Before we hop into the good stuff, let me start this post by saying, I am NOT encouraging anyone to travel during the current pandemic. It is 100% a personal choice based on your own research and level of comfort. If you feel inclined to travel during this time, I AM here to tell you how to do it safely and with the utmost level of awareness. If you do choose to travel during this time, please please please take heed to the safety measures I highlight below, as well as those shared by the CDC and WHO.
Now, for the fun stuff! If you’re like me, I know that sitting in the house as majority of us have been doing, is not the easiest feat. When in isolation for months at a time, it’s easy to find yourself subject to a good heaping of cabin fever. Many people feel as though since we can’t currently travel internationally, all hope is lost. WRONG! The United States has some of the most breathtaking and award-winning views in the world. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, the Everglades and Death Valley are just a few that made the list of Natural Wonders of the World that are right in our own backyard.
IT’S TIME TO GET CREATIVE!
Though flying has been deemed to be safer than visiting your local grocery store, many of us are still very hesitant, and with good reason, to hop on a flight. While I myself also miss the blank stares and unnecessary flipping of my passport pages from immigration officers as I touch down in the country of my choosing, right now it’s just not realistic or safe.
So, it’s time to go back to our ol’ faithful method of travel - roadtrips! Here are 10 tips to help you have a safe and successful roadtrip.
As always, be prepared. Do your research on where you’re going and what the city has to offer. Check this OFTEN, even in the few days leading up to your trip. Things have been shown to change overnight and it’s better to be prepared than to show up disappointed. Here are some things to consider prior to your trip departure.
Is this state/city a hot spot?
What social distance appropriate activities are there to do in the near or surrounding area?
How many restaurant options are open for take out / dine in?
How many people will I have to come into contact with for the experience that I desire?
Are there current restrictions in place such as curfew, required 14-day quarantine, etc.?
Pack snacks and beverages, toiletries, wipes and hand sanitizer to minimize the number of stops you have to make. Sandwich meat is a great plus in case you do run into issues with food or get hungry on the road. I recommend preparing a cooler with ice for drinks and pre-made sandwiches.
Choose destinations that have ample outdoor adventures. Take into consideration what national parks, lakes, swimming holes, hot springs and/or camping sites are in that city of the surrounding area. There are SO many states that have endless outdoor activities. I’ve listed some below just to get your gears going.
North Carolina: Blue Ridge Mountains, Crowders Mountain, Sliding Rock
Florida: There are endless national parks, some of which will even allow you to swim with manatees.
Arizona: The Grand Canyon, hiking/camping in both Sedona and Flagstaff, Lake Havasu
Montana: Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass
Georgia: Altamaha River, Appalachian Trail, Cloudland Canyon State Park
Within some of these national parks, there are dozens of hiking/walking trails to be discovered. Some even have lakes and waterfalls that are open to the public to swim in.
Do not forget the basics, even when you’re having fun! Wear a mask at all times unless you absolutely cannot, wash your hands after touching any surface or having them exposed in a public people-facing area, carry hand sanitizer with you, keep your hands off of your face. All of these can also be referenced on the CDC website linked above. I personally have a small pouch with hand sanitizer, wipes, lotion etc for when I’m on the road or out.
Be open minded and get creative. Don’t limit yourself to what kind of places you entertain. I encourage you to be more adventurous in your housing selection. Take a look at isolated houses, farms or treehouses on Airbnb or other rental platforms that allow you to be away from home but still in a predominantly isolated space. I know some of y’all prefer the 5-star hotels, but don’t sleep on the Airbnbs. Just in the last few months I have stayed in some beautiful guest houses and condos. Airbnb has ample options for each level of comfort. Airbnb often can provide the option of cooking, which many standard/basic hotel rooms do not have, which can assist you in minimizing how much human interaction you have.
If you do plan to cook in your rental space, consider bringing your own groceries from home. Again, this minimizes the need for outside interactions.
Be aware and vigilant. I know this one sounds like you’re entering the battlefield, but hey! It’s better to be safe than sorry. Pay attention to your surroundings, do not stay in areas that are overly populated. No matter if you’re the ONLY person wearing a mask, continue to protect yourself. It’s important to remember that you don’t know where or who other people have been or been around.
Plan Plan Plan. Create a checklist before you leave your house — MinimaList is one of my favorite apps to use to create a running check list. You can even use it to set reminders and alarms for each task you add. Before leaving home, make sure you have all of the items that you need to stay safe and enjoy your trip. Think outside of the box from safety items — you can also bring cards and board games, movies or a portable projector to help make your vacation stay the perfect experience! Ultimately, you want to make sure you’re minimizing how many times you’ll need to stop along the way.
Use contactless payments. If you’re ordering food, have them deliver it to the door. If you’re picking up take out, use your card to pay instead of having the exchange cash. Additionally, many establishments are moving away from cash payments - so also be sure to have one (or two) debit and credit cards on hand to use.
Lastly, relax, be safe and even in the midst of all of the chaos, remember to have fun. I know this sounds simple, but we are ALL living in unprecedented times. Tomorrow is not promised, so safely make the most of the present moment.
I hope these tips help you plan a safe, fun and relaxing get away!
If you’re interested in planning a roadtrip, but have no idea where to start and would like to take the leap with a prepared itinerary in hand, please submit the consultation form and I will get back to you within 48-hours.