Planning a Summer Road Trip? Think Ahead!
The CDC still recommends staying home as much as possible, however, those who wish to get away, even for a day trip, must plan ahead!
While we continue flattening the curve of COVID-19 as a nation, summer travel plans will be unlike any we’ve seen. Here’s what you should know as you plan your socially distanced summer vacation!
Memorial Day Weekend, 2019, saw 43 million Americans traveling, spending over $12 billion over three days, according to FOX Business News. This year was likely very different.
As our country slowly begins to reopen following federal and state-mandated closures, the traditional start to the summer travel season will likely see fewer cars on the road, as many families continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for proper social distancing.
The CDC still recommends staying home as much as possible, however, those who wish to get away, even for a day trip, must plan ahead!
Interstate travel may be very different!
Many who plan to take to the open road may encounter checkpoints at state lines, remaining quarantine orders, closed welcome centers and rest areas, as well as fewer hotels and restaurants open to the public, or may be limiting the amount of people in them at one time.
Plan your entire route, mapping out where you will eat, sleep or visit before you leave the house! Check state department websites for the current status of the area you are visiting.
AAA has an interactive map that shows state-by-state restrictions that may affect road trippers.
The National Governors Association also has a state-by-state interactive map that shows coronavirus-related state restrictions and conditions travelers should know.
Bring your masks!
The whole family should have individual, CDC-approved face masks. Social distancing guidelines still remain in place, and travelers may be required to wear them when they stop for gas, groceries or other supplies.
Several states still require people to wear face coverings in public: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Rhode Island. Many others recommend it.
Make reservations directly with hotels.
Often, websites that book hotel rooms at significant discounts may not have up-to-date information on the state of the hotel. If you do plan on staying overnight somewhere, be sure to book your room in advance, and with the hotel directly. Even hotels that remain open are limiting the number of rooms that are available for reservation to help stay atop of proper disinfecting and laundering.
Checkpoints and quarantines may still be on your route!
Rhode Island and Florida require drivers entering the state to check in. Other states may have roadside checkpoints on interstate roads to check for potential cases of COVID-19 among passengers. Drivers may be diverted to a rest area where they will be screened by state police.
Travelers may also find that cars that go through interstate tolls will be required to stop, as well.
Tolls that were once cashless during the height of the pandemic may now require payment, while other tolls may mail you a bill based on the license plate of your vehicle, too!
Lots of things have changed, and will remain this way for some time as the country continues to do its part to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19. One thing hasn’t changed, though; Preferred Mutual’s commitment to the health and safety of our customers, our agents, and our employees. Make sure before you take off on your summer road trip that you and your agent have reviewed your auto policy with us to ensure your vacation goes as smoothly as you planned it.
Live Assured isn’t just a tagline; it’s a promise to always be there when you need us most!
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.