Are you interested in a fall road trip, but unsure how to start planning? Or maybe you’re planning a holiday road trip to visit family, but feel overwhelmed by some of the basic logistics of traveling during this time? Here are some helpful links and tips that we’ve gathered from sites across the web and put together in one place to help you plan your next fun, and safe road trip with your family this fall.
Planning Your Trip
Visit the CDC’s Know Your Travel Risk page to view their tips for traveling with the least amount of risk (staying in Airbnb is less risk than staying at a hotel with other travelers co-mingling).
Rather than going from A-B in the simplest route, add in 1-2 diversions that generate special interest or create whimsy and fun. Drive by a well-known factory or business headquarters just to see what it looks like from the outside, plan some fun trivia questions ahead of time to ask everyone as you drive by. Find an area along your route that has an accessible, easy nature trail to let everyone get out and stretch their legs for 15-20 minutes.
Visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions interactive map to determine the city and county-wide restrictions of where you’re traveling to.
World Nomads recommends mapping out your route before you go to ensure you know what’s open and what’s closed before you begin your trip.
Things to Pack
Extra hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes for everyone in the family, so you can wipe off surfaces when you make stops at public places.
Emergency bathroom supplies for everyone, in case it’s difficult to find an open bathroom on a remote road.
Plenty of dry snacks and bottled water.
Pre-made meals when you start out, to minimize the times you have to visit restaurants and convenience stores on that first driving day.
Bring things for the kids that help them get into the road trip spirit: audiobooks, movies, maps, play car games such as Traveller’s Alphabet, or I Spy together while you drive. Read road trip blogs from parents who’ve created lists of kid-friendly, parent-tested ideas.
Mapping Out the Drive
Make sure your car is tuned up and ready for the journey.
Pack an emergency kit for your car.
Visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions interactive map to determine the city and county-wide restrictions of where you’re traveling to.
World Nomads recommends mapping out your route before you go to ensure you know what’s open and what’s closed before you begin your trip.
Accommodations
Consider an Airbnb to eliminate any shared common spaces with other travelers. Look for Airbnbs that display the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol badge on their listing.
Will you be staying in a hotel? Make sure the hotel has taken precautions for addressing COVID-19. Or choose a hotel brand that has publicly committed to implementing new cleaning and safety policies.
Read Washington Post’s article about how to clean your hotel room during the coronavirus.
Rest & Relaxation
Make sure you honor your instincts and don’t second guess yourself when it comes to safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Enjoy the slower pace of things when traveling as a family. Everything takes longer but if you're not in a rush you can savor the moments you're sharing and immerse yourself in the experience. Relax into this wonderful time with your family.
Plan some special things into your trip that are just for you -- bring that special book you always wanted to read, start a doodling journal, make a fun playlist for the car that gets you in a fun mood, buy a gourmet hot chocolate mix and a car electric cup kettle for a sweet treat while driving that doesn’t require you to go into a gas station or Starbucks.
Allow yourself to sleep more and don't judge yourself, or your family, if everyone finds themselves sleeping a little longer and a little later than you normally do at home. Travel often signals to our bodies that it's time to relax and let go, and that's probably just what you and your family need.
Plan for downtime when you return home to lay low and rest before returning to your normal activities, taking time to monitor your body and to decontaminate your things.
Investing in joyful, free time with your family is the best investment you can make, and you’ll all look back on this time fondly. So, don’t forget to take lots of pictures and videos together to commemorate this time together! Travel safely, friends & have fun!