Your ultimate guide to travel in the US in 2021
  • Vaccinations are on the rise, and there’s hope that 2021 will be filled with travel.
  • Insider rounded up the top tips for traveling across the US this year.
  • From which places are open to which activities are less risky, here’s what to know about US travel.
  • Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

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.

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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:

Airlines don’t plan to block middle seats, but here’s what fully vaccinated people should know before hopping on a plane

Is it safe to travel? Here’s what experts say you should know about risks associated with flying, booking hotels or Airbnbs, renting cars, and more

I flew on 7 US airlines, and the best to fly during the pandemic is still abundantly clear. Delta is handling 2021 the best.

A health expert says you can travel after the first dose of Pfizer’s or Moderna’s vaccine, but you should still avoid crowds

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:

This handy interactive map shows every destination around the US and the world open to American travelers right now

12 of the most isolated destinations to visit across the US, according to RV and bus owners

An interactive map shows where you can travel right now depending on your location and vaccination status

Video: CDC relaxes mask guidelines for vaccinated people outdoors (ABC News)

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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

It’s going to be a ‘hot vax summer,’ but maybe not for Airbnb renters

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.

Read more:

6 tips for planning travel in 2021, according to travel experts, infectious-disease doctors, and industry trends

You’ll need to be vaccinated if you want to take a cruise, but you don’t need the COVID-19 vaccine for all travel – yet

New York launched a COVID-19 digital vaccination passport that will let people attend concerts and sports games. Madison Square Garden is among the venues using it.

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

An expert guide on what activities are safe for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, from hugging to indoor dining

Is skiing safe right now? Here are the risk factors to weigh and precautions to take, according to an infectious-disease doctor and a ski-resort representative

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

Thinking of traveling abroad? See our ultimate guide for international travel in 2021 here.

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