Planning for Camping and Road Travel in Uncertain Times

Summer is here, and for many campers, road trippers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, plans have been dampened by the pandemic. Conflicting points of view and mixed messages flood media sources, leaving many an adventurer to wonder how safe it is to participate in outdoor activities such as camping and/or road travel.

The good news is that camping and outdoor activities have been shown to pose lesser risk than indoor activities, but that comes with a caveat:

MINDFUL HYGIENE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES MUST BE OBSERVED TO BEST PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS AND TO REDUCE THE RISK OF VIRUS TRANSMISSION DURING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES!

Experts predict the virus will likely be around for a while, and right now, outdoor activities are among the most permitted under pandemic restrictions. With a little bit of planning, it is possible to take back your summer with a reasonably lower-risk adventure. Read on for a few tips.

Assess Your Risk and Comfort Level

Who are you planning to camp or travel with? How much do you know about their current social habits? Does anyone in your party fall into a high-risk category for contracting the virus? Have an open and candid discussion with everyone you will be camping or traveling with about how you can all be safe—or who should even participate in the trip. Anyone suffering symptoms of any illness should likely refrain from travel. If someone is at high risk, discuss rescheduling the trip, or choose a remote destination far away from others.

Don’t Stay in a Hotel or Motel

Hotels and motels are currently deemed high-risk. Sleep in a tent, a sanitized RV, or your clean and tidy Colorado Teardrop travel trailer!

Keep Your Camping/Travel Circle Small

Many states and counties mandate groups of five or smaller for any outdoor activity or gathering. Honor the mandate, and travel with people from your immediate household or those that you are confident will be honest about their social habits. Practice social distancing within your party to the extent that you are able. Follow CDC Guidelines, and always wear a mask if you encounter others—keeping at least six feet apart!

Plan Ahead!

Plan for making as few stops as possible. Prepare meals that can be eaten in the car along the way or be quickly cooked when you arrive. Avoid stopping at restaurants or rest stops. Don’t use public restrooms unless necessary, and if you do, use your soap, bleach wipes, and hand sanitizer. When stopping for gas, wipe down the pump handle before and after you use it. Follow up with hand sanitizer or hand washing.

Make a Personal Hygiene Plan

Ensure everyone is on the same page by making a written personal hygiene plan that everyone in your party agrees and adheres to in advance. Don’t find yourself at risk with someone who doesn’t take precautionary measures seriously. Sleep in your tent or camper, keep it clean and sanitary, and don’t share products from your personal hygiene bin.

Create Personal Hygiene Bins

Create a bin for each member of your party that includes personal hygiene essentials such as towels, hand sanitizer, a bar of soap, travel shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush, toothpaste, antibacterial wipes, tissues, toilet paper, one-gallon plastic bags (for packing out contaminated items), disposable face masks, garbage bags, a laundry bag, etc. Don’t share hygiene products, and have each person handle their waste.

 Most of us love spontaneity. And planning for things like hygiene can feel like, well, a bit of a drag. While it may be unpleasant upfront, getting everyone in your party on board in advance can prevent the stress of working things out on-site and minimize the risk of contracting the virus.

We live in strange times, but camping and road trips can still be regenerating, reasonably safe, and fun. We could all use a big breath of fresh air, the warmth of a campfire on our faces, and some deep breaths in the trees about now. So, get planning and enjoy your summer!