How to Road-Trip Safely in 2020 and Beyond

By Molly Barnes, Digital Nomad Life

Most seasoned travelers missed their vacations this year, but for retirees, it was an especially huge curve to navigate. 

Across numerous states, millions of American workers were told they had to stay home, either transitioning to remote status or losing their jobs. But they weren’t the only ones affected. Many retirees had grown used to seeing the world, and it was tough to be told they had to stay home because of a higher risk of contracting the virus. 

Not exactly the ideal vision of retirement!

The good news is, as many realized this summer, road trips are one way to fulfill those dreams of wanderlust — even in a pandemic. And why not? Highways are open, gas prices are still low, traveling by car poses fewer risks, and practicing social distancing is easier when driving your own vehicle and spending the night where you can properly self-isolate.

Of course, to stay safe, extra precautions are necessary. But with some proactive planning, you can have a safe and sanity-preserving road trip.

Plan your route

Perhaps the question isn’t when you should go, but where. There are many great routes that allow retirees to inhale the fresh air, enjoy a taste of Americana, or simply see something new. If your vehicle doesn’t have an up-to-date built-in GPS system or you’re not up to speed with smartphones, now’s the time to learn how to use this tech. It offers such great advantages.

Years ago, you could get a paper-based AAA-issued TripTik, but today mostly everything’s digital. Take advantage of AAA or another program to help you identify open hotels, gas stations, rest stops (or clean porta-potty locations), grocery stores, medical facilities, road closures, or detours. 

The phrase “Know before you go” definitely applies in a pandemic era. Now is not the time to plan on the fly. Technology is a valuable companion to keep when traveling these days.

Pick wide-open spaces

Destinations that offer outdoor experiences are your best bet right now because they make it easy to socially distance even if you encounter some crowds. If you travel during off-peak holiday times, chances are the sky’s the limit, but if you hit the road during peak weeks, look for destinations off the beaten path.

Go four-wheeling, head to an isolated beach, or seek out a quiet state or national park. You’ll be rewarded with natural beauty, peace, and solitude.

Get things settled at home

After spending time inside around the clock for the last eight months, the prospect of leaving home might feel a little frightening. You’ve also probably gotten very cozy (and even maybe a bit agoraphobic! 

It’s natural to feel a little worried about leaving home. Besides, everyone knows the furnace always goes kaput or a pipe springs a leak right before it’s time to go! 

Give yourself peace of mind by investing in a good home warranty to help cover any unexpected big-ticket expenses. Also, ask a family member or trusted neighbor to check in on things while you’re gone to further relieve any unease about leaving home.

Take care of your vehicle

Years of experience have shown us that traveling seldom goes exactly as planned. However, during a pandemic, you want to take whatever steps you can to avoid running into problems, especially with your car.

• Get your car inspected, including the battery, brakes, tires, and fluids.
• Invest in routine maintenance, such as an oil change.
• Review your car insurance. Make sure it’s up to date and you have all the coverage you’ll need.
• Make sure your lights, signals, and windshield wipers are working properly.

The consequences of your car breaking down can be worse during the cooler fall and winter seasons, so make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you depart. The last thing you want is to deal with unknown mechanics or a breakdown in an isolated place.

Check the forecast

Fall and winter road trips are often affected by wintry or blustery weather. Before you leave for your trip, if you haven’t already done so, download a good weather-tracking app and mentally prepare for how to travel through (or wait out) any rain, snow, sleet, or icy roads you may encounter along the way.

Some weather apps can show you a 10-day outlook, complete with temperature and precipitation forecasts. Others offer satellite images of approaching storms. Choose the ones that are right for you.

Create a pandemic safety kit

Perhaps the most important precautions you can take in “pandemic world” involve continued vigilance concerning the virus. No one knows what the rest of 2020 will bring, let alone 2021. It’s the smartest move to always be prepared with a pandemic safety kit in a sealable plastic bin. Pack the following items:

• Several face masks and cloth face coverings
• Alcohol-based disinfecting wipes
• Plenty of hand sanitizer in large and small bottles
• Paper towels
• Antibacterial soap
• Disposable gloves
• Small sealable zipped plastic baggies
• Trash bags

IMPORTANT: When stocking your pandemic safety kit, keep in mind that a significant number of hand sanitizers can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. The FDA’s “do not use” list identifies approximately 100 such dangerous products. Check to make sure the sanitizer you plan to pack is safe and effective.

As you’re packing, be sure to include enough nonperishable foods and drinks (or, if you have space, pack an additional cooler) so you can make fewer stops and avoid contact with others in regions you’re unfamiliar with. Coronavirus spikes are still occurring in many states, so you’ll want to stay cautious and aware.

The task of planning a road trip for 2020 or beyond is not as simple as in the days of yesteryear. However, your highway vacation can still be safe and enjoyable. Beautiful vistas, nostalgia, and good times await. So why not feed that appetite for travel and get yourself out on the road for a change of scenery?