To travel or not to travel?

HUNTLEY – The travel industry hasn’t lost hope for a rebound from COVID-19 but pressure urging people to reconsider their travel plans over the Thanksgiving Holiday won’t bring relief any time soon.

Huntley Travel Managing Owner Bernice Bakley is optimistic about the prospect of a coronavirus vaccine.

“However, there are still so many obstacles for the travel industry to overcome before traveling truly opens up,” Bakley said. “Besides the obvious reasons many people are not currently traveling, the industry is dealing with some media outlets saying it is unethical to recommend travel during the pandemic and insinuating travel advisors would lie about safety to get people to travel couldn’t be farther from the truth,” she said.

Where just a few months ago you didn’t think much about scheduling a Thanksgiving flight for the family, now that the holiday is upon us, you may feel some guilt at putting them at risk. Bakley points to comments from the American Society of Travel Agents.

“No activity is risk-free during the pandemic.  Many activities have been resumed with proper safety protocols in place.  Travel advisors are working very hard to stay informed of all the new protocols and requirements associated with travel,” Bakley said.

Huntley Police are doing what they’ve done for many years around Thanksgiving. They are reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober to ensure that everyone gets to the Thanksgiving table safely. Huntley Police Chief Robert Porter said, “Whether you’re driving cross-country or across the street, please remember to wear your seat belt and make a plan for a sober ride home.”

Whether you fly or drive, going to Grandpa and Grandma’s home in Del Webb for Thanksgiving was a blessing for all the years they’ve lived there. You traveled with the kids so they could spend one of the most significant holidays with them. Del Webb has held a special place in one’s heart as a Thanksgiving destination. But the reality has a downside in that you don’t want Grandma and Grandpa to catch coronavirus.

Current health recommendations suggest eating outside, keeping a lot of ventilation circulating in the home, keeping masks on except when eating, using plastic utensils, having lots of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on hand. Experts also recommend consulting with a doctor to see whether you should get a test before your visit.