{"id":34020,"date":"2020-12-04T10:13:48","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T15:13:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=34020"},"modified":"2020-12-04T10:13:51","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T15:13:51","slug":"how-to-road-trip-safely-in-2020-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/how-to-road-trip-safely-in-2020-and-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Road-Trip Safely in 2020 and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Time
Photo by Doug Bardwell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By Molly Barnes, <\/strong>Digital Nomad Life<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most seasoned travelers missed their vacations this year, but for retirees, it was an especially huge curve to navigate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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<\/a> of contracting the virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not exactly the ideal vision of retirement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is, as many realized this summer, road trips are one way to fulfill those dreams of wanderlust \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Plan your route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the question isn\u2019t when you should go, but where. There are many great routes<\/a> that allow retirees to inhale the fresh air, enjoy a taste of Americana, or simply see something new. If your vehicle doesn\u2019t have an up-to-date built-in GPS system or you\u2019re not up to speed with smartphones, now\u2019s the time to learn how to use this tech. It offers such great advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Years ago, you could get a paper-based AAA-issued TripTik, but today mostly everything\u2019s digital<\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The phrase \u201cKnow before you go\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick wide-open spaces<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Drone photo by Doug Bardwell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s the limit, but if you hit the road during peak weeks, look for destinations off the beaten path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go four-wheeling, head to an isolated beach, or seek out a quiet state or national park. You\u2019ll be rewarded with natural beauty, peace, and solitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get things settled at home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After spending time inside around the clock for the last eight months, the prospect of leaving home might feel a little frightening. You\u2019ve also probably gotten very cozy (and even maybe a bit agoraphobic! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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\u2019s time to go! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re gone to further relieve any unease about leaving home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care of your vehicle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"man
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n