By Jennifer Bell
In March 2020, we all woke up to the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, life has never been the same. This virus changed everything in our lives, from how we relate to others, our hygiene practices, and in extension, to our hobbies.
These days, we have to take extra precautions in everything that we do to avoid getting our lives disrupted by this virus. The same applies even when we want to travel. It is still not that hard to stay safe and enjoy our lives like before. Here are things to consider when planning your outdoor adventure:
1. Choose Safe Travel Destinations
Of course, the first thing that pulls us more to traveling is our adventurous spirit. We all want to explore the earth and see the beauty, experience the things that come with it, and meet new people. However, in as much you wish to enjoy all of this, your safety must come first. You can’t trust everyone easily these days. Also, some places don’t have all the safety measures to protect you against most potential hazards.
Therefore, it is advisable to choose legitimate travel advisors to give you their opinions of possible destinations that much your preference. Yes, not all places can be 100% free from potential risks, but there are many places where you don’t need to worry much about your safety, so try to consider them.
2. Schedule Your Trip on a Weather-Friendly Season
During these times, indoor interactions are discouraged. At times, it can be pretty hard to avoid indoor interactions. However, there are some regular seasons in which people can mingle freely outside without much fear. Summer and Spring are the best times when you can plan your trip.
Of course, planning a trip also depends on the number of people and your budget for the trip.
In most cases, the “the more, the merrier” principle applies. If you can, try and plan your trip during those most preferred seasons. It lessens the risk of exposure to the virus and peace of mind while socializing.
3. Get Your Ride Right
Depending on your traveling needs, you will have a better idea of what you need to enjoy, stay comfortable and be safe. If you’re using public transportation, there are many cozy rides at your service that follow all the required safety measures to ensure passenger safety. Also, you may opt to rent out a car and do a self-drive to your travel destination.
With a rental car, you have the freedom to have as many stopovers as you wish, share your stories freely, and enjoy every other thing you need to along the way to your final destination.
Since you plan to travel, it would be wise to prepare your rental service a month in advance to ensure that the car you will use is in good condition. The same principle applies if you plan to use your own vehicle for your trip.
4. Choose the Right Footwear
Just like any occasion, event, or outdoor adventure, you need to have the proper footwear to keep you comfortable and safe. Most importantly, when choosing your footwear, you should consider the weather, activities, and, more so, comfortable wear during the trip. You will most likely move around a lot while traveling, so you will need some comfortable shoes to help with that without getting tired. About comfortable wear, have you heard of PillowSlides?
Just like your bed pillow, you can get a pair of soft, thick, colorful, and comfortable shoes from them. For your comfort needs, you can never miss them when you choose them. You may have to hide your pair from your travel buddies lest they take them from you. Do not underestimate the power of a shoe. The slightest discomfort to your feet can ruin your trip.
5. Put Your Security on Check
We all need some degree of privacy in our lives. However, this is not to say that we should live in fear, but you never know the potential dangers awaiting us. Anything can happen wherever you are. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your whereabouts open to people whom you trust in such times.
With the many top-notch technology options, there are many ways in which you can keep your loved ones in the loop when you travel. Here are things you can do:
- Share your location with the available features on your phone with the trusted individuals
- Ensure your credit cards are fraud-protected
- Practice safe browsing methods
- Don’t share your whereabouts or plans on social media
- Save emergency contacts on speed dial
- Ensure that the emergency call feature is available
Additionally, you can keep your self-defense tools close and keep valuable belongings away from reach to unwanted people.
6. Stick to The Prescribed Hygiene Practices
In these times, sticking to the prescribed practices to shield yourself from the virus has to be one of your top priorities. If you’re already back to your day-after-day work routine, then this won’t be hard for you to do. Here are things you can do:
- Always wear your face mask
- Carry your hand sanitizer and use it often if soap and water is not available as much
- Maintain a safe social distance of at least 6 feet
7. Rest Up
When planning for a trip, you need your body to have rested well enough. You need not compromise on your safety at all when planning your trip. For instance, imagine if you’re the driver and you’re traveling to a far-off place. You will put your safety and those of others in a compromised state.
It won’t be fun if you’re traveling while still suffering from fatigue or insomnia. Also, you risk falling ill or becoming gloomy fast if you’re not well-rested. Therefore, ensure that you’re well-rested before traveling to ensure that you enjoy every moment of it.
8. Pay Attention to Your Body
Just like how you run your regular day-to-day routine, your body needs ample rest to get ready for a new day. As stated earlier, don’t gamble with your rest time. Furthermore, in these times, you can’t afford to gamble with your health. Know when it’s time to eat, rest or take a break from the activities that you will be doing during your travel. Also, ensure that you stay well-hydrated during your trip.
If you feel any uncommon symptoms, don’t shy away from seeking medical attention from wherever you are. For example, it is easy to experience food poisoning or discomfort during your travel because of trying differently made dishes for the first time. At times, it’s hard to tell how your body will react to various meals. Therefore, don’t ignore any feelings of discomfort in your body.
Always remember that the unexpected can happen anytime. However, before it happens, you will never blame yourself for not doing all you could have done to make your trip successful. If you take your traveling more seriously, you not only safeguard yourself but also those around you.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
