Be safe while vacationing during the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the look and feel of summer, when wanderlust traditionally turns to global getaways, nature retreats and beach vacations. With acontinuing surgeof COVID-19 cases across the world, and particularly in the United States, it may seem impossible to plan a safe vacation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,travel increases your chances of getting or spreading coronavirus, so the safest choice to protect yourself and others is to stay home. But if you're still determined to have sometraveltime this summer, whether byairor on the road, you should beaware of the risksand know some important guidelines, such asminimizing your contact with other people.

Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some locations and activities may put you at a higher risk for contracting the coronavirus.

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Before you make plans to visit another state, it's important to know the local laws so you're aware of what's open. This can also help prepare you for what's expected of you, like wearing face masks inside all stores and restaurants.

The coronavirus is highly contagious and can take weeks for symptoms to develop, if they do at all. That means there's a good chance that areas known to have high levels of confirmed COVID-19 cases may also have a greater number of people going about their daily lives who could be unknowingly infected.

Be aware of COVID hotspots, like parts of Florida, Texas, Georgia and California, where cases are on the rise. If you're visiting family in the state, it's safest to stay outside of crowded areas and skip the sightseeing. When possible, choose less-traveled destinations.

Get tested for coronavirus before and after your vacation.

You may want to get tested for coronavirus before you go on your vacation -- you could be an asymptomatic carrier -- and when you get back. If someone is visiting you for their vacation, you can ask them to take a COVID-19 test before they arrive.

Air travel is considered one of the riskier situations for spreading the coronavirus. Even if airports are relatively uncrowded, not every airline spaces passengers throughout the plane. You may not be able to social-distance, and longer flights potentially expose you to more recirculated air -- it's still unclear if the coronavirus is airborne, but the World Health Organization has recently admitted that it's possible.

If you must fly, take all precautions, including wearing a face mask except while eating or drinking water, thoroughly washing your hands and keeping your distance from others as much as possible. Note that if you rent a car, you should call ahead of time to ask how the vehicles are disinfected between renters.

Feeling sick? You may need to postpone your vacation.

While beaches may be your usual go-to when planning a trip, they may not be the safest option if other people have flocked to the area. They're often crowded, making it improbable not to pass crowds in the parking lots or while finding a spot on the sand. While the water itself isn't thought to spread the coronavirus, shouting to others in your group and singing along with music are known to spray respiratory droplets, which is how the coronavirus spreads.

The same goes for crowded farmers markets and high-traffic downtown shopping areas, especially if they're indoors. You should also avoid bars where people are typically crowded together waiting for drinks or on the dance floor, if those businesses are open. Instead, look for areas that are out of the way and have fewer people, and get your drinks and food to go.

Even if you wear a mask and social-distance, you can't control the actions of those around you who choose not to.

If you have a relative that you're planning to travel with and they become infected or develop coronavirus symptoms -- some of which resemble a cold or the flu -- leave them at home. Also, if you've been in contact with that person since they've become infected, you need to get a coronavirus test before you leave for your destination to ensure you're not sick and potentially spreading the virus to high-risk groups.

At this point, most businesses you go to will require you to wear a face mask before entering. This means local shops, grocery stores and even restaurants while you're waiting for your food. Pack several face masks for your kids and yourself so that you have plenty for the duration of your trip. If you're going somewhere that's hot, look for a cotton-blend mask, which can be cooler and more comfortable.

Face masks can help prevent the spread of coronavirus if worn correctly. Make sure the one you're wearing is covering your nose and chin and doesn't create gaps. Masks that use thicker material and designs with more layers might trap larger particles you accidentally eject through talking, coughing or sneezing, but they may also be warmer to wear.

When vacationing, it's best to stick with only the people in your household. The more people you come into contact with, the higher your chances are of contracting the virus. If you know you'll be going somewhere that has a large number of people, like a major city, wear a mask whenever you leave your accommodations, even to ride an elevator or ride in a taxi cab.

Also, follow all social-distancing markings on the ground to keep a distance from others. Wash your hands often and bring hand sanitizer to areas where a hand-washing station isn't provided.

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If you know you'll be frequenting restaurants while on your trip, call ahead to make sure they have outdoor seating. Eating outside is considered much less risky than eating inside because airflow disperses the coronavirus rather than allowing it to collect in a single spot. Remember that even though you're outside, you should still wear a mask until your food arrives, especially since you'll be in constant contact with your server, who is in turn in constant contact with other members of the public.

For more information on COVID-19, read up on why we're still in the first wave and what happens next. Also, remember that people who are asymptomatic can spread coronavirus. Here's how long it takes to get coronavirus test results back.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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How to have a safe vacation during coronavirus this summer - CNET