As the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, many people like to travel in order to escape the winter cold. Normally this would be easy and safe, but with the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become significantly more dangerous and difficult.

In recent months, traveling during the pandemic has been a very controversial topic. Many people in the U.S. want to continue as if things were normal and take their seasonal vacations, while others insist that we need to stay home.

It is a very difficult thing to discuss because everyone is in a different situation right now. Nothing is black and white.

Some students believe that we should not be able to travel at all during this time, but others disagree.

“Yes and no, it’s a difficult situation. I think you should only be traveling if you absolutely have to. Like if you are visiting a family member who doesn’t have much time left, or you are an essential worker. If you don’t have a good reason to go anywhere, don’t. It’s simple as that. If you are traveling out of state to go on family vacations and things like that you are putting yourself and others at risk,” junior Sean Kovach said.

For students like Kovach, it has been very difficult living through the pandemic. Because some of his family members are considered high risk, they have been extra cautious. He has barely left his house and he has only had contact with his immediate family and a few close friends.

“I think people should only be able to if they need to. Like for example, if a family member passed away and they have to go make arrangements or something like that. I think that traveling for personal benefit is stupid,” junior Evie Fetzer said.

Similar to Kovack, Fetzer has had limited contact with people beyond her immediate family and close friends at this time.

For family’s who are at higher risk or just extra cautious about the virus, traveling and going on vacation is not even an option. They could not even fathom going on vacation at a time like this.

For other families, however, this has turned out to be the perfect time to take a vacation. With the flexibility of work and school schedules coupled with cheap airfare and the ability to work remotely, many families have decided to travel despite the pandemic.

“Not every trip holds equal risk, so it’s really hard to restrict all traveling. I feel like it also depends on the situation,” junior Sofia Abbott said.

There are many ways to travel safely if you are following CDC guidelines. People have the freedom to make their own choices, but they need to recognize the risks and take precautions.

“I think you should be allowed to travel as long as you’re following covid guidelines and being safe about it,” junior Joey Dollard said.

It is up to each person to decide if the rewards outweigh the consequences of traveling during the pandemic.