Traveling and holiday parties during COVID-19 in 2021

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is still here. Follow these safety tips when planning your holiday celebrations:

Get vaccinated

The best protection against COVID-19 is vaccination. If you are able, getting your COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep your friends and family safe this season.

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, the CDC travel guidelines will help you decide what is best for you and your family. The safest way to travel is to be fully vaccinated.

• If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.

Get tested beforehand


Before leaving for your holiday parties or vacations, get tested for COVID-19. To avoid overflowing our health care systems, take an at-home COVID-19 test. Learn the difference between COVID-19 tests and which is best for your situation.

Mask up!


Remember to bring your mask to your holiday parties! Masks should be well-fitting and worn over your nose and mouth, especially in public indoor settings.

Everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation, in airports and on airplanes.

Wash up!


Wash your hands before and after eating and continue to wash throughout the day to prevent the spread of pathogens and infections.

Clean common areas with EPA-approved disinfectant wipes before and after the celebration.

Reference the CDC guidance on holidays for additional safety protocols to keep you and your loved ones.

Assess the risk of COVID-19 infection at gathering in your county >


This tool from the Georgia Institute of Technology assesses the risk of getting infected during a get together by county in the U.S. based on real-time data. The risk rises with group size and location.