The fourth of July holiday is over and most families are mapping out what the rest of their summer will look like. With gas prices still lower than last year at this time, many are choosing a road trip for their summer vacation. These days it is so important to be prepared. I’ve put together tips on planning and packing for a road trip in the Covid era to help you do just that.
We have always been a spur of the moment kind of family. No real planning went in to our road trips in the past. We had a final destination but as far as the route, overnights, and stops along the way, we went where the wind blew us so to speak. That made for a lot of fun and the trip was as exciting as the destination. We’ve accepted the fact that traveling that way in today’s world would not be wise.
Planning for your destination
Choosing your destination is so important right now. Some states with large outbreaks of the virus have limited travel to essential travel only. Others request that you quarantine upon arrival. Your Google Maps app can help with that. They have temporarily changed their app to give community updates on Covid hotspots throughout the country and the world.
Outdoor destinations are really a good choice this year. Most of our beautiful National Parks are open to some degree. The parks are a place where social distancing is easier to do. If you are one of the lucky ones who will be traveling by RV, this is the perfect choice for you. However, several of the lodges within the parks have reopened on a limited basis as well. You can find all the information you need on that before you even start out on the National Park Service website by clicking here. Each individual park also has their own site with additional information for that particular area.
If your summer vacation involves visiting family, there are several guidelines you will need to adhere to. The CDC’s website addresses this at length. You will need to check each state as well.
Packing for your road trip
No matter what your destination is, it is necessary these days to make sure you are prepared for the trip itself. Somewhere in your road trip history, you put together an emergency car kit. It contains flares, flashlights, tools ect. You also most likely have a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, gauze and several other emergency items. But today, in 2020, before you start your road trip…make sure you have your Covid 19 kit as well.
Here are some of the items you will want to have on hand:
- Hand sanitizer – By now, I am fairly certain we’ve all accumulated a good supply of sanitizer. You will need enough to see you through your trip with stopping for gas a necessity.
- Masks – Your favorite and a package of disposables in case you lose one along the way
- Disposable toilet seat covers – Unless you have an RV, at some point you will be glad you packed these!
- Sanitizing wipes or spray – The CDC website has detailed instructions on disinfecting your lodging accommodations. Be sure to check your hotel’s website for their COVID procedures as well.
- Snacks – Keep those stops to a minimum!
- Cooler – Again…keep the stops to a minimum
- Health insurance cards
- Thermometer – For peace of mind
Think Fun
The family road trip certainly looks a lot different these days. That doesn’t mean it won’t be as great as the trips of the past. It just means it will be different. How much fun it is, entirely depends on you and your attitude.
If you are planning on a road trip yourself, please check out my post My Favorite Summertime Apps . You may find some that will be helpful on your journey.
If you haven’t officially joined us yet…we would love to have you along for the ride! Simply sign up below, confirm your subscription, and I’ll keep you in the loop on all things that are happening at My Home of All Seasons.