When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. Hispanolistic/Getty Images With the third wave of COVID-19 growing, the CDC is urging Americans to avoid traveling this holiday season as flying, driving, or seeing other families increases the risk of contracting the disease yourself or inadvertently spreading it to others.If you have to travel, it's crucial to take precautions and be vigilant about personal and communal safety at the airport, gas stations, and other public venues.In addition to three-ply masks, disinfectant wipes, and other pandemic staples, you should prepare a travel safety kit with items that can clean your hands in a pinch or to create a better mask seal to set you up for the best fortification possible.We spoke with a number of medical experts about how to avoid the biggest risks of holiday travel during a pandemic, no matter if you're flying for driving.This article was medically reviewed by Dr.