How to Survive a Summer Road Trip
Original image by Simon Matzinger from Pexels.
1. Use caution if renting a car.
If you don’t own a car, you’ll be borrowing or renting. You may have heard that Hertz is in bankruptcy, and thus assume great deals can be had. In our research, this has turned out not to be the case. Renting a car is still not cheap, though you may find some last-minute deals (Autoslash is a site that will monitor your reserved rental and email you if they find a better deal). Most car rental agencies have announced deep-cleaning measures, as well as “carantines” that keep cars empty for a few days between rentals. Nevertheless, thoroughly disinfect all surfaces you will touch, and then wash your hands.
2. Travel only with your family unit.
Even if you’ll be vacationing with another family, a car presents very close quarters, so it’s best to limit your exposure to only those who live with you. If you must bring an additional passenger from beyond your household, keep windows open, wear masks, and don’t sing.
3. Plan stops carefully.
Ideally, you won’t have to stop. Practically, you probably will: bathroom breaks and fill ups are likely. Fuel pumps are extremely high touch, and are unlikely to be sanitized regularly. Use a rubber glove or, better yet, a disposable paper towel, and sanitize your hands after fueling. When possible, avoid crowded rest stops and use restrooms at smaller gas stations, which will have less car traffic (though they may also be cleaned less frequently, so pick your poison). Take the usual precautions inside. You might consider the side of the road for peeing, if it can be done safely (and privately). Men should avoid the “trucker bathroom” (glass bottle) as this distraction may cause an accident.
4. Bring food.
Your best option is to pack meals and bring them. If this is not practical, use drive-throughs. Note that, during COVID, these often have very long car lines, so plan accordingly.
5. Find good books.
Audio books will make the trip go (seemingly) faster. A list of books that are specifically recommended to be heard rather than read can be found here.
6. Play games.
Road trips, then as now, have always been opportunities for family fun (plus arguments.) Today, you can easily print cards for road-trip bingo, play the license plate game, or a classic game such as GHOST.
7. Get E-ZPass.
For the most part, cash toll lanes have disappeared with COVID, and may not be coming back. If you don’t have E-ZPass, fear not: you’ll get a photo of your license plate—and a bill—in the mail. But E-ZPass is easier and cheaper.
8. Follow the rules.
States make their own rules regarding quarantine for out-of-state arrivals. Before you go, make sure you’re up to speed on how long you’ll need to stay isolated.
Pro Tip
Avoid speeding. By keeping it under 70, you’ll save gas, which in turn reduces the need to handle a potentially dangerous (and no doubt grimy) gas pump.
You can avoid pumping your own gas, but only in two states: New Jersey and Oregon (except in rural areas).