As more Americans become vaccinated, the government is easing quarantine protocols in most states. This opens up the possibility of domestic travel. So if you are planning for a road trip these coming months, you’ve come to the right place. We will be discussing what kind of preparations you should make for your road trip to go smoothly without any troubles.
Vaccinations are well underway in the US. It’s been estimated that about 50% of the overall population have been vaccinated, while many have gotten their first dose. Because of this, quarantine restrictions have been lifted, with some even allowing domestic travel. So it seems that right now is the best time for the road trip we have been planning for almost a year. But before that, there are a couple of things to ensure that your road trip will go smoothly.
Vaccination
If you haven’t done it yet, the very first thing you should do is to schedule your family’s vaccination. Getting vaccinated should give you the chance to go around safely in the US. It will also allow you to enter cities and states that might still have quarantine protocols just if you have to pass by them to reach your destination.
If you somehow can’t get vaccinated yet, then you’ll have to continue to wear protective gear to get around. However, it’s important to know that you might not enter various states that are still strict with their quarantine protocols.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle of choice is going to be important for this road trip’s success. Don’t even think of riding public vehicles for your road trips, as some of those are still not allowed to travel to different states. You’re going to have to drive on this road trip or at least rent a vehicle in advance.
One way to prepare your vehicle for this travel is to get it washed. A good car wash can protect your vehicle from dirt and grime for the days you are out on the road. You should also consider getting your wheels powder-coated. This will ensure that your wheels are protected for the long haul. In addition, it will help you save on costs and protect your vehicle from any structural damages that may happen on your road trip.
Additionally, you should consider upgrading your car’s seats. Your family and friends will be sitting for long periods, so they should feel comfortable doing it.
Plan Your Route
You must plan your route and a week. It’s also important that you consider that the pandemic is still around, and quarantine protocols might change overnight. Feel free to utilize the travel restriction maps to keep yourself updated on which roads you can take. In general, stay on the highways and avoid plotting routes into cities as much as possible. Get to your destination as fast as you can without stopping for sightseeing purposes.
Pick Low-key Places
Low-key places are those that receive very little foot traffic or tourists throughout the year. Don’t pick places found in famous blogs, instead choose to explore places that people barely visit. Sure, you might not get as many photos, but you can certainly have an adventure with your friends and family if you do this. So forget about beaches, and consider less traveled roads.
Forget About Suitcases
Suitcases are bulky and expensive, and if you’re planning to carry more stuff on your road trip, consider utilizing plastic bins and sacks to get as much stuff into your trip as possible. Purchase a climbing backpack or a hiking backpack if you want to have more space for your travels. Trust us. These will carry more items and clothes for your road trip than fancy suitcases ever will. It will also be so much easier to put at the back of your vehicle.
Always Bring Your Own Food and Drinks
If you’re going to spend time shopping along the way, you’ll waste more time on your road trip. You’ll also leave yourself vulnerable to the virus. Remember that people who have been vaccinated are still vulnerable to the virus. So it’s vital that you bring your own food and drinks during the trip, or at least the majority of it. If you can’t avoid purchasing stuff along the way, make sure it’s only for the essentials.
Prepare for the Long Haul
Lastly, you must pack for more days than what you originally intended. As we have stated earlier, quarantine restrictions can change overnight, and this can lead to delays. In addition, in some situations, you might be stuck in another state for a couple of days. So make sure that you prepare and pack for more days than you have planned, just in case.
A long trip is well-deserved at this point. However, if you don’t prepare for it well, it might become a disaster. By following these tips, you should be able to make a road trip smoothly. First, make sure you get vaccinated beforehand, so you don’t have to get blocked by changes in quarantine protocols in many states. Also, always wear PPE when you can, despite being vaccinated.
