Once the flowers start to bloom, you’d want to stretch those legs that have been curled up in the winter cold. With the health situation still unclear, traveling will still have some aggravation. But wandering souls couldn’t be suppressed anymore. If the states declare you could travel, do so but with great precautions.
These precautions had already been recommended when places started easing up after months of lockdown. It is worthy to reiterate them because as more people are going out of their homes, a sense of normalcy may cause you to lower down your guard.
Choosing a safe vehicle
In some areas, the frost will just be melting. Whoever’s driving should be well-aware of the dangers you would be facing on the road. But aside from driving skills, you’d feel more at ease if you’re driving a vehicle that could handle impacts.
If your vehicle is not fit for it, don’t hesitate to rent a more reliable one. Subaru is one of the most recommended brands for safety. Make sure that your rental’s gears and mechanisms continue to work properly. Check if they have been following the Subaru factory recommended maintenance work.
It might also be good to rent a Recreational Vehicle to make your trip more comfortable and safe. You wouldn’t have to worry much about having to interact with different people if you use an RV since it already provides you with lodging and allows you to cook your meals.
If you weren’t able to get an RV, here are some suggestions on what you could prepare.
Lodging — Try camping out
Don’t be dependent on roadside lodgings. If you’re not a hundred percent sure of their sanitary procedures, it might be better to check out where you could park to sleep, preferably one where you could also shower and do your business. Depending on your itinerary, most national parks would have a campsite nearby. Check out the U.S. National Park Service for announcements and updates.
You don’t have to set up fancy camping gear. If you’re not traveling to go camping, just bring mattresses that could be rolled up during the day. You could even just set it up in your vehicle if you all could fit. Also, bring toilet seat covers, alcohol, and your usual disinfecting sprays. You could never be too cautious.
If you’re not comfortable roughing it, arrange your lodging in advance so you have time to review its amenities and see if they’re taking health precautions. Bring sheets and pillowcases just to be sure. Stories of lodgings not changing used sheets are more horrifying right now.
Food — Portable stove and ice bucket
Since you’ll be driving into unfamiliar territory, you couldn’t be too sure that the health safety level you’ve been enjoying in your neighborhood or your state would be the same. It’s best if you cook your food, or at the very least, reheat what you buy from the diners. Or for brief trips, you can prepare food that could be stored in your ice bucket and simply heat some every meal. It will be safer since it’s not handled by other people and you know how it was prepared.
Buy supplies that would last for at least three days so that you don’t have to go to supermarkets or groceries frequently and interact with strangers more than necessary.
If you’re eating at a diner or restaurant, bring utensils with you. It doesn’t matter if other diners or the staff would take offense. You have to take extra precautions. Don’t rely on alcohol. If you could wash your hands before eating, do so.
Health preparations
Vaccines are already being rolled out. Consider getting vaccinated. Instead of looking at your social media feed to see what others think about it, consult your physician. Weigh the pros and cons of it.
With or without a vaccine, continue following health protocols. The previous cases have not yet been resolved and now new strains have emerged. Even if you got a vaccine, that had been developed during the first wave of the virus. Don’t lower your guard just yet.
Boost your immune system. Take vitamins and eat immune-boosting food. If you’re feeling sick before the trip, cancel it. It’s better to miss out on an adventure than to expose your weak body to health hazards.
The health crisis has forever changed how we explore the world. But as long as we learn from our experience, we could proceed better equipped and conscious of what we do. The lockdowns reminded us of what we have been taking for granted for a long time. Maybe now we would be more grateful whenever we could go out of our homes and enjoy our freedom to move.
