At wits end from having coronavirus delay or cancel the trips of my carefully planned travel heavy 2020, I was determined not to be thwarted again. So late last month (Oct. 2020), I took off for Mexico! A “pro” travel article in the New York Times a few weeks before my trip assuaged my light doubt and guilt. (I ignore the adjacent “con” article). So if you’re wondering how leisure travel is at this time or tempted by cheap hotel and airfare pricing, read on!

Planes 

Some flights had middle seats kept open (I just read this will most likely stop January 2021 for the few airlines still doing it); some were packed (fewer available flights due to fewer travelers). Most flights loaded the planes back to front and handed us a sanitizing wipe as we entered; brilliant! Although (at least Delta) there is about a 20-minute sanitizing process between flights that (per the flight attendant that sat next to me on one flight) does even include seat belts, tray tables, screens, etc., I would rather be safe than sorry and wipe down everything I’ll touch.

Boarding times seemed to start 45 minutes out rather than the typical 30. Masks are mandatory for passengers and crew. I was amused to see a couple of passengers during my 6 flights sporting hardware store rubber goggles in addition to their masks! About half my flights deterred crowding during disembarking by announcing who could stand and exit by rows front to back.

Airports 

I’ve read a few things that stress that there’s no need for concern about the planes since the HEPA filters and mask mandates make for a very low chance of virus transmission. The guy monitoring the post-TSA pre-terminals walk-by infrared people scanner at one airport smiled under his mask as I said, “Cool!” At some airports, there were declaration of health forms—either paper or online via my phone’s browser—that I was required to complete before going into TSA. Every other seat or so in the flight gates waiting areas was stickered off to encourage social distancing, but be prepared…TSA stations and other spots like fast food waiting lines will tend to bunch up and not space out 6 feet.

In Atlanta, most restaurants in my terminal were closed! So bring some snacks just in case, or be prepared to have a sandwich & chips from an airport Hudson store like I did. I only had my temp taken once between destinations and that was when I walked off the plane at my first international connection.

Hotels

It’s a good idea to bring your own alcohol-based or antibacterial wipes to clean all common surfaces in your hotel. Some upscale hotels may provide a mask if you forgot or lost yours, but best to bring your favorite with you.

Cities

Due to spikes in case numbers, unexpected government decrees caused both of the cities I visited (Guadalajara & Mexico City) went into weekend lockdowns. While one didn’t affect me, the other closed pretty much everything but gas stations, drug stores, (hospitals etc.), and very small grocery stores—Ubers were even forbidden. My city tour (Tripadvisor) was canceled a couple of days before its date and is set to be refunded. Watch for all your refunds (and anything special you need to do on your end that may initiate the refund); even though the email I got said my refund was issued, when it never arrived I found out that there was a system issue, and had I not called, I probably never would have gotten the refund.

During the day, national guard type officers armed with semi-automatic rifles were present on some of the popular streets of Guadalajara to encourage people to stay home and sometimes made announcements to that effect over patrolling vehicle loudspeakers. But despite walking past them, my friend and I were never sent home. Most people wore masks, especially indoors. Upon entry, some bars and restaurants either issue a squirt of hand sanitizer and/or took my temp. A hot springs water park I visited had the most elaborate screening system: taking my temp, giving me hand sanitizer, and sending me through a full body walk-through box that sprayed me all over with disinfectant of some sort.

Before You Book

Before you buy airfare or pay for any tours, definitely do some online searching to see if the borders to your international destination are open for tourism and if they require any covid test (before entry) or quarantine period (upon arrival.) More at-risk travelers should buy window seats to reduce exposure to other passengers. Be aware if you’re flying pretty much any other airline than Southwest that you will most likely incur a change fee (think $150) if you reschedule your trip. Finally, I think it’s a good idea to hit up a public coronavirus station for a test when you return, just in case.

So if travel is in your blood and your wanderlust is reaching a frenzied peak, know there is hope for doing a trip. Just be a little flexible, plan for periods of staycation while at your destination, and be prepared for changes along the way. After all, it’s still better than sitting at home!

More info from Scott’s Cheap Flights