Things To Consider When Taking A Road Trip During Pandemic

Road trips are on the grid for many travelers and tourists ever since the pandemic hit the world. Whilst several countries are lifting restrictions and resuming International travel, governments have urged people to suspend all kinds of non-essential travel. 

A road trip vacation package is being preferred by innumerable travelers who are not in the position to undertake international travel. Traveling in flight or train may pose significant risks. On the contrary, people tend to feel accountable and safe when traveling in their vehicles.

The novel coronavirus is still lurking in the corner. Travel experts suggest tourists avoid public transport. Traveling in a personal car with close friends or family members is safer than traveling with unknown people despite precautionary measures. Yet, it is still advised to sanitize your hands and maintain social distancing in the vehicle. 

But if you are keen to travel again, a customized road trip is the best solution. Check these expert tips to make sure your vacation package is safe. 

Get your vehicle prepared for the trip:

Your vehicle should be prepared as you are. Due to the pandemic, very few options will be available when you hit the road. Hence, make sure your vehicle is maintained. The tires and the engine should be in good condition. Check the oil and the brakes. Get a Stepney and other spare tools to be on the safer side. 

Rent a vehicle if needed:

If your vehicle is not in the perfect condition, then your vacation package may be disrupted. In that case, you may prefer renting one. 

Travel experts suggest tourists consider renting a luxury car or an SUV. The reason being, luxurious cars offer more space and comfort. Moreover, such vehicles come with a wide range of in-built options such as Wi-fi, legroom, radio, GPS, airbags, and other safety features. 

If your road trip will be too rugged landscapes such as mountain terrains or rocky paths, a reliable vehicle is needed to tackle. 

While booking a car, travelers should inspect the cleaning and maintenance policies of the car with the rental agency. The virus has a high-transmission rate through surfaces. Thus, the steering wheel, brake, seats, and doors should be disinfected. 

Planning the route effectively:

Since we are in the middle of the pandemic, travelers need to plan their vacation package meticulously. Before setting off on the road, it is crucial to have a well-planned route at hand. Some places may still have strict restrictions, while others may be slowly lifting regulations for tourism. 

Now more than ever, travelers need to research well about the restricted places. Gather information and make sure the places you visit are not COVID-19 hotspot zones.

Today, various apps for road trips are available. These applications help people to navigate accurately and know what is nearby, such as food stalls, gas stations, etc. 

If you have to stay in a hotel, make reservations beforehand and don’t think to book a room while on the go. 

Planning the stops:

Once you plan the destination and route, the next step is to jot down the stops for food, restroom, and fuel. Owing to the current situation, it is best to have a few stops to restrict contact with others. 

From restaurants to petrol, tourists need exact information and check for viable restrictions. 

Travel with reliable people:

If you are traveling solo, then you have a high chance of being safe as compared to those who are traveling with a bunch of people. If your travel partners are your family members then the risk of getting infected is less. But if the people come from separate households and have not abided by the quarantine and social distancing rules, then the chances of transmission are high. 

Reports suggest that people may be asymptomatic carriers despite looking completely normal and healthy. Therefore, it is wise to travel with reliable people who had quarantined themselves before the trip. 

Also, senior citizens and toddlers may be sensitive to speed and travel nausea. They are more prone to getting infected. Extra care should be taken if they will be traveling. 

Carry essential items:

The main motive of taking a road trip during this time is not only for leisure, but also to limit contact with other people; as much as possible. Travelers need to carry all important things without fail. Like always, one should not think to buy items from shops in the destination. 

Needless to say, sanitizer and masks are mandatory. Travelers need to get quality sanitizer. An effective sanitizer has at least 60% alcohol. A substandard sanitizer will be ineffective and may cause skin allergies. Disposable tissues and gloves are also to be carried. Carry reusable bags to dispose of the waste.

You may be wondering if one should wear a mask while in the car or not. If you are traveling alone, then you don’t have to. But if there are more than two people in the car, then wearing a mask is necessary. Cover your face with a scarf when you feel breathless and uncomfortable. 

Besides wearing a mask, the most important thing is to know how to deal with it. Avoid taking the mask on and off constantly. Do not reuse single-use masks. Dispose of the mask in a closed dustbin. 

Health experts advise tourists to avoid eating food from roadside stalls. Tourists can carry snacks, soft drinks, fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, etc. Avoid carrying foods that leave a lot of crumbs and granules. 

First-aid kit, sachets, medicines, scarves, cover-ups, and an eye mask are other important things to be carried. 

Go digital:

Travelers need to limit contact with others as much as possible. One such way is to use applications and technology in the best way. 

Applications help road trippers plan everything virtually. They suggest reliable and easy routes, and also cheaper alternatives. Hotel Tonight, Gas Buddy, Road Trippers, and Waze are just some applications that help travelers plan a perfect road trip. 

Similarly, travel experts suggest tourists to avoid using cash. Using digital payment apps lessen the potential transmission of germs. Tourists can transfer money virtually. Google Pay, PhonePe, PayPal, Paytm, etc. are safer options than using cash and card swiping. All you need is a good Internet connection.