Your ultimate guide to travel in the US in 2021
With vaccinations ramping up across the US, people are itching to explore new places.
While many people are optimistic about traveling in 2021, there are still a variety of things to consider before, during, and after a trip.
Insider rounded up everything you need to know about traveling domestically this year.
Consider the risks involved with traveling
Assessing your group's vaccination status is helpful. Travel is less risky for fully vaccinated people than unvaccinated people who can contract and spread the virus.
Different modes of transportation have varying levels of risk — for example, trips in cars and RVs may be safer than flying if members of the group are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Read more:
Decide where you want to go
Deciding where you want to go can inform how you'll get there and what your trip will entail.
Research the destinations you're interested in visiting. Cities and states are approaching the pandemic differently and have varying restrictions.
Tools like United Airlines' interactive map show travelers in real time what restrictions and requirements look like in different places.
Read more:
12 of the most isolated destinations to visit across the US, according to RV and bus owners
Figure out where you want to stay
You're not the only one planning to travel this year. Travel is on the verge of a booming comeback, Insider previously reported.
Car and RV rentals are on the rise, and some Airbnb rentals have surged, so it might be smart to book your trip well in advance. And consider the different safety precautions for hotel and home rentals.
Read more:
Which is safer during the pandemic, Airbnb or hotels? Here's what doctors and the CDC say
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Millennials are flocking to RVs like never before during the pandemic, new data suggests
Before your trip, prepare your documents
Trips take more planning in a pandemic, so be prepared.
Vaccination passports won't be federally mandated, but certain locations like Hawaii and California require visitors to bring a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination or quarantine at the time of writing. Places like concert halls and sporting venues also have requirements, so it's worth checking before you go.
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Plan your activities
Many restaurants, museums, and businesses remain closed or are operating at lower capacities. That means aspects of your trip might look different.
You should continue to take precautions even if you're fully vaccinated. Health experts have previously told Insider that vaccinated travelers should continue to avoid crowded indoor settings. So opt for empty museums and isolated hikes instead of packed bars and concerts.
Read more:
The CDC's new mask guidance explained in 2 handy charts — one for outdoors, one for indoors
Plan your return
While vacations typically end the moment you get home, there are still risks and precautions to consider once you're back from a trip.
Depending on where you live, you might need a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to skip a mandatory quarantine. And if you're an unvaccinated traveler, you should consider quarantining or getting tested once you're home.
Read more:
You don't need to quarantine after traveling if you're vaccinated, health experts say, but you should still take precautions