Since traveling to other countries isn’t advisable for the moment, you can travel domestically if you feel the need to go somewhere. And instead of taking a plane, you can go on a road trip to reduce the risk of getting the virus. Additionally, a road trip also allows you to see the sights you don’t normally see when you travel by plane.
But going on a road trip can be challenging if you have no idea what to expect. Due to this, you should consider several things so you will stay safe when you travel across the country.
Before going on a road trip, you should check out the travel planner of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a centralized communication platform offering Covid-19 information for all states in the US and tribal, territorial, and local communities.
Going on a Road Trip
Before traveling, it’s best to have yourself vaccinated. While you might take all the necessary precautions to decrease the risk of becoming infected, getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid experiencing the severe effects of the virus if you catch it along the way.
Additionally, you should still wear a mask and stay at least six feet away from a person who isn’t a part of your household while on a road trip. This applies when you stop for gas, food, or bathroom breaks. Bringing a hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes when you leave the car is also a good idea. And always wash your hands properly using soap and water whenever possible.
Here are the other things you can do to stay safe when you go on a road trip across the country.
Be Familiar with the Route
When traveling across the country in your car, it’s always good for you to know the route. To facilitate this, you should plan it before leaving the house. You should check the state where you’re passing to know if there are any restrictions. You should also check if you’ll be passing through any Covid-19 hotspots.
You should also check the travel planner of the CDC if the destination has any restrictions for out-of-state visitors. Additionally, you can check if any of the tourist attractions you’ll be passing by are open to visitors or if they have any requirements before you can get in.
When you study your route carefully, you will have lesser issues during the trip. It also allows you to know the best places to stay the night or make a side trip somewhere along the route.
Have Paper Maps Ready
If you have a good sense of direction or have a photographic memory, a paper map or offline map might be unnecessary. But if you don’t have these qualities, it’s best to bring a paper map when you go on a road trip. This is particularly true when you do not have a global positioning system (GPS) device.
A paper map or even an offline map that you download on your phone allows you to know where you are. Google Maps is also available as an offline version where you can still see the map even if you do not have an internet connection. But before you leave the house, you can plot any important location on the paper map that you can use as a reference in case you lost your way.
Stop When Tired
Before going on a road trip, it’s advisable to check the route and look for places where you can spend a night or two. This is particularly true if something is interesting at the stopover and you want to check it out. If you’re staying the night at a lodge or inn, you should check with the manager if they implement mosquito control measures so you can sleep without any issues through the night.
Even if you’re not stopping at a certain place, it’s still important to plan if you need to stop somewhere. It’s risky to continue driving if you are tired. In these situations, you might figure in an accident, which is something you should avoid while traveling during these times.
You should also make sure that the place you’re stopping over has a store that sells food and supplies. While you might be tempted to eat at a restaurant, you should avoid it unless they have an open-air dining area. You can always buy food and eat it inside your room.
If you intend to go on a road trip across the country, it’s always advisable to take the necessary precautions to ensure you remain safe when you hit the road.
