10 Tips to Keep Your Road Trips Safe During COVID

 

Jasmine reflects and reflects and reflects.

Can you believe it's actually August? It seems it was not that long ago that I was making plans to work from home for what appeared to be a couple of weeks or so. I remember putting on my jacket, grabbing a few things from my cubicle at the office -- only to never return again. In the time since March, the days have zoomed past at break-neck speed. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary celebration and to add insult to injury I barely remember holidays like Easter or Memorial Day weekend.

I think the pandemic quarantine or "Coronatine" (as I like to call it) has caused this phenomenon where we lose a sense of time due to the monotony of our schedules and increased time indoors. According to health professionals, this is the safest method for curbing the spread of the virus.

This fact brings us to our topic at hand. Even though most states are at level 3+ of re-opening, does that mean we can go back pre-pandemic life? Definitely not. Proper hygiene, social distancing, and mask-wearing should still be our top priority. That means if you still want to explore, you have to incorporate these practices into your road trips and put a little extra thought into your planning. Here are some of my personal tips for keeping yourself and others safe while road tripping:

1. Do not travel if you do not feel well or if you were exposed to someone who is ill/had a fever. This might sound like a given, but I think it's worth reiterating.
2. Only travel with family or friends you live with or are in your "bubble". It might be tempting to plan a weekend getaway with your friend you haven't seen in a very long time, but hanging with your usual suspects can help to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. 
3. Find a destination that isn't crowded and research the number of infections in that area. Knowledge is power...and understanding how the virus is moving in the community you plan to visit will help you make better choices about your trip. You may see the numbers and opt to change plans - and that's okay!
4. Know your home state's rules for quarantine as well as the rules for the state you plan to visit. Some states require you quarantine at home upon your return if you vacation in specific areas. Some vacation destinations require you to quarantine in your room upon your arrival. 
5. If you plan to stay overnight (or for a few days), opt for lodging with private entry. The fewer people you have to interact with, the better. This includes shared spaces such as lobbies, elevators, and hallways. A timeshare condo or rental home could be viable options. Some folks are even opting for RVs and campers for their road trip fun this year. Always wear your mask properly while in public spaces.
6. If you are planning to lodge somewhere, find out what the company is doing to keep you safe! Visit the company website, call/message the owners (if it's a rental), do your research! Prioritize proper sanitation, the presence of sanitation stations, and the enforcement of social distancing and mask-wearing. 
7. Plan to do some disinfecting. Bring your cleansing/disinfecting items from home to sanitize your vacation space after upon arrival. If you are staying in a rental, ask if the air filters are changed between guests. I don my rubber gloves and clean all doorknobs, light switches, restrooms, counter/table surfaces, kitchen/kitchenette, and just spray Lysol to my heart's delight!
8. Focus on points of interest that have minimal crowds and enforce social distancing and mask-wearing. Popular places may have a lot of visitors, so explore your options! I use Facebook, Instagram, and BringFido.com to pick places that seem fun, safe, and pet-friendly. Also - I'm partial to outdoor adventures because I love all the fresh air and open spaces! 
9. If you are planning a day trip, pack your lunch and treats ahead of time for easy snacking. A cooler is a great option to keep your food and drinks cool when you are ready to eat.
10. Research where you can visit the restroom safely before you get on the road. Schedule bathroom breaks if necessary and make sure you keep your hand sanitizer handy! Don't forget to wash your hands!

I hope these suggestions will help you feel safer while road tripping. Did I miss any tips? Drop them in the comments below or give me a shout out on IG @theinvincible_jasmine.

Happy (safe) travels,

-Jasmine (The Invincible)