Travel During COVID-19 Pandemic: 10 rules to ensure safe hotel stays

Indoors: Almost a year
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a drastic change in our work and travel life. It had restricted us to be indoors for almost a year.
Learn to travel responsibly
Since a lot of hotels are opening up, you may wish to take a staycation. It is understandable that you would want to relax during a vacation. But amidst the current circumstances, you need to keep in mind these 10 rules to ensure safe stays.
First and foremost: Wear a mask, always
It goes without saying that our wearing a mask is going to remain a part of our lives for a very long time. Maintain social distancing while using the hotel/resort’s amenities and wear a mask in the lobby and other common areas.
Disappointing, but important: Avoid swimming pools
One books a resort because of the various amenities it has on offer and swimming pools are very popular among tourists. But during these times, it is best if you avoid common swimming pools or at least don’t jump into a crowded one.
Skip the Spa
Even though you are tempted to get a quality massage, avoid going to the hotel spa. At these times, it is best not to come in physical contact as much as possible with anyone.
Wash hands regularly
As long as you’ll keep your hands sanitized at all times, you’ll be fine even in a hotel. Use a hand sanitizer after every interaction you have with another person in the hotel.
No Gym
It is most likely that the hotels will keep the gyms shut. In case they don’t, do not use them. Instead, you can always enquire about a popular trek trail near your hotel. A short hike is always a better idea than working out in a gym on a vacation, especially.
Say no to housekeeping
Not allowing other people in your room would be a good idea and starting with, say no to housekeeping. At the beginning of your stay, you could request the hotel to provide you with extra sheets and towels, or if you could ask them to leave the fresh towels and leave them outside your door.
Book and pay online
Look for booking options that involve contact-less payment.
Enquire about a mobile room key
Every major brand hotel these days has the option of a mobile key. The application allows you to check in the hotel and go to your room even without going through the whole process in the lobby.
Take stairs instead of the lift
During your stay at a hotel or resort, avoid taking the lift and instead take the stairs to reduce the risk of virus transmission. That will not only reduce your possible interaction with other guests and hotel staff but also could be a great workout option!
Say no to valet parking
If you use the valet parking option, it will only increase your workload during a vacation: sanitize every possible contact point in the car. Instead, you can just park your own car!