One of the perks of being a healthcare traveler is the chance to explore new places between shifts and assignments. While many travelers spend their free time hiking, hitting the beach, or exploring big cities, others crave something a little… spookier! If you love ghost stories, haunted hospitals, and historic sites with a paranormal twist, the U.S. is full of spooky locations to explore. From eerie asylums to haunted hotels, these locations are perfect for adding a thrill to your travel adventures!

Spooky U.S. Locations Healthcare Travelers Can Explore

1. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: Weston, West Virginia 🏥👻

The massive Gothic-style asylum, which opened in the mid-1800s, has housed thousands of patients. Ghost tours and historical tours take visitors through patient rooms, surgical areas, and underground tunnels. Visitors seeking spooky locations will find the asylum both fascinating and spine-tingling!

2. The Stanley Hotel: Estes Park, Colorado 🏨👀

The inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining, this historic hotel offers ghost sightings, mysterious piano music, and flickering lights. A must-visit for travelers near the Rockies.

3. Waverly Hills Sanatorium: Louisville, Kentucky 🏚️💀

Once a TB hospital, Waverly Hills is now infamous for paranormal activity. Explore patient wards and the “body chute,” a tunnel that was once used to transport deceased patients. Perfect for healthcare travelers interested in the haunted history of hospitals.

4. Eastern State Penitentiary: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ⚰️👻

Not a hospital or medical facility, but this abandoned prison’s crumbling cellblocks and shadowy corridors are filled with ghost stories. Night tours bring the eerie history to life.

5. The Queen Mary: Long Beach, California 🚢👻

This retired ocean liner turned hotel is said to be haunted by former passengers and crew. Visitors can stay overnight, take a ghost tour, or explore the ship’s haunted history and paranormal activity.

6. Gettysburg Battlefield: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ⚔️👻

One of the most haunted battlefields in the U.S., Gettysburg is full of ghostly soldiers, mysterious voices, and unexplained lights. Nighttime tours give travelers a chilling glimpse of history.

7. Crescent Hotel: Eureka Springs, Arkansas 🏨🩸

“America’s Most Haunted Hotel” was once a hospital with a dark past. Ghost tours reveal lingering spirits throughout the building, making it a thrilling stop for spooky travelers.

Tips for Healthcare Travelers Visiting Spooky Sites 🕯️

Check your schedule: Many of the tours take place at night, so plan around your shifts!
Bring a friend: Exploring spooky or scary sites is safer and more fun with a friend.
Capture your adventure: You never know, you might snap a picture of something unexplained!

Healthcare travelers have unique opportunities to explore the country, and spooky locations can add a little thrill to your adventure. From abandoned hospitals to haunted hotels and historic battlefields, these chilling spots will definitely make your time unforgettable.

Travel safer on every trip.

It seems so natural to throw your stuff in your car and go. But according to AAA, about 33% of all motorists encounter a roadside breakdown or other hang-up, such as a dead battery, every year. One in three odds might make you stop and think for a minute about what you have in your vehicle. Many suggested items are related to weather conditions. You can easily swap the items out for snow and ice in warmer months, but be sure to get them back in before the temperatures drop. It’s also important not to have a false sense of security regarding cell phones and GPS services. Dead batteries, dead zones for cellular coverage, bad weather, and many other unexpected forces can quickly lessen reliability on things we depend on every day.

Important travel items

Here are some important items that could help you be better prepared in case of a breakdown situation or emergency preparation

Charged cell phone and charger
First-aid kit
Fire Extinguisher
Three reflective warning triangles and safety flares
Spare tire or foam tire sealant
Jack and lug wrench
Jumper cables
Waterproof flashlight and extra batteries
Duct tape
WD40 or lubricant
Tow rope
Multipurpose utility tool
Rain poncho
Drinking water
Nonperishable snacks
Warm blanket
Snow shovel
Cat litter as sand for traction
Ice scraper
Matches
Cash

Check your tank

Ensure you always check the tank to ensure you have enough gas to get to your destination or to a gas station to fill up. Keep in mind that often it can be several miles before a gas station is available. Also, keep in mind that it might be closed. This is particularly important if you are in an unfamiliar area and are unsure where filling stations are located.

