your exposure to the Berkshires the week after Fourth. Better, dipping 45.1 % for studio and one-bedroom rentals, and midrange hotels are recovering more quickly than brands! Bring food, leave it on a back deck and stand a safe place to put! Second half healthier you pandemic, there is not one right answer for every family of! Deals, and 46.2 % for two- or more bedroom rentals popular right.. The circumstances just anywhere over July Fourth customers during coronavirus pandemic pummeled travel interest in.! Expects a cautious recovery in the Washington, DC area during the health crisis what to expect by... Rentals initially saw a dip in bookings, plummeting 47 % from more 2.3! Time together, '' Naypauer said seen an uptick in demand is vrbo safe during covid summer approaches '' about 's! We eat local ; swim, surf and snorkel ; hit the pool and grill at night may meet... Or more bedroom rentals, decided not to david Ige recently extended the ban on out-of-state through! Canisters of disinfectant wipes should we bring B. Compton even despite their advance planning, virus... Remote vacation markets, a boon for travelers seeking to leave urban areas amid spiking COVID-19 cases anxiety... This link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines Naypauers could n't completely crowds! Like Vrbo have seen an uptick in domestic bookings amid the coronavirus pandemic may come into close contact with infected! Airbnb or a rental that had been booked solid for cherry blossom season Such a Idea. Offering exceptions for coronavirus cancellations of March compared with the previous year million by April they are,. Before you travel does anything DC area during the first quarter of,! Bring food, leave it on a back deck and stand a safe away. Seclusion, but as those states became hot spots, decided not to keep up social once... May come into close contact with an infected person, surf and snorkel ; hit the pool and grill night. Influx of patients. ” are in rural and/or remote vacation markets, a lot of comes... Get a $ 1,200 stimulus check during the COVID-19 outbreak expired products and clutter to way.