The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed our lives down, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. If you are a road trip buff, you can still set out on a journey down a country road without jeopardising your safety or that of your family. Read on for tips on how to plan a family road trip and set aside the stress from the pandemic.
RESEARCH ROUTES N ADVANCE
Researching your route options and filtering them down using factors such as distance and weather is an essential part of any successful road trip. However, some people fancy surprising themselves and exploring unfamiliar routes.
While you might be longing for a surprising adventure, this can go wrong quickly. Some U.S. states still require out-of-state travellers to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test or require mandatory quarantine for two weeks to be allowed in. What’s more, you don’t want to end up at a destination that is in the spotlight for increasing infections.
BEWARE OF ACCIDENTS
With many people locked in quarantine, you would be forgiven for thinking our roads are safer now. Apparently, the traffic-free conditions are eliciting recklessness from drivers, making the roads potentially more dangerous.
Make sure you have a way to call for help in case of one. A CB radio, or citizens band radio, can come in handy if you’re in an area with no mobile reception. Moreover, the police do routinely check Channel 9 on the CB to see if there are emergency communications during accidents and other similar situations.
Play your part in ensuring road safety by observing all traffic rules and being extra cautious. It would also help if you had a lawyer’s contacts at the ready just in case the worst unfolds. A lawyer from a reputable firm such as Thiessen Law Firm can help you recover damages if you and your family find yourselves on the receiving end of an accident.
FIND LODGING EARLY
Finding hotels as you go is more difficult now than it was prior to the pandemic. Hotels and other accommodations are operating differently. A great deal of them are still closed, while others are only accepting reservations from emergency personnel. This simply means that finding a place doesn’t necessarily translate to being accepted.
Review as many hotels as possible along the route and at your destination, so you know where you can be admitted. For good measure, make reservations in advance.
BUY A TENT
A tent or any other kind of emergency shelter will only be needed if you don’t find hotels that will admit your family or if you don’t make reservations ahead of time. Sometimes you may not need a hotel at all if you haven’t determined the length of the journey, or if you’re home by the end of the day.
Additionally, if your destination is a national park or state park, there is a chance you won’t be given a campground reservation due to the pandemic. Bringing your own shelter will give you the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere.
ENSURE YOUR CAR IS IN PERFECT SHAPE
Seeing as you should be trying to minimise contact with others along the way, the need to ensure your vehicle is in prime condition is greater now than ever. Inspect such features as your car’s lighting, tires, brake pedals, and rear mirrors. If you haven’t taken it for professional inspection in a long time, consider doing it now. You may also need to check with your car insurer to ensure you are covered for roadside troubles. For a more comfortable, stress-free trip, you may want to add essential upgrades and preparations. You can start by washing your car windows to get the best visibility possible, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing to the fullest. Changing your car seat covers can also be a good way to lend comfort and practicality to your planned road trip. Car seat covers are known to prevent stains, spills, dust, and dirt from ruining the leather seating. In case of unavoidable mess, it will be easy to clean the car seat cover by simply removing and washing it.
DON’T TRAVEL WITH ANYONE OUTSIDE YOUR BUBBLE
It may be a family road trip, but including someone you haven’t met in weeks is risking your family’s well being. If you have to go with them, at least ensure everyone has tested negative for the virus.
Also, at each of your stopovers, do not forget to wear a mask, keep a distance of at least six feet from the nearest stranger, and adhere to all other COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. You may have to wait longer than usual for viewpoints to clear out, but these are adjustments you need to make while on a road trip during this time.
A family road trip is different from solo travel in that the former comes with the responsibility of ensuring the safety, well being, and satisfaction of more than one person. If you have children, there is an even greater need for careful planning. Use these tips to plan a safer and more enjoyable road trip for you and your loved ones.