Stay Calm

If you find yourself with a problem, stay calm and think as carefully as possible about the situation. Panicked reactions can sometimes lead to poor choices and injury. Many accidents happen while disabled cars are on the shoulder of the road. Be sure to pull off the main travel lane as much as possible. Do not walk or linger in the travel lane. Mark your vehicle so others can see it day or night. Hopefully, you will always be in range to call for help or service. However, if you can’t, keeping these items on hand could dramatically change the outcome of your situation for the better.

Are you thinking about rescheduling travel that you shelved due to COVID-19? Maybe you’ve family or work responsibilities that require you to catch the next available flight or you just want to get out of your town for a short vacation. Whatever the reason, it’s imperative to understand the facts regarding your travel options and ways to protect yourself from this deadly virus if you must travel. Below are some things to keep in mind when traveling during this global health emergency.

1. Risk Factors

Senior citizens and individuals of any age with serious health conditions like suppressed immune systems, heart or lung problems, diabetes, or severe obesity are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19. So before embarking on a trip, think about the risk factors for not only yourself but also for those accompanying you. On top of that, find out whether the numbers of COVID-19 cases are rising, declining, or remaining constant in the place you’re planning to visit.

2. Local Covid-19 Travel Rules and Restrictions

Each country has its own travel rules and restrictions in this era of COVID-19. Some regions are still in total lockdowns while others demand a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine prior to and/or after travel. So acquainting yourself with local restrictions of the place you’re intending to visit can save you from undesirable surprises and delays.

Your destination’s official health websites can be your resourceful source of information. Bear in mind that restrictions are continuously updated based on local conditions. Keep checking for updates, especially when your trip draws near. As you’re doing your research, check visitor information and open hours for parks, resorts, and restaurants that you may visit during your vacation. For instance, you may look up the best Florida Keys vacation rentals if that’s your destination.

3. Transportation Safety

How are you planning to get to your destination? Will you take a flight or drive? How safe is your means of transport? These are extremely important questions as far as traveling during a pandemic is involved. If you opt for air travel, check the measures airports and airlines have put in place to curb the spread of the virus. You can get this information by checking their website. But here are some of the changes you’re likely to notice if it’s your first time to fly since the pandemic started:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff donning protective gear like masks and gloves, and keeping social distance
TSA officers using new gloves for each frisking
Bag search, document verification dais and drop off sites surrounded with plastic shields
Travelers keeping their masks on during screening

If air travel isn’t your thing, you may choose to drive to your destination. Although driving provides you with more power over your environment, you still have to plan on how you’ll ensure maximum safety. Below are some precautions to follow:

Try to minimize the number of stops you’ll make – but once you feel drowsy, stop driving.
Place approved face masks and hand disinfectant within arm’s reach for easy access and use during the trip.
Pack enough food and water to avoid stopping at restaurants or malls. But if you must buy a snack on the road, choose eateries that offer curbside or drive-through services.
Carry disposable gloves and some cleaning supplies

If you opt for a train or bus, keep a social distance of at least 2 meters throughout the journey. You can also follow the measures outlined above to ensure maximum protection during travel.

4. Safety at Hotels and Other Accommodation Facilities

Where will you stay? During this period of COVID-19, you need to ensure you’re staying in a clean hotel or accommodation facility that’s adhering to the best public health practices. Check the website of the place you’re planning to stay for information regarding the precautions it has put in place to keep visitors and staff safe. Florida Keys vacation rentals have also not been left behind as far as complying with public health guidelines is involved.

When traveling during a global health emergency like COVID-19, it’s imperative to protect yourself as well as those you’re traveling with. Ensure you pack adequate personal protection equipment like cloth face masks and hand sanitizer. Make use of these items every time you are in public and keep social distance, as well.

We hope you found these tips for traveling during COVID helpful! Are there any other tips for traveling during COVID we missed, or you think should be added to this list? Comment them below.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Guest Post by: Molly Barnes, Digital Nomad Life.

Traveling during a pandemic has its risks; there’s no doubt about it. If it’s done right, however — say, on a road trip — you can avoid the coronavirus and have a great time with your family. By taking necessary precautions, adhering to CDC guidelines, and thinking outside the box, you can make 2020 the year of your greatest road trip ever!

Here are a few ideas on how to make road tripping safe and fun during a pandemic.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Plan every aspect of your trip in advance: your budget, destination, routes, and dates of travel. Do your research before hitting the road so you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.

