We may be staying home more than usual, but we’re still on a journey — a journey into Year 2 of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s an adventure, to be sure, but not the kind we usually have in mind when we hit the road. There will doubtless be more twists and turns in the road as vaccines roll out, hotspots shift, and some areas begin to open up again. The watchword remains cautious, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun allowed. On the contrary: With a little patience and some creative planning, we can still have great vacations and travel in 2021. Here are some tips:
Pick your mode of transport
The Centers for Disease Control has issued clear guidelines for travel during the pandemic, and those guidelines remain in force as we head into the new year. Air travel can be problematic, not just because it’s difficult or impossible to socially distance on a plane, but also because the virus also can spread easily at airports or on public transportation to and from terminals.
Bus and train travel poses similar risks, so you might want to consider car or RV travel, where you’ll be able to limit your exposure to strangers. If you do decide to travel in your own vehicle, take the earliest opportunity to evaluate your insurance policy and make sure it’s a good fit before you embark on an extended road trip.
Be financially prepared for travel in 2021
Before you even leave, create a budget for your trip. Consider how long you’ll be away from home and, if you’re traveling by car or RV, take the following variables into account:
- Meal costs. You can reduce these by stocking up on food before you leave and avoiding sit-down meals at restaurants, where the virus is often spread. (If you want to eat out, look for places with outdoor dining; some restaurants add warmers to their patios during winter to encourage this option.)
- Fuel consumption. You’ll use more gasoline if you’re in a large vehicle like an RV than you will in a car, so you’ll want to take that into account. The pandemic has reduced gas and insurance costs, but gas is more expensive in some states, which may have higher taxes than others. Plan to pay more for gas in the West than in the South.
- Souvenirs. You’ll probably want a few mementos of your travels in The Year That Wasnt (Part 2), so save some room for them in your travel budget.
- Emergencies. Leave yourself a cushion in case the worst happens: car breakdowns, medical emergencies, etc. It’s a good idea to have credit available just in case and to know how good your credit is. You’ll also need plastic to secure hotel rooms and car rentals if you need to take advantage of those services.
Stock up before you leave for travel in 2021
Another way to limit your exposure is by restricting the number of stops you make on the road at places like convenience stores, gas stations, and rest stops. You can do this by stocking up ahead of time on essentials, snacks, water, etc.
Have a supply of masks in your vehicle, along with disposable gloves, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Use those gloves when pumping gas or using debit card keypads at service stations. Remember to use hand sanitizer and wipe down your dashboard and other interior surfaces in your vehicle after any stops.
No matter how prepared you are, you’ll have to stop for the “call of nature.” When you do, think about bypassing traditional gas stations in favor of rest stops with porta-potties. They’re often found in less-traveled areas, they’re sanitized regularly, and they’re single-user, so you don’t have to share air space with others who may spread the virus.
Look for wide-open spaces
When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to stay away from big metropolitan areas and traditionally crowded tourist spots such as amusement parks and popular beaches. Taking in the natural beauty of quiet, out-of-the-way destinations can be even more rewarding.
The farther away you get from civilization, the more stars you’ll see at night, and the more crickets you’ll hear. Whether you’re into meditation or just soaking in the wilderness, you just might find little-known parks and isolated vistas the perfect antidote for feeling cooped up at home during the lockdown.
The more you seek out isolated destinations, the more you’ll be able to insulate yourself from the potential spread of the virus. It’s just another way to balance safety and enjoyment during your travel in 2021.
The best news is that your vacation doesn’t have to be a stressful balancing act of pitting fun against safety. A road trip can be the best possible way to get away from it all and create memories of places that few others have seen. It’s hard to ask for anything more.
. This is a contributed post by Molly Barnes(Author of Digital Nomad Life)