It wouldn’t be wrong to say that most of us have spent our fair share of time indoors. As more and more people get vaccinated, our world is finding a new normal. A part of our very normal schedule was to enjoy summer outdoors and exploring, but for the past two years we have to put our breaks on break. This was the best way to ensure that we were staying safe and doing our part on keeping our community safe. Almost 2 years later now, we are more equipped to handle the changes caused by the novel coronavirus. With careful planning, we can start enjoying our summer breaks again.
The question now is how we can plan our summer holidays amidst the new COVID travel restrictions?
If there has ever been a time to stop, take a moment and admire that you have, it’s 2021, right as we come off this devasting pandemic. Air travel is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. An alternative to this is going on a road trip. While a road trip is a bit less relaxing than getting on a plane and whisking away, it is far more rewarding and allows you to explore so much more.
Taking a road trip is a great way to find inspiration in nature and the many wonders it has to offer. This may also provide a great chance for self-reflection as you drive peacefully on the roads and discovers parts of you that may get lost in your 9-5 jobs.
Road tripping also lets you redefine travelling. Travelling isn’t just 5-star hotels with their 7 course meals. You can learn so much more about a place, it’s culture and community by interacting with the normal people you may come across on a road trip.
While restrictions and regulations differ from place to place, there are a few guidelines that can be used no matter where you go. Here are a few things to consider when planning a road trip.
- Rent a car
Road tripping can take you through many different terrains and you may need a car that can handle all the curves. Renting a car also ensure that you’re driving a newer, more reliable car lest something was to happen to your older personal car. You may be travelling with family for which you may need a bigger vehicle. When renting you can have your choice of what type of vehicle to get. The rental can come with your choice of features like a camera or even a satellite phone depending on what type of adventure you’re going for. Rental companies sanitize and disinfect cars before you can drive it and ensure that all the maintenance is up to date. - Carry your own masks, gloves, and sanitizers
Keep your vehicle ready for any emergency. Many places require face masks and it’s still the best practice to prevent spreading the virus. You can stay safe by keeping distance and sanitizing surfaces that you touch. You can keep water and soap in your car as well, which will allow you to regularly wash your hands without needing to find a bathroom. Make sure that your disinfecting wipes and sanitizers are at least 60% alcohol.
3. Research and plan
Even if you’ve taken this trip before, do more research and call ahead. There may be many places that have either closed down due to COVID or changed their timings. Make reservations wherever necessary. Whatever city you’re driving to, read up on their restrictions and be sure to follow them especially if you are crossing borders.
4. Accommodation
If you’re looking to stay a few days at your end destination, make sure to book the hotel is advance and call ahead to confirm. Once you are at your hotel/accommodation, clean the place again yourself and handle your own baggage if you can. Confirm with the hotel what their policies are and what they are doing to protect against COVID19. You can call the front desk and ask them to forego daily housekeeping which will limit the amount of people coming in and out of your room.
Another good option is to go for a home rental as it ensures that no outside people will be allowed inside. They will also come with their own kitchens so you can prepare your own meals instead of going to restaurants.
Camping or spending the night in the car is also a good option wherever possible. If you’re camping, ensure that the place you have chosen is safe from animals in the night and make sure to lock the car doors. Sleeping under the stars is always a good option.
As we recover from COVID19, it’s important to remember that our safety includes the safety of those around us. So, whatever decision you make regarding your holidays, PLAN ahead. Planning your holidays is more important than ever before because these are unprecedented times and it’s best to be prepared. We can definitely enjoy our vacations but let’s have some good old fashioned planned fun so you can hit the roads with confidence.
Happy traveling!
