After months of lockdowns, families are looking forward to getting away from their homes for awhile. If you are thinking about taking a short road trip to the coast or up to the mountains, there are a few precautions you should use. The following tips can help your family enjoy a safe and happy getaway even in the midst of this pandemic.

Extra Planning Goes a Long Way

Whether you want to visit someplace new, or you intend to take a road trip to a favorite spot, planning ahead is essential. The world has changed drastically in the past few months and many businesses have failed within that time, leaving permanently boarded up businesses lining the streets in most cities. Before you hit the road, it can be beneficial to call ahead and make sure your intended stops have reopened for business. You can end up in an unpleasant situation if you make it to one of your regular stops only to find that they’re not open.

Pack More Essentials

As you pack, give more thought to the necessities you’ll need on the road. In addition to snacks, bottled water, and a well-stocked first aid kit, you should also be sure to pack extra hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, latex gloves, and masks. Having these items on hand and within easy reach will help you protect your family in unfamiliar surroundings, such as when you’re checking into a motel, paying for gas, or ordering meals at a restaurant.

Safeguard Your Hands

You should be wearing latex gloves anytime you handle objects that are also handled by the public at large. This includes wearing them in public restrooms, at gas pumps, and during hotel check-ins. After dining out, or leaving your hotel room to go anyplace, everyone in your group should thoroughly wash their hands upon returning to their rooms. It can also be helpful to ask the hotel or motel clerk about the sanitization process they apply when cleaning the rooms.

Your family can still go out and enjoy a weekend away from home, but it will require taking extra precautions. The steps listed here can greatly reduce your risks of contracting COVID-19 as you enjoy your getaway. When you return home, you’ll carry fond memories with you and you’ll feel confident that you stayed safe throughout the trip.