Despite the best efforts of the world’s airlines to follow best practices for coronavirus-related safety, the fact remains that flying, whether for business or pleasure, is still a risky proposal. After all, you’ll be stuck in a small, confined space with people from all over the country or even from other areas of the globe. And of course, we know definitively that people who have COVID-19 are communicable even before they start showing symptoms. So, what’s an avid traveler to do?
A road trip, that’s what! Before you reject the idea out of hand, let us show you how traveling America’s highways and byways is perfectly compatible with traveling in style. Read on to learn how to upgrade your road trip experience and have the drive of your life!
Some people still think that road trips are synonymous with junky old jalopies more suited to the Joad family than to jetsetters like you. Or that the open road is filled with silver-haired retirees in mammoth RVs. The truth is, a road trip can combine the best elements of luxury travel with the spontaneous delights of more down-to-earth journeys.
No matter what you drive, consider leaving your own vehicle at home. That way you won’t have to be concerned with potential wear and tear, or the hassle of having it break down, then handing it over to a strange mechanic. Instead, think about renting a vehicle.
An RV can be a lot of fun, and it’s a good option for people who want to be in control of their environment. You have the freedom to pack up and continue on your trip whenever you want without worrying about check-in or check-out times. Additionally, although you will likely need to limit your luggage – in most RVs, space is at a premium – you won’t have to unpack, repack, and move your bags from car to hotel and back again.
You can also use the road trip as a chance to try out a luxury vehicle you’ve always wanted to drive. Maybe you usually tool around town in a tiny sports car; rent a luxury sedan or SUV instead.
Of course, if you truly love your car and can’t imagine driving anything else, that’s fine – just make sure you prepare for any and every emergency with a BMW extended warranty or roadside assistance for your Mercedes.
If you usually stay at high-end hotels, why not try something new on this trip? Airbnb properties are generally considered some of the safest accommodations from a pandemic perspective. They can also offer some of the most spectacularly unique lodgings you’ll ever stay in. Check out some of the jaw-dropping options, and book early.
Those who enjoy being immersed in nature but prefer more pampering than camping provides can opt for luxury outdoor living. Known collectively as “glamping,” this type of lodging can take many forms: a yurt, a cottage, a glass house, a log cabin, a tree house...just about any structure you can dream up is available to rent somewhere in the country. Imagine the Instagram possibilities of staying in a lighthouse or hobbit house!
Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to eat fast food. On the contrary, use this opportunity to learn more about the regional delicacies and specialties that you might otherwise never get to try.
Check out Roadfood, a website and forum that will point you toward off-the-beaten-path eateries that you won’t want to miss. Another great method for finding good eats on the go is to check out local farmer’s markets. They’re not just for vegetables anymore! Gourmet explorers can often find regional dishes to eat on the spot, as well as locally produced products to take home as souvenirs.
Creating a road trip itinerary based on the country’s best farm-to-table restaurants is the perfect choice for true foodies. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to eat at renowned restaurants such as Chez Panisse or The French Laundry. There’s no reason not to factor visits to iconic, high-end eateries into your trip. "Travel insurance can lessen the stress of unplanned travel expenses by giving us a safeguard to protect our adventures. Everything from unforeseen medical emergencies to pre- and post-flight cancellations can be covered with a proper insurance policy and should be carefully considered for almost all non-domestic flights."
