An important article from guest writer Maria Cannon about Practical Advice for Planning a Road Trip During COVID-19
If you will be taking a road trip in 2021, you’ll need to complete all the usual preparations. Things like planning your route in advance, setting a budget, and booking accommodations. Pack your vehicle with everything you’ll want or need during the trip. Since you will be traveling in the age of the coronavirus, you’ll need to take your preparations a few steps further. This means checking local restrictions, assembling a COVID-19 safety kit, and avoiding public restrooms as best as possible.
And while any type of travel during COVID-19 is risky in one way or another, traveling by car or RV is far safer than traveling by air, bus, or train. Plus, these tips from A Walk in the Park with Colleen will help you to stay safe and healthy without taking the fun and festivities out of your holiday road trip! Using practical advice for planning a road trip during COVID-19 is important.
Plan Your Road Trip
As you count down the days until your vacation, you’ll need to check local COVID-19 restrictions, plan your route as carefully as possible. And book your accommodations and attractions. It’s a good idea to research COVID-19 restrictions and statistics in every state and county you’ll be passing through and avoid stopping in areas with rising coronavirus case numbers.
While you’ll probably need to use public restrooms and stop for food or gas at some point during your trip. You’ll limit your COVID-19 exposure if you prepare your meals and beverages before leaving home. Avoid stopping more than necessary. If you do plan on dining out, however, it’s best to research food options in advance. Eat outside or in your vehicle whenever possible. But if you’re traveling with people from outside your household, be sure to crack. Another option is to roll down the car windows whenever the masks come off.
Carefully Choose Your Attractions
Now for the fun part: Choosing (and booking) your attractions! Melissa Klurman of Parents.com shares 15 holiday road trip ideas — complete with lights, skiing, ice skating, and holiday shows. And while outdoor attractions and non-crowded areas will be safest, it’s important to follow public health recommendations no matter where you’ll be.
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyworld or another popular destination, an experienced travel planner can address any questions or concerns you may have about visiting the park during COVID-19. Additionally, you can check Disney’s website for additional information and updates.
Prep Your Vehicle
Before setting off on your road trip, you will also need to prep your vehicle for miles and miles of travel. A few of these road trip preparations include checking (and replacing) your fluids, tires, and light bulbs, as well as cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the vehicle’s interior.
To protect your vehicle’s flooring from salt, dirt, mud, stains, and other winter grime. Especially since you will be eating meals in the vehicle and enjoying holiday activities like skiing and sledding. You may also choose to install a set of floor mats. Many high-performance mats are available. You will want to consider things like customer reviews and construction materials before purchasing a set.
Stay Safe While You are Away
If you follow these safety precautions against COVID-19, you will enjoy a fun and festive road trip without risking the health or safety of you and your other travelers. Just don’t forget to pack a coronavirus safety kit that’s filled with plenty of face masks, hand sanitizing solution, and antibacterial wipes. Fabric face masks should be washed daily, but you can always pack extras so there’s a clean mask for each day of your road trip.
The coronavirus could be around for a while. We can do is adapt to this new normal and plan pandemic-friendly vacations and activities. Your road trip will look a bit different in 2021, but it won’t be any less exciting! Remember to use Practical Advice for Planning a Road Trip During COVID-19.
Are you looking for an experienced travel planner to organize your dream vacation to Disney or any other destination? Contact Colleen Parisi to book your 30-minute consultation! 518-265-1421
