National Forest Vacations

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we travel, but it hasn't stifled our enthusiasm for exploring. Here are some tips on how to deal with travel's new challenges:

• Before you book a flight, find out if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your destination and origin. Stay informed with the latest updates by checking government websites.
• You're required to wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, including at security checkpoints. Be prepared to lower your mask to verify your identity when asked by a TSA employee.
• To reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the reader yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your boarding pass directly to a TSA agent.
• You are now permitted to take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your carry-on luggage. This will need to be removed for screening.
• Put any personal items (like your phone, wallet and keys) in your carry-on rather than a bin to reduce handling during screening.
• Transport your food items in a clear plastic bag and also place them in a screening bin. Keeping food separate from your carry-on means it's less likely a TSA officer will need to open and touch your bag for inspection.

While traveling in a pandemic can be slightly overwhelming, airlines have worked around the clock to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. These are a few carriers that have implemented changes:

• Ryanair - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.
• Jet2 - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Aer Lingus - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.