Traveling has come to a halt due to the global pandemic. Covid-19 resulted in sealed borders and countries putting travel restrictions into place. At least, this was the scenario back in 2020. Now in 2022, things have started to change, and many travel regulations have begun to loosen up.
Local travel is permissible while keeping the health and safety protocols intact. The good news is, as more people undergo vaccinations, your chances of having safe travel by road with your family increases. However, it is always better to take precautions while traveling by road too. Here are five tips that you can follow while travelling by road to have a safer and more relaxed experience.
1. Pick a Less Traveled Destination
The first and foremost thing is the destination. It is wise to choose a spot that is low profile and neglected. Even if you choose a hot spot destination, make sure to visit the place during weekdays or off-season. This will allow you to stay away from the crowd and to keep yourself safe.
While selecting a destination, you must consider the distance and the location, i.e., if you stay within your state or outside. It is important because the rules might be different when you travel outside your state. Some places still require you to stay under quarantine for 7-10 days. So, always research and get information about the rules in that particular state before traveling.
Similarly, for intra-state travel, make sure to start early to avoid the traffic and to reach your destination early. Usually, the remote natural landscapes will be the less traveled locations that provide great adventure opportunities. If you are picking an adventurous excursion, rent a ute and carry your bike and camping equipment on a ute bed rack.
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2. Stay Updated with Local or State Restrictions
Once you have finalized the destination, it’s time to check the travel requirements to this place. Some local regions and states have certain restrictions or rules like quarantine, wearing masks, getting a covid test, and no movement after 6 pm till 5 am. Avoid unpleasant situations or any delays by checking the rules with the local or state authorities.
Download government apps so that you are updated on every news while on the go. As the Covid-19 situation is getting better due to vaccinations, the restrictions and rules are changing rapidly. Once you are back from the trip, stay under quarantine in your home for a few days. In case you notice any symptoms, get a covid test done.
3. Don’t Overpack
Pack as per the number of days you are planning to stay. If you are going for a couple of days, a hard-case suitcase will be enough to carry all your essentials and even more. Not only will it protect your belongings from the bumps and bruises of travel, but it will also keep them organized and easy to find. And if you’re worried about space, don’t be – hard-case suitcases are designed to maximize storage while still fitting easily into the trunk of your car.
Other than the apparent clothes, shoes, scarves, and cover-ups, it’s essential to make space for covid essentials. These include masks, sunglasses, detergent sachets, and disinfectants. Carry washable sandals so that you can wash them after every use. The covid virus thrives on surfaces, and the only way to protect against these viruses is by regular washing of footwear.
Apart from the disposable/reusable masks, you can also carry gloves. These are beneficial in situations like opening doors at public places like bathrooms, gas pumps, or a store. One last thing is to have an extra paper bag to keep the money received from a toll booth, bills, and receipts. They can also act as virus carriers, so instead of holding them directly into your wallet or car, you can put them inside the paper bag.
4. Bring Your Food and Drinks
Coronavirus has changed the way we shop and dine in. Gone are those days when we can freely get into a restaurant, order our favorite meal and eat it there. Many restaurants have closed their dine-in and offer only food delivery/takeaway. So, while going for a road trip, you don’t want to be in a situation where you thought of eating at a particular roadside restaurant, but unfortunately, it’s shut down.
Therefore, carry your food, drinks, and a lot of snacks to munch on. The importance of eating healthy and clean is another habit that the pandemic has taught us. Fresh fruits and steamed veggies in airtight containers will keep your tummy full and healthy. If you travel in a campervan or have access to power where you stop, a fridge for vanlife is definitely a smart investment to keep your food fresh.
If you are going camping, avoid cooking any new recipes, as you don’t want to ruin your trip. Eat regular simple food to keep your digestive system healthy. Having general medications for stomach aches and headaches will prevent you from going to local hospitals, too, unless it’s an emergency.
Lastly, do not forget to carry your supplements. A multivitamin, vitamin c, and zinc tablets are the essential supplements that help keep a strong immunity. If you haven’t already started supplements, then this might be a good time to start. Travel exposes the body to harmful germs and can add physical stress too. Having supplements along with good food will keep your mind and body healthy.
5. Sanitization
Even though it is a road trip, you must still take the necessary precautions. Start your trip by getting your car fully serviced to prevent any malfunction on the journey. The chances are that you might make pit stops for grabbing snacks or for nature calls. These places have higher probabilities of people and surface contact.
Prevent the entry of any germs or viruses into your car by washing your hands and sanitizing before entering the car. Carry water in reusable cans and hand soap for easy hand wash. You can also purchase a sanitizer spray that you can spray on your clothes before getting into the car. Once you enter your car, make sure to wipe the steering wheel, seat belt, dashboard, and gear shift using an alcohol-based wipe.
Now, about masks, you might not be required to wear one inside the car, but always good to carry one. Even if you are not in a crowded place, some businesses like resorts and private properties require you to wear masks. Even if you don’t get Covid-19, wearing a mask will protect you from other flu-causing germs.
Lastly, carry an entire can of fuel as a precaution in case of a shortage of gas stations.
Conclusion
Wearing masks and frequent sanitization of our hands has become a part of our life now. Whether the coronavirus goes or stays, this pandemic has made a significant imprint on our lifestyle. The ways of traveling, shopping, dining, and entertainment will not remain the same as they used to be. Keeping ourselves and our family healthy every time will happen only by taking the necessary steps. Follow these simple steps while traveling and keep yourselves safe for a memorable trip.
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