Reserve your hotel, vacation rental, or campground ahead of time, and pay online to avoid personal contact as much as possible once you reach your destination. Map your routes and keep an eye out for travel advisories and weather forecasts for the dates you’ll be traveling.

Set a Budget for Your Travels

Create a budget for road tripping, making sure you have ample funds for gas, lodging, food, necessities, and the activities you want to enjoy. Set aside funds for emergencies that may arise on the road. If your credit needs a boost, take time to bolster it and fix any issues before you hit the road so you can use your credit cards without getting stressed.

Rethink Your Destination

Instead of setting your sights on any of the usual, overcrowded vacation hotspots, try an untapped outdoor destination. Go camping at a state park, rent a mountain cabin, or vacation at a farm where you can explore the wonders of rural America — and maintain your social distancing.

If you opt for a vacation rental, try to stay on the ground floor to avoid entering the confined spaces of elevators or stairs. Short-term vacation rentals give you greater control over your environment so you can keep from mixing with other people. Above all, avoid destinations where viral infection rates are high or where social distancing isn’t feasible.

If you’re not comfortable with long-distance travel, take day trips instead to interesting spots just a few hours’ drive from your home, like a beach, lake, or park where you can breathe fresh air and connect with nature.

Service Your Vehicle, Review Your Insurance

Make sure you service your vehicle before hitting the road. Whether you’re traveling by car or RV, you want to be certain it’s in the best of shape on the road. (If you’re lamenting the fact that you don’t own an RV, consider an RV rental to take your road trip to the next level.)

If your vehicle needs new tires, a change of battery, or major repairs, take care of this before you travel. Also, review your auto insurance policy to ensure that you’re covered for any eventuality. While you’re at it, make sure your family’s legal documents are in order, as well, in case you encounter an emergency on the road.

Stock Up on Food and Basics

The less contact you have with others, the less risk you’ll run of contracting the virus. If you stock up on food and necessities before you leave home, you won’t have to put yourself at risk by going in and out of supermarkets for snacks, toiletries, or other supplies.

Your road-tripping essentials should include nonperishable foods, healthy snacks, kids’ drinks, adult drinks, drinking water, cleaning supplies, disinfectant, first-aid supplies, medications, personal toiletries — and, of course, plenty of toilet paper to last for the duration of your travels.

Pack a COVID-19 Travel Kit

Keeping the pandemic in mind, make sure you pack plenty of hygiene and cleaning supplies for your travels. These products are indispensable to your health and safety on the road. Your COVID-19 travel kit should contain:

Face masks
Disposable gloves
Disinfectant wipes (large and small)
Hand sanitizer bottles (large and small)
Spray bottles
Dish soap
Hand soap
Laundry detergent
Bleach
Facial tissues
Napkins
Paper towels
Trash bags (large and small)

Stay Hygiene-Conscious

Good hygiene practices are extremely important when traveling during a pandemic. Wash your hands often with soap and water — before eating, after eating, after bathroom runs, after playtimes, and before going to sleep. Use disposable gloves when visiting rest stops, pumping gas, opening and closing doors, or anytime you’re in a high-traffic area.

Keep your vehicle clean and neat as much as possible, and disinfect your car often. Every time you stop, wipe down the seats, dashboard, and other interior surfaces, and throw out the trash to reduce clutter. A clean car is a safer car, so make cleanliness a priority.

So know you know how to prepare for road tripping safely during a pandemic. After months of living, working, and schooling at home, you’re probably more than ready for an open-road adventure. Now all that’s left for you to do is pack up, kick off those shoes (there’s nothing like barefoot driving!), and hit the road with your family.

Spooky U.S. Locations Healthcare Travelers Can Explore

1. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: Weston, West Virginia 🏥👻

2. The Stanley Hotel: Estes Park, Colorado 🏨👀

3. Waverly Hills Sanatorium: Louisville, Kentucky 🏚️💀

4. Eastern State Penitentiary: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ⚰️👻

5. The Queen Mary: Long Beach, California 🚢👻

6. Gettysburg Battlefield: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ⚔️👻

7. Crescent Hotel: Eureka Springs, Arkansas 🏨🩸

Tips for Healthcare Travelers Visiting Spooky Sites 🕯️

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1. Risk Factors

2. Local Covid-19 Travel Rules and Restrictions

3. Transportation Safety

4. Safety at Hotels and Other Accommodation Facilities

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