by Jesse Clark
Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a touchy (and tricky) issue for many individuals. On one hand, you want to get out and enjoy life, but on the other, the thought of getting extremely sick is worrisome. Take a look at these ideas and tips for avoiding the virus and staying safe — and the best types of travel that can make it easier to enjoy a time out of life for a bit.
Travel by Car To Social Distance
If you have to choose one method of travel to get around, avoid planes and trains, despite how convenient they may have been in the past. Going by car is your safest bet. Doing so gives you plenty of opportunities to socially distance and travel with your own household instead. Driving means you can stop wherever you please and pick up anytime you want to take off — your schedule is truly your own. Looking up interstate rest stops gives you the chance to map out your next trip, so you and your family members can take a break and stretch your legs along the journey.
Choose Outdoor Activities
Regardless of where your journey takes you, think about engaging in outdoor activities while steering clear of COVID. Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, and even flying a kite are all great options when it comes to choosing safe outdoor pastimes. As long as you socially distance yourself from others, you can avoid COVID outside much easier than if you were indoors. According to studies, the pathogens are more likely to dissipate at a faster rate outdoors than inside. That doesn’t mean you should let your guard down — it’s still necessary to keep six feet apart and wear a mask, but it doesn’t have to spoil your fun.
Take PPE Along for the Ride
While personal protective equipment is something you might associate with doctors, many individuals have created their own PPE lists that include items like disinfectant spray, face masks, hand sanitizer, and face shields. Consider the activities you are going to take part in and where you are going. Having enough PPE for everyone ensures you can go wherever you need to while out on your trip or even make an emergency stop at a store or another place where social distancing becomes tricky. Make sure to store PPE away from the sun to avoid damage and try to keep it in a cool setting, if possible.
Staycation: Exploring Where You Live
Going on a fun vacation doesn’t need to involve leaving town. There is often plenty to do near your home. Consider renting a house near where you live where you can distance yourself from others. Or, to make your trip even more special, you can go on a hiking trip to see Arizona’s treasures, like the Horseshoe Bend Canyon. Even if you live in a smaller town, there are still places you likely haven’t been to yet, such as an off-the-beaten-path hiking trail or a prime picnic spot, so use this time to explore.
Keeping safe during the COVID pandemic may present a challenge, but don’t let it stop you from having fun while staying safe. Pick a car as your mode of transport, bring along PPE, and choose activities that make it easy to stay apart from others outside of your family. Use this time to explore the city or town you live in and see what is out there. You might be surprised how much fun you can have in your own backyard.
About the author
Jesse Clark created Soulful Travel because she believes that travel is good for the soul. As crazy as it might sound, getting lost is often the best way to find yourself, so let this site be your compass to life-changing travel experiences.
