Don’t forget to pack your mask for travel this summer — certain places still ask you to wear one

As you embark on your summer travels, be sure to pack a couple of face masks just in case. There are some activities in certain destinations that still require you to mask up to participate.

As of June 2022, there’s no statewide mask mandate in public spaces, but certain cities — both in the U.S. and abroad — have taken matters into their own hands by implementing location-specific mask rules, applicable to visitors and locals alike.

These places include public transportation and some airports, in addition to cultural sites such as museums and theaters.

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Public transportation: Airplanes, airports, trains, ride-hailing vehicles, etc.

Although governing bodies in both the U.S. and European Union have dropped public transit mask mandates, many countries still require masks on public transit, including on flights.

For example, masks are required on flights to many popular European destinations, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Keep in mind that if a mask is required to fly, it may also be required on other forms of public transportation within that country.

In Greece, masks must be worn in taxis and on some other forms of public transit, including ferries, but they’re not necessary on planes, trains or buses throughout the country.

Outside of Europe, mask rules apply to passengers on flights within Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In all of those countries, you must also wear masks in the airport.

Masks are also required at airports in Mexico and Costa Rica.

Domestically, some cities have implemented blanket public transit mask mandates which cover all forms of public transit, from subway systems to ride-hailing vehicles to airports. Masks are required in

• New York City: On the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system (subway and commuter rail trains, buses); taxis, Ubers and Lyfts; and the city’s two airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
• Los Angeles: On Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority system (bus terminals, train and subway stations, trains, subway rails and buses); taxis and ride-hailing services; and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
• Philadephia: In terminals at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Read more: A country-by-country guide to where you can travel with no COVID-19 test and/or vaccine required

Indoor venues: Museums and theaters

Various cultural sites that you might frequent as a tourist have also implemented individual mask mandates for visitors. Examples include the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the New Museum, all in New York City. Others, like the Seattle Art Museum, only ask art seekers to wear a mask for one hour each month.

Based on recent TPG staffer travels, masks are required in museums across Mexico; Sacramento, California; and Frankfurt.

In Manhattan, the Broadway theater district has a mask mandate in place through the end of this month, at which point officials will decide whether to continue it or lift it altogether.

There are some other destinations where tourists can expect to wear a mask in public spaces, including:

• In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, masks remain mandatory in public.
• In Italy, masks must be worn in certain indoor spaces through at least mid-June, including theaters, cinemas, concert halls and sports venues.
• In the U.S. Virgin Islands, masks remain compulsory indoors (and on public transit).
• In Malaysia, face masks are optional in outdoor public spaces, but all visitors need to wear face coverings in certain indoor spaces.
• In Nepal, face masks are required both indoors and outdoors.

Bottom line

Currently, there are no states with blanket mask requirements applicable to indoor spaces.

However, individual businesses — including restaurants, shops, schools, sports arenas, bars, nightclubs, gyms and so on — can ask patrons to wear masks if they so choose. So, travel with a mask just in case.

While you don’t necessarily expect to end up in the hospital while on vacation, note that if you find yourself in a medical-related space (or even just a pharmacy), you’ll likely be asked to put on a mask.

Featured photo by Jorge Mantilla/NurPhoto/Getty Images.