Author: ArtsyChowRoamer

Road Trips are Back

A POPULAR TRAVEL OPTION

On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again

 Singer – Willie Nelson

Not that they ever disappeared but road trips are more popular than ever for those brave enough to consider planning a fall vacation in the year of our Lord 2020 BC (before Covid). Let’s face it, your car is safer than most any other travel mode and tech offers a lot of entertainment to help the time go by. This post we’ll take a look at some options and the planning involved before you hit the road.

CAMPING, GLAMPING AND ALL THINGS RV

State and Federal parks are apparently slammed because outdoor camping seems to offer what folks think is the safest of options.  RV rental sites have popped up overnight with every kind available from price points of $50 to $900 a night suggesting glamping could also be in your future.

I too have found myself scrolling through these websites wondering if I can rent a hitch and if my Kia will pull a tiny teal trailer named Robin (pet friendly for my furry travel companion).  Or maybe I should choose a decked out silver Airstream called Ava with a shower and a toilet.

My husband quietly suggests a Class B van camper might be better for those of us not used to the dangers of driving while hitched; reminding me of the accident my own grandparents had on the way to their usual summer campsite.

One of the best sites to see the available rentals from many major cities is www.outdoorsy.com.  There are 565 listings from Atlanta alone; tiny ones without bathrooms sleeping 2 all the way up to monster Class C’s that sleep 12.

The designer in me appreciates that you can have cozy ones with a hygge vibe going on to a more contemporary urban feel with all the comforts of home.  There’s something for everyone on this site. Make sure you check what the owners are stating in regards to cleaning and take your own supplies to clean again just to be on the safe side!

CAMPSITES

When you decide what rental is best for you than the planning of where to take it begins.  If you need hook ups for bath and electrical than you are stuck looking for campsites.  The National Parks are shown under www.nps.gov.

Georgia state parks will give you all the 411 under www.gastateparks.org.  Be aware there are Covid restrictions in place to help keep crowds down. Call ahead and make reservations where possible.

If you pick a little jewel with solar panels, its own water system and a composting toilet you can go to any perfect spot and set up within certain limitations of course. These make for the best adventures and allow you to stop when you want to without the restrictions of reservations and check in times.

OTHER IDEAS

Want that glamping experience but don’t want to find your own or haul it around? Check out this article for ten vintage trailers offering retro charm for your next adventure. Located from Washington down to California and across Utah, New Mexico and Texas there’s a fabulous retro experience already in place and waiting just for you.

How about some ideas for scenic shorter road trips around the Southeast? The trip from Charleston to Savannah is chock full of beauty and Southern charm. Stroll the cobblestone streets and see the historic buildings and secret gardens that Charleston has to offer along with the beauty of the water and open markets.

Explore Savannah’s historic downtown district on foot or by horse and carriage. Enjoy the foodie scene with some of the best restaurants Georgia has to offer like The Grey with award winning Chef Mashama Bailey. Do some shopping in the trendy boutiques and stroll along River Street.

Or how about the 469 mile run that links the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park that straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It’s a quintessential Southern trip using Blue Ridge Parkway to navigate breathtaking views through the mountains and valleys.

See the architecture and history that Charlottesville, Virginia has to offer. Stroll the artsy galleries and taste the trendy restaurant scene in Ashville, North Carolina. Finish up with fun in Gatlinburg and a stay at the Dollywood Resort Hotel.

PLANNING AND SAFETY

Road trips of any kind require a lot more planning than they used to.  Safety is your first consideration.  To help you with that here are some tips.

First, pack your own corona virus kit for each traveler.  This kit should contain hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, disinfecting wipes, travel toilet paper, paper towels/napkins and face masks.  No moans, groans, or whiny complaining please!

These items will help you wipe down high traffic surfaces, provide you with protection and your own backup of clean stuff necessary when hitting the road using rest stops, gas stations, stores and hotels. Amazon sells a great kit by Bissell already put together for you with 12 helpful items called Germ Freak.

Since things have been left up to individual states everybody has different rules.  Whether you agree with it or not, if a face mask is required than you will have to wear one for service.

Show respect for the communities you are visiting.  You pose a risk for them.  Check ahead for each state you plan to visit or travel through to know their requirements in the Covid situation.

When you gotta go, do so with caution.  If you enter a restroom that looks like it is not clean and being routinely sanitized-opt for another if possible.  Use your gloves and open doors and stalls with napkins.

Use your own toilet paper as people will touch the TP there with unclean hands.  Flush the toilet with caution as well; stay back and consider not using the courtesy flush.  If there is a line inside, wait outside.

LIMIT YOUR CONTACT

Consider ways to limit your contact with as many people as possible.  While eating out is always an enjoyable part of taking a vacation there are things you should consider.

Call ahead to find out if the restaurant is open, offers curbside pick-up or has outside dining.  Online ordering still offers the safest option.  Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid stops in high traveled convenience stores while on the road.

Consider room service delivered only to the door instead of the dining room if opting to stay in hotels.  A romantic dinner you didn’t have to cook is a good thing!  After wiping down all high-volume surfaces upon check in, ask the front desk to forego cleaning services to keep as many people out of your room as possible.

Make sure the maintenance on your car is up to date.  Should you require roadside assistance-keep your distance.  Apps like Google Maps and Roadtrippers are great for helping you plan routes, find gas/rest stops and see what facilities like restaurants and hotels are open and serving.

CONCLUSION

Finally, hang out in wide open spaces.  The virus dissipates much better in well ventilated areas.  Secluded beaches, private parks and your own RV or car provide the lowest risk of transmission and keep you as safe as possible.  Yes, road trips need more planning but ya got this right?

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Explore the World. Hey, give me a holla sometime! Do you have a road trip planned this year? Is so, where are you going and what are your safety plans? Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

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TO MY READERS: This post originally appeared in a shortened form in my column, The Curious Corner, for Smoke Signals Newspaper.