Summer Road Trips! Preparing for a Summer family road trip this year is easy if you plan ahead. By: Claire Newell
Dreaming of a road trip later this summer? It’s going to require a lot more preparation than you’re used to. No more hitting the open road on a whim — you need to plan ahead. Even with restrictions easing in most provinces, there are still some significant challenges travelers will face — from how they eat to where they can stop and rest along the way.
PLOT YOUR COURSE If it’s a route you’ve covered before, consider which rest stops and gas stations are usually less crowded and plan to stop there. If it’s a new route, remember you want to minimize the number of places you visit and the people you come into contact with. Keep in mind, there might not always be a clean, well-ventilated washroom available; plus some small communities are isolating and visitors may not be welcome. Do your research. 8 www.WestCoastFamilies.com
FIND SAFE ACCOMMODATION While many hotels are enacting stricter sanitization strategies, not every business has rolled out its plans for guests. Call ahead -- find out what measures the hotels and other lodging options at your destination are taking and book accordingly. As for vacation rentals, results will vary. AirBNB has updated requirements for hosts who take part in its enhanced cleaning initiative, which includes at least 24 hours between rentals. Camping sites and RV parks are a fairly safe option, if you can enforce physical distancing. For an even lower risk option — consider visiting family or doing a house swap with someone you know. Whatever you do — confirm before you leave.
