A Guide to Summer 2020 Road Trips

Race to a Cure Authors
Jul 12, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Aug 25, 2020

With the federal government-issued advisory against non-essential travel outside of Canada still in effect, it may seem impossible to enjoy summer to the fullest. However, despite restrictions on international travel, there are still ways to get away from your desk and take a well-deserved vacation. One of the best ways to do this is through a road trip!

Whether you are heading to the cottage, going camping, or simply taking on an adventure of sight-seeing and exploring new places, road trips are a great way to take a break from our busy lives.

Road trip in the Canadian Rockies (Laidback Trip).

Safety precautions while travelling

The first and most important step to having an amazing road trip with family or friends is planning. Especially with all the extra precautions to take in order to ensure safety during the pandemic, planning ahead for your trip is critical.

Below are some pandemic precautions to consider when planning for a road trip this summer:

Stay informed on any restrictions or advisories from provincial health authorities.
Plan your route beforehand. With the closures of many hotels, restaurants, stores, and facilities, it can be extremely difficult to find available services, especially in an area you are unfamiliar to.
Consider the regions you will be passing through or travelling to. Research the number of COVID-19 cases and tests being performed in these cities.
Pack safety supplies including facemasks, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes/sprays.
Pack extra food, water, and toiletries. During your road trip, it is best to minimize any contact with your surroundings. Try and avoid the need to stop in a store or restaurant until you arrive at your destination.
Use disinfectant wipes in public restrooms and ensure frequent hand-washing.

To minimize the risk of getting sick, it is necessary to practice social distancing, follow safety regulations, and to take the proper precautions when planning for a road trip.

Creating lifelong memories

Don't let the pandemic spoil all your fun! Even while following all the prescribed safety precautions, there are tons of ways to make the most of your trip. Below are some extra tips and tricks for planning a fun and memorable road trip:

Take a thorough check of your vehicle beforehand. The last thing you need is your car breaking down in an unfamiliar area.
Ensure your GPS is working with a strong signal. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan if your GPS fails on the road. Bring along maps or pre-printed directions!
Download lots of electronic entertainment options including music, podcasts, audiobooks, movies, etc. They will help pass the time, especially during long trips on the road!
Bring activities to do in the car, perhaps a craft or a board game. There is definitely fun to be found in all the various games you can play with a simple deck of cards!
Pass the time with road trip games! From scavenger hunts, to Would You Rather, to the License Plate game, road trips games are a great way to bond with your fellow car mates! Check out 30+ Road Trip Games from Thought Catalog!

By taking these extra pandemic precautions and road trip tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip for all travellers in the car. Have fun, stay safe, and happy summer!