STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Traveling over the past two years has been difficult for many Americans, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic prompting safety concerns and resulting in ever-changing travel restrictions from both the state and federal governments.

However, as more and more Americans get vaccinated, fears of contracting, spreading and becoming severely ill from the coronavirus have started to subside, with many eager to return to their annual vacations.

With that in mind, AAA has released a list of 2022 travel tips to help prepare Americans for their trips, whether they’re traveling by air, land or sea.

“So far this year, flight cancellations, wintery weather and the COVID-19 omicron variant have all combined to create the perfect storm for travelers,” said Ellen Edmonds of AAA. “However, AAA’s travel advice makes it possible to travel in the pandemic without losing your mind or your money.”

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

Regardless of where you’re going and how you’re getting there, the coronavirus is still a threat, and travelers should pack with that in mind, ensuring that they have multiple high-quality masks and an adequate supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

While you may be traveling with your vaccine card, there’s always a chance that it could be misplaced. To safeguard yourself from being denied entry to a place that requires vaccination, travelers should carry some digital documentation of their vaccine card on their phone, whether that be a photo of the card itself or a virtual card, like New York’s Excelsior Pass.

It’s also important for travelers to keep up-to-date on their destination’s current coronavirus restrictions. Most importantly, whether a negative coronavirus test is required before arrival or returning home. If a test is required, AAA encourages travelers to schedule an appointment well in advance of the trip to make sure they have their results within the required timeframe.

Travelers may also want to notify their credit card providers of their plans, which decreases the likelihood that their cards will be frozen due to suspicious activity.

AIRLINES

Those traveling by air should brace themselves for possible delays and cancellations, with crew shortages associated with the pandemic impeding many airlines’ abilities to run all scheduled flights in recent weeks.

Should travelers find themselves in such a situation, there are federal laws in place to ensure that they’re either accommodated on a later flight or issued a full refund for their ticket.

For travelers looking to avoid any delays or cancellations, their best bet is to take the earliest flight possible, according to AAA.

“Book the first flight in the morning. Because of how routes are planned and crews set up, early morning flights are less susceptible to encountering problems from cancelations or delays,” Edmonds said.

Travelers should also consider checking into their flights online 24 hours in advance and signing up for mobile alerts from their airline so they’re immediately notified of any changes to their flight.

ROAD TRIPS

For those hitting the road, it’s important to make sure that their vehicle is prepared for the journey ahead. Road trippers should ensure that their oil has been changed, their tires are properly inflated and that their windshield wipers are in working order in the event of rain or snow.

When traveling during the winter months, it’s important for drivers to keep their cars well-stocked with certain items in case they get stranded during a heavy snowstorm.

This includes: jackets, blankets, hats and gloves to keep warm; water and non-perishable food items to stay hydrated and well-fed; a cellphone charger; an ice scraper or snow brush, and road flares or emergency markers to signal for help.

Should travelers find themselves temporarily stranded on the side of the road, AAA encourages drivers to stay in their car as much as possible to avoid falling or being struck by another vehicle.

In these situations, make sure to only run your car sporadically, as leaving it on for too long with the windows closed could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

CRUISES

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising travelers to avoid cruises, there are still some Americans planning to hit the high seas.

Those travelers are strongly recommended to plan their trip with a travel agent who can offer them a better idea of what to expect onboard and while docked in port.

Many popular onboard activities and shore excursions may be modified or unavailable due to the pandemic, and new safety protocols, like coronavirus testing or daily health assessments, may be in place.

Should travelers have to postpone a cruise, AAA advises them to do so as early as possible for the best rescheduling options.

“Demand is already pent up, and dates will book up fast as conditions improve,” Edmonds said.

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Originally Appeared Here