The Skeptic Traveler
Less than six months into the new year and we have witnessed some truly untimely events. The death of an NBA icon. Racial injustices causing a World protest of police brutality. A pandemic, Covid-19, which has stopped normal interaction as we knew it. Paralyzing the economy, Covid-19 has disrupted one of the most thriving industries in the World. In 2019, the hospitality industry increased its hotels occupancy to 66.8% across the US, restaurant sales increased 3.6% to $863 billion, and airline profits reached an estimated $28 billion. Only time will tell what the projected numbers will entail for 2020. With the World reopening and catch hashtag phrases #WeBackOutside, we wanted to offered some safety tips when traveling.
As a hospitality executive for more the fifteen years, this is critical time for sanitation and safety. Although the hospitality industry prides itself in cleanliness, we have to be careful and protective of our health when traveling. The first tip is wear a mask. There are many pros and cons that have been debated in regards to wearing a mask. Some say they are not necessary. Others say they are uncomfortable. The fact remains, they protect us from particles that are unseen. Are they 100% protective? No, however, they put us at minimal risk to pass or receive the virus.
As a hotelier, I understand the complexity of providing immaculate service and white glove cleanliness. Housekeepers are charged with providing top level service, disinfecting the entire hotel, and maintaining their safety. Something during this process is sure to be missed. The next tip is bring a small sanitizing kit. A zip lock bag with sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer, and a pair of plastic gloves will give you the ease and comfort to know your room has been cleaned. In some hotels, the front desk will provide a sanitation kit. However, it is against hotel policy to provide their guest chemicals they use to clean and sanitize the room for safety concerns.
The restaurant will probably be the most difficult, interactive establishment we attend. From the host stand to the dishwasher, we will encounter multiple people speaking either to us or around us. Our food is being plated on previously used plates, although being steamed at a high temperature in the dishwasher. Overall, the restaurant experience can be uncomfortable during these times. The final tip is do not panic. The restaurant staff is there to serve you. When dining in, ask the server for a glass of hot water to sterilize your utensils. If you feel too close to another couple, ask if you can be moved to a more private location. If all else fails, ask for your meal to-go.
Although the hospitality industry will not be the same from an interactive perspective, we have to take precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. Wearing a mask, keeping a sanitizing kit, and remaining calm in making request will provide some normalcy to your travel experience. We have an obligation to ourselves to be comfortable. Those that are servicing your request, only want to make your experience memorable. We can be “back outside,” but we owe it to ourselves and others to be safe.
Listed below are products listed for a sanitation kit:
https://amzn.to/2AoldzW (Travel Hand Sanitizer)
https://amzn.to/2YrBgVP (Disposable Plastic Gloves)
https://amzn.to/3h9VBY2 (Disposable Face Mask)
https://amzn.to/2N073rD (Sanitation Wipes)
