Vocabulary
influx /ˈinˌfləks/ n.
- an arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
There is a massive influx of tourists after the pandemic.
eliminate /əˈliməˌnāt/ v.
- completely remove or get rid of (something)
To eliminate unwanted noise, record in a very quiet place.
hurdles /ˈhərdl/ n. (plural)
- an obstacle or difficulty
There are many hurdles to overcome to be able to graduate from a university.
inclement /inˈklemənt/ adj.
- (of the weather) unpleasantly cold or wet
People should be prepared for inclement weather this winter.
hangry /ˈhaNGɡrē/ adj
- bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger
I get very hangry if I miss a meal.
Comprehension Questions
Why do you think traveling during the Covid pandemic is challenging?
Why is being vaccinated will make traveling easy?
How important is understanding the latest travel restrictions and requirements?
What possible things will happen if you don’t check your flight status ahead of time?
Why bringing your own water and snacks is important during traveling?
Article
Hassle-Free Holidays
This holiday travel season is poised to be a busy one as more Americans opt to leave home after a year that was heavily impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 2.1 million passengers at airports nationwide on Sunday, November 14, up significantly from just over 978,000 on the same day last year and not far off the pre-pandemic figure of nearly 2.4 million in 2019. The influx of travelers is compounding staffing shortages being faced by airlines, airports, TSA, hotels, car rental companies, and other key players across the industry. Therefore, navigating the holiday travel period could prove even more challenging in 2021.
Here are some tips on how to ensure the most stress-free experience possible.
Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to advise that people delay any travel plans until they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition to added protection against severe illness, getting vaccinated and having proof in the form of your CDC vaccine card will also eliminate some of the hurdles travelers currently face when visiting international destinations, allowing them the freedom to bypass testing and quarantine requirements in some cases.
Mask Up
Face coverings continue to be required at airports and on planes, buses, and other public transportation in the U.S. so there's no excuse to be caught off guard by mask requirements this holiday season. Be sure to pack a few extra face coverings depending on the length of your trip.
Understand the Latest Travel Restrictions, Requirements
Make sure you understand the latest requirements for travel to your destination, especially when traveling internationally. This helpful COVID Travel Map is an excellent tool that allows users to enter their travel details, including passport-issuing country, departure and arrival countries, and vaccination status, to get instant, detailed information on travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, testing rules, and documentation required for travel.
Check Your Flight Status Ahead of Time
Whether it's the result of inclement weather, labor shortages, computer issues, or otherwise, flight delays and cancellations will happen this holiday season. That's why travelers are always encouraged to check their flight status before arriving at the airport to save themselves the time and cost of getting there only to be forced to wait around or go back home.
Stay Hydrated and Don't Travel on an Empty Stomach
Traveling can be hard on your body so be sure to drink plenty of water to keep those unnecessary headaches away and also make sure you eat something ahead of your flight or have a snack handy to avoid becoming hangry. Labor shortages have impacted the food and beverage offerings at many airports across the country. Therefore, if you're flying super early in the morning or late at night your options could be limited and airlines have also limited their in-flight service to minimize contact amid the pandemic.
Source: Patrick Clarke, November 15, 2021, https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/