Seemingly overnight, COVID-19 has drastically altered and changed the ways of the world. The sadness and tragedy that ensued have caused a lot of people to transform their lives and plans. Though many of these changes and alterations can be seen as negatives, that isn’t the case across the board. One silver lining that has popped up as a result of COVID-19 is a revitalization of an “American staple”. Many people have decided to take advantage of the beauty of the road and RVs. Take a closer look at what RV campers can expect this summer and how to best prepare.
Deciding Who Will Join the RV Road Trip
Planning an RV road trip is an excellent solution for people who may have had to cancel or readjust any summer plans and vacations. Given the unusual and uncertain times, it makes sense that people would want to err on the side of caution. However, no matter what mode, it is important to be certain that anyone traveling this summer is being mindful and aware at every point.
Make sure the people traveling together have also been already safely quarantining together. Wearing a mask in an RV becomes a must if people choose to invite individuals outside of their immediate inner circle. Though this will increase safety practices in one way, on the other hand, it still isn’t a perfect solution. Some experts have cautioned people from participating in excessive driving while wearing a mask. The decreased airway for oxygen could potentially cause drivers to experience lightheadedness and headaches. This could ultimately affect an individual’s driving abilities and the safety of everyone in the RV. With that being said, caution and safety are of paramount importance when making this decision. Pulled from the famous and iconic movie Mean Girls, simply put, “You can’t sit with us!” Unlike Gretchen Weiners, it is nothing personal.
What’s the Plan?
Planning a road trip can be stressful. However, there are so many amazing resources available to the public to help with this–not to mention, in today’s day and age, there are a tremendous amount of mobile applications to take advantage of. Every road trip will be different, and there are so many things to take into consideration. The length and objective of a trip will hopefully help guide the planning stages, but there are a lot of great resources to check out for ideas and inspiration.
InRoute is dedicated to making road trips as easy as possible. The mobile application allows users to compile and research all and any relevant information at their fingertips. The application provides individuals with everything from the cost of fuel to when the sun is rising and setting. It even allows people to save preferred routes. Roadtrippers is a better choice for people who are still looking for places to stop along the way. It gives a new meaning to “off the beaten path”.
PackPoint is one of the most simple yet incredibly beneficial applications that all road trippers will want to take advantage of. Everyone can probably relate to the pain of realizing they left an essential item at home when leaving for a trip. Unfortunately, now more than ever, no one wants to find themselves in that situation. Make sure everything that is going to guarantee safety and health gets brought along. Hand sanitizer, extra face masks, soap, and plenty of water are just a few of the essentials you will want to be sure to bring with you. Also, be sure to pack plenty of clean clothes. Disinfecting clothes is an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy lifestyle during these times. Washing clothes can be challenging and not always a possibility when on the road. Luckily, by taking advantage of some of these mobile applications, people will be able to be one step ahead.
When In Doubt, Read the Reviews
Since many people are novices in the RV road trip department, they may be unsure about where to begin or if they made the “right” decision. In some ways, there are a lot of unknown factors when taking a road trip. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Reading reviews is one of the greatest tools everyone can take advantage of. This website allows people to read real-life testimonies about other camper’s experiences. Photographs, comments, and ratings are all provided in hopes to help guide and aid people in the decision making process. Some people may have their go-to spots when it comes to RV travel, but some people may be looking to explore. This is the perfect resource for that. It can be a great tool to see how sites and spaces are responding to and handling social practices on each specific property. Hopefully, having a better idea of the campground and the community will give campers peace of mind.
Expect the Unexpected
Getting on the road is only half of the battle. It is important to be prepared for just about anything. In this case, it is best to expect the unexpected. This doesn’t mean that road trips aren’t possible or feasible, but it does mean that travelers are going to have to be willing to go with the flow and adjust as needed. For instance, people who unexpectedly decided to take an RV road trip this summer are not alone. A recent survey discovered that around 24% of people reported that they will be taking RV road trips versus flying or traveling extreme distances. It goes without saying that there are going to be more RVs on the road than usual. Since this surge came at an abrupt time, people should be ready to have a longer wait than usual for roadside assistance if they are experiencing problems with the vehicle. Patience and understanding can go a long way in a stressful situation, not to mention all of the benefits and advantages that come with being proactive versus reactive. Of course, no one is hoping for RV troubles, but loading the RV with snacks, activities, and first-aid materials could be game-changing in the event of any extended pitstops.
In addition, road trippers should be aware that there is a possibility that the campgrounds could be crowded. Try to have a backup plan ahead of time. When planning the route for the road trip it may be a good idea to have 2-3 options for every planned stop. No matter how many campers and RVs are present at hand, social distancing practices and wearing face masks are ways people can confidently navigate just about any situation. If necessary, boondocking is a creative option when in a crunch. Boondocking, or dry camping, has grown in demand over the past few weeks.
Thanks to RVs, many people have managed to take enjoyable and safe summer trips during a time when it may have not seemed possible. Contact us today to find out how we can help with all of your RV needs and summer road trips.