A new travel trend no one saw coming — though Travelocity predicts many will jump at the chance to explore again — is the safecation, or a mini getaway to “safe” destinations cleared for travel. Many states are slowly but surely beginning to reopen, leaving anxious travelers with questions.

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Here are some tips from Travelocity on how and when to start planning your safecation:

Search for Flexible Policies 
When booking a hotel, airfare or short- or long-term rental, make sure your service offers flexible change or cancel policies. Given the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 crisis and the massive hit the travel industry took in its wake, many companies are offering more flexible booking policies to help customers feel secure.

Look for Cleanliness Information on Site
Also in the wake of the pandemic, many hotels are promoting cleanliness policies front and center. With improved hygiene, amenities and policies, including contactless check-in/-out, social distancing measures, hand sanitizer and more, guests can rest a little easier. Airlines also beef up hygiene practices to accommodate a “new normal” for travelers.

Control What You Can
Take back some control over your travel lifestyle and choose destinations you know and love, hotels and airlines you trust and avoid peak-season travel. Take advantage of private tours when you can, practice safety measures like personal health and hygiene (wear your mask when in public, stay six feet apart, wash your hands, etc.) and embrace the clean habits you’ve cultivated in quarantine while on the road.

— Angelique Platas, associate editor