From Patricia Doherty at Travel + Leisure, here are some tips for planning your summer road trip.
Road trips are on the agenda for many vacationers this summer, even those who usually hop on a plane to faraway destinations. According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association in partnership with MMGY Travel Intelligence, 68 percent of travelers “continue to feel safest when traveling by personal vehicle and when visiting outdoor destinations such as parks (34 percent) and the beach (26 percent).” Nearly half (45 percent) of the respondents said they are likely to travel more by car.
Traveling with family and friends limits contact with others, and those travel companions are likely to be the same individuals you’ve quarantined with over the past few months. If any of your passengers have had outside contact, however, it may be advisable to wear masks inside the vehicle. As an aside, experts caution against wearing a mask when driving alone because of a potential reduction in oxygen and possible lightheadedness.
In the era of coronavirus, avoiding public transportation, crowded waiting areas, and strangers is considered a safer way to go. For overnight stops, plan ahead, so you can choose a property by price as well as by published cleanliness standards. Hotels listed on AAA’s guide offer clean, comfortable stays.
Consider Renting a Luxe Ride or Rugged SUV
Your own vehicle might not be the best option for a long road trip, whether it’s because of its size or reliability. So why not rent one that’s bigger and more fun to drive? Picture a cute convertible for rolling down Highway One or a sturdy SUV for tackling mountain roads. Many newer models include Wi-Fi, satellite radio, navigation, wireless phone charging, and safety features like lane-keeping assistance, emergency braking, and blind-spot warnings.
Or, you can opt for a sleek luxury car for a smooth, stylish ride. Silvercar by Audi offers a range of vehicles, and their Contactless Rental services provide a safe experience before you even get on the road. It’s a “touchless way to book, locate, and unlock Silvercar rentals,” using a mobile app to minimize interaction with others. And thanks to the Delivery to You service, available at 20 Silvercar by Audi offices, your rental car will be brought to you and then retrieved from your preferred location. Silvercar is committed to following the highest standards of cleanliness, detailed in their 19-step vehicle cleaning process.
No matter the rental company you decide to work with, be sure to review their cleanliness policies, along with pickup, return, and pricing. Enterprise posts its cleaning procedures, as an example. Medical experts tell us that most COVID-19 transmission occurs through respiratory contact rather than contact with surfaces, but you still might want to wipe down the steering wheel, door handles, and other touchpoints with disinfectant wipes.
For budget planning, check with Offers.com for current deals, and look for specials, discounts, and low daily rates.
Check out the full article here.
