Staying healthy on the road

Please note: always follow science and healthcare expert advice first and foremost.

This year has been, and continues to be, particularly important for USA road trips, as people search for ways to experience the country while staying vigilant about their health. Since it can be daunting to start your vacation with all these considerations — how to avoid COVID-19, how to make a gas or food stop as sanitary as possible — we’ve compiled a manual for staying healthy on your vacation. Road trip aficionado and former DK Overseas Ambassador Jeremy Lindenfeld shares his top tips for staying healthy during your travels:

Understand where is safe

Photo by Jeremy Lindenfeld
When venturing out on your road trip this summer, it’s important to understand that each destination comes with its own set of risks. Does your dream vacation include secluded campsites or crowded nightclubs? Fresh air and the ability to keep your distance from others make outdoor spaces like parks and beaches generally safer places to visit; close quarters and lack of ventilation make indoor areas like casinos and malls higher risk. 
 
It’s also vital to keep up-to-date on any relevant trends such as an area’s infection rate and lockdown measures. Are certain cities becoming COVID-19 hotspots? Is the weather at your chosen destination conducive to remaining healthy? The more hostile the climate — whether that’s an intense heat wave or snowstorm — the more likely you will find yourself crammed indoors and at higher risk of infection. Keeping these sorts of things in mind will help you make well-informed decisions as to where you want to go and whether that destination warrants the risks.

Pack accordingly

Photo by Jeremy Lindenfeld
Beyond the basics of summer staples (sunscreen, water bottles, athletic gear), this year necessitates a few more important items. Masks are a must. Using a face covering when around other people will decrease the chances of you contracting and/or spreading illness. 
 
Soap and hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) have also proven effective in killing the disease, so make sure to bring your own supply. Also carry disinfectant wipes for sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, but ultimately the best way to keep your hands germ-free is to clean them regularly with soap or sanitizer. 

Use your tools properly

Just having a mask and sanitizer doesn’t mean you’re staying safe — remember to use them properly to ensure they’re effective. Make sure your mask is always covering your nose and mouth in public, and clean your hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer after you’ve touched anything in a communal space. Remember, scientists believe that COVID-19 can survive on certain surfaces for days at a time. 

Keep clean while filling your tank

Photo by Jeremy Lindenfeld
Gas stations may be the most common location on your road trip, so it is vital to navigate those spaces safely. Because rest stops are high traffic areas, it is best to wipe down gas pumps and any other surface you intend to touch with disinfectant wipes. You can also carry paper towels in your car, to use when you’re pumping gas. 

Of course, wear a mask when outside of your vehicle and try to keep your distance from others. After filling your tank, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with sanitizer.

Stay safe when grabbing a bite

Another common point of interaction on the road is in the drive-thru lane. Because much of the contact is hands-off, experts consider drive-thrus relatively safe spaces in regard to COVID-19. As with any social interaction, wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance between yourself and others is paramount. Experts also advise to pay with credit/debit card when possible as to limit the volume of items exchanged. After receiving your food, thoroughly wash your hands with the cleaning products you have brought along with you. And just like that, you are ready to enjoy your meal. Bon Appetit!

Keep your distance

While on your adventure, you can increase your chances of staying healthy by maintaining distance between yourself and others. Healthcare professionals recommend staying at least six feet away from individuals you are not traveling with, as this has proven to decrease chances of spreading illness. 
 
You can also limit your exposure to others by choosing to visit and stay at less densely populated locations. Instead of staying at a hotel, you may want to try camping nearby; instead of eating in restaurants, explore outdoor dining options. Another great way to avoid crowds is to research what time of day certain sites are busiest. By understanding those patterns, you'll be able to steer clear of large gatherings and more safely enjoy each of your vacation's destinations.

Be vigilant when coming home

Photo by Jeremy Lindenfeld
Safety precautions don't end when your vacation does. After the tan lines have set in and you're all cashed out at the slot machines, you are going to want to return as safely and smoothly as possible. Once you get home, make sure to -- you guessed it! -- wash your hands, and also disinfect items you took along with you. It's also a good idea to get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until you receive the results, to make sure you reenter society without putting the health of others at risk. 

Travel is a great way to escape the increasingly stressful news cycles and living conditions, but it should be done responsibly. By following the guidelines outlined above, and paying close attention to up-to-date CDC recommendations, you will be able to enjoy your summer road trip while also maintaining your well-being.

Read next

Our memorable trips

Now isn’t the time for going places. However, as we spend the coming weeks mostly indoors, we can still dream about travel, plan future adventures and revisit ones we’ve taken before. This is exactly what we’ve asked our team to do – to dream and reflect. Here are 12 memorable trips taken by the DK Eyewitness team, featuring eclipses, safaris, cycling treks, pilgrimages, bunnies, toboggans and ancient ruins.

Read now >>



 

How to be an armchair traveller

Just because you can’t escape to a new adventure right now doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming. There are ways to remain inspired, whether you’re surfing the internet on your phone, lounging at home, or sipping coffee at your local cafe. Being an armchair traveller is all about learning about and reflecting, and ultimately engaging with far-flung places without ever needing to leave home.

Read now >>