With Covid test shortages, flight cancelations, and the new Omicron variant traveling can become even more stressful than ever! After some research and a flight experience, I've gathered my best tips to help you start your trip safe and relaxed!
My Travel Experience:
Today I embark on a girls trip with my Mom and sister to New York City to celebrate New Years and ring in 2022! It will be a big year for me as I will be graduating High School, starting college, and moving halfway across the country for school. We've actually never stayed in NYC for New Years, sometimes flying out on the 31st, but this year will be a new adventure and I can't wait to bring you along! Anyways, we started off the day in Wisconsin after visiting family for the holidays and made sure we were all prepared for the journey.
What's the deal with Omicron?
All the news about variant's can become confusing so here are the basics about the newest Covid variant of concern: Omicron.
Lots of Mutations: Omicron is causing such a commotion largely because of the numerous mutations in the spike protein of the virus. This is troubling because the spike protein is very basically what mRNA vaccines, like Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines, use to give you immunity. Simply, the vaccine tells cells to make a spike protein, the body recognizes that it doesn't belong, and then fights the spike protein. This 'practice round' lets your immune system recognize a mini attack so that you are better protected against a real Covid infection. However, the Omicron spike protein is so different that it is harder for our bodies to recognize it. Source
It Spreads like Wildfire: The Omicron mutations cause the virus to be very highly transmissible and a new CDC study shows that its incubation period may only be 3 days. Omicron is the dominant variant in the US. Source
Severity Hope: Although Omicron cases are rapidly growing, there is data to suggest that the symptoms are generally less severe, meaning that there are less Omicron hospitalizations and deaths proportional to cases as we saw with the Delta variant. However hospitals are nearing max capacity around the country and lives are lost to Covid daily. Source
How you can stay safe:
Traveling is tricky now but here are some easy precautions to keep yourself and others safe.
Get Vaccinated: This is incredibly important! If you are fully vaccinated against Covid, your immunity to Omicron is low but so are chances of severe infection. Kids ages 5+ can get vaccinated with Pfizer and anyone 18+ can get Moderna or J+J. Check with your doctor about any concerns.
If you are Eligible, Get Boosted: Getting boosted can significantly improve your protection against Omicron and further decrease the risk of severe infection. Anyone 16+ vaccinated over 6 months ago with either Moderna or Pfizer or over 2 months ago with J+J, can get a booster shot. You are able to get any brand of vaccine for your booster if you are age18+ or Pfizer if you are under 18. Check with your doctor about any concerns.
Wear a Good Mask: Masks are proven to reduce transmission of Covid and are required in airports so do your part and properly mask up!
Get Tested: This can be tough with testing shortage, but if you can, grab a test at your local pharmacy.
Be Careful: These small habits are always helpful!
Wash your hands
Give people space
Don't travel if you feel ill or test positive
My family masked up and had a very smooth trip through the airport, but that is not the case for most people right now. With flight crews getting Covid, many flights are being canceled and airports are full of people trying to reschedule flights so here are some tips to make your travel day smoother.
Check Your Phone: Airlines want to avoid crowds in the airports so if they know a crew is out sick you can expect an email or notification that your flight has been canceled a day or two in advance. Checking for cancelations can allow you to reschedule in the comfort of your home.
Arrive Early: Since airports are crowded with people trying to reschedule flights it may take longer to get through the airport so make your day stress free and arrive a bit early.
Have your Documents: If you are traveling internationally, make sure to have proper proof of a negative PCR test and of course your passport. Guidelines for test documentation can be found the airlines website. Regardless of where you are going, bring your identification and vaccination record as many destinations require them for specific activities.
Just as we were boarding the plane, it began to snow! This did result in a slight delay for deicing the plane but soon enough we took off! The flight was a bit turbulent due to some weather but I enjoyed listening to my 2010's music mix and working on an embroidery pattern of a Monstera deliciosa plant.
We flew into LaGuardia Airport and had an abrupt landing on the notoriously short runway. We deplaned outside on some steep plane stairs, gathered our luggage, and met our driver before settling in for the drive to the Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square.
We finally arrived at our hotel, checked in, and found some fabulous treats waiting for us in both rooms! We had milk & chocolate chip cookies, fresh fruit, and two trays of pistachios, chocolates, and various chocolate covered strawberries. My favorite were the white chocolate and toasted coconut dipped strawberry. Yum! After a long day of travel we were hungry for some food, so were DoorDashed Serafina to the Knickerbocker! I ordered the Cacio E Pepe pasta which was very good but super buttery which was a bit rich for my taste. I ended up finishing off my mom's meal of Farfalle al Limoncello which was bowtie noodles, tomatoes, a light cream sauce, and shrimp. Very tasty!
I ended the day enjoying the view of Time Square from a window nook in my room and watching
the rain fall on the city that never sleeps.
It was an eventful but safe trip to the Big Apple, and I'm so excited to bring you along on my adventures tomorrow! For more real time updates, be sure to follow my instagram
@Always_ _Paris I wish you a safe and happy holiday!
Always,
Paris
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