The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused over 110 million cases worldwide. It has affected people’s lives, jobs, and several industries, including travel. The decline in travels in the first ten months of the year reflects 900 million fewer international tourist arrivals. The restrictions have cost more than $900 billion in export revenue from international tourism.
Traveling has now become a dream for most individuals who are stuck in their homes. In the past, people could go in their cars and hit the road. Today, travel has become a very exhausting endeavor.
Before traveling, there are multiple requirements, including travel passes, health certificates, and COVID-19 tests. But, since most countries have already lifted restrictions and lockdown orders, traveling is now allowed. Before hitting the road, here are what you should prepare before the trip:
A Good Car
A road trip in the new normal means hours or days on the road, with stopovers now and then. Before going on a trip, make sure that your car is in top shape to prevent any technical problem or engine trouble along the way.
Before the trip, check your car to make sure that you can have a safe trip. You can have a car mechanic assess for any problem. This way, you can enjoy the journey without worrying about any mechanical issues such as a loose brake, a flat tire, or low car-fluid levels.
Travel Documents
Before the pandemic, traveling was very easy and hassle-free. You could hop into your vehicle and drive away. Today, things have changed due to the threat of the coronavirus.
Borders have strict checkpoints to prevent the spread of the virus to others. As a result, before traveling, the government mandates residents to procure travel passes and COVID-19 tests to ensure that travelers are not infected with the virus.
Make sure that your documents are secure by putting them in envelopes. Further, always bring with you masks for your safety.
State Policies
In line with government restrictions, make sure that you are well-versed with the policies of each state you’re going to pass through. Some policies may vary—with some mandating travelers to have negative COVID-19 test results or face masks.
If you prepare for each state’s checkpoint by having all the documents needed, you won’t worry about any problem during the trip. It is better to be safe and prepared than ruin the road trip by forgetting essential details.
An Infection Control Kit
Amid the pandemic, be prepared by having an infection control kit. What is inside the kit?
Bring a hand sanitizer, a bar soap to wash your hands, a face mask, and other items that can help sanitize items and surroundings. Be prepared with the kit every time you need to go out of the car to eat or buy goods.
Some gas stations may be short on paper products such as toilet paper and disinfectant wipes. Bring your toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizers. During the trip, don’t forget to clean your hands often, each time you hold or touch something such as fuel handles and your credit card for payment.
Food and Water
If you have the time to prepare food and water for the trip, do so. It is crucial to be equipped with food, as some restaurants and food shops have closed due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be stuck on the road with nowhere to buy food or water. Pack food items that are not easily spoiled, such as bread, sandwiches, and chips.
Open Establishments and Other Places
It pays to be prepared with a list of destinations. Before the trip, contact the establishments, restaurants, amusement parks, and recreational areas where you plan to go. It would be a waste of time, effort, and money to go to your destination only to find out it is closed or has stopped operations. The pandemic has taken its toll on many businesses such as amusement parks.
A Nice Hotel
Since road trips can last for days, hotels are important destinations to sleep and relax. But, due to the pandemic, many of these hotels have closed, either temporarily or permanently. To ensure a hassle-free trip, call the hotel you’re planning to stay at to make sure that they can cater to you.
Road-tripping in the new normal is challenging and hectic. But it is what some people need at the moment. Traveling can have a multitude of benefits such as reducing depression and loneliness.