Travelling On & Beyond Thanksgiving

As the week of Thanksgiving progresses, I can describe my attitude toward life in one word… grateful. 2020 has been tough for us all but it has helped me practice gratitude and give flowers to the people in my life that are still living. I'm grateful for my health, God's provision, my family, my friends, my clients, my neighbors and even the haters (if any). I'm grateful for the shocking optimism that found a home in me despite the pandemic, racial injustices and social tension. I’m grateful for God’s grace and truly unconditional love for me. I am one hard headed child lol. I am grateful for seeing the goodness in even the darkest moments, encounters and let’s just be real… people. I’m even extremely grateful for peace of mind during current events.

This Thanksgiving, I’ve made the decision to be with my family. Despite the CDC’s recommendation to not be around folks you haven’t quarantined with. I live alone, in a whole different state and crave my siblings', mothers’, and cousins' presence. I will be travelling home for the 2nd time during this pandemic. Travelling in the C.E. (Coronavirus Era) safely is possible. I’ve been telling my friends, family and coworkers alike… COVID-19 is not going anywhere anytime soon. We have to find a new normal during C.E.. Here’s how I do it:

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Build Your Survival Bag

Use a N95 mask when travelling in enclosed public spaces (i.e. airlines, busses, trains, ridesharing cars). Unlike cloth and surgical masks, N95 masks provide 2-way protection- it protects the wearer and people around them. If you don’t have a connect, Miami-speak for a contact for said resource or service, you can invest in a cloth mask & filter. Purchase a face shield. This actually does assist with transmission of by expanding the travel distance for droplets to reach your orifices. Travel with hand sanitizer & disinfectant wipes. I will only say this once, NOTHING IS AS EFFECTIVE AS WASHING YOUR HANDS WITH WATER & SOAP. Wash your hands often and limit the use of hand sanitizer to moments when water and soap is inaccessible. You can wipe down public areas with disinfectant wipes for an additional layer of protection.

Don’t be cheap when it comes to fares.

I consider myself a frugal person but my life is worth the big bucks. Last time I flew home, I used three different airlines: United, American & Delta. As annoying as it was… I’m grateful for the nuggets to further plan my travels in E.C.. I WILL NOT BE FLYING AMERICAN AIRLINES FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. My flight was packed full, there was no social distancing or any precautions taken by the airline. I was so grateful for my PPE and cleaning supplies. I WILL BE FLYING DELTA FOR HERE ON OUT. They actually sanitize their facilities, social distance their flights and change their whole operations to minimize social touches. Yes, their flights are more expensive during C.E. but my life and your life is precious!

BONUS SHARE: Now I am frugal so I like to take advantage of any cash back expenses. I created a SkyMiles Account (which is free) and linked it to my Lyft app to get 2 flying miles per $1 spent. If you book a Delta flight, you will receive a text with instructions for C.E. Pre-travel reminders and recommendations that show you how to take advantage of this.

Get COVID-19 tested 3 days before and after your travels.

I’m grateful for having access to immediate testing. If you need to find out about COVID-19 impact where you’re travelling, click here. To find a testing site near you, click here.

What are you grateful for? How are you celebrating your Thanksgiving this year? Comment below.