As I begin to share stories from my cross-country road trip, I’m sure you will have lots of questions about the logistics and reasoning behind my travel. So I wanted to sit down and address some of them right here!
When the pandemic hit, I was gearing up for some big moves. I had planned a road trip from New Hampshire to the Southwest and up to Seattle, I was going to my college graduation in Baltimore, and I hoped to move to Southeast Asia for a year to work (or head to Germany as a backup plan).
We all know how the stories go at this point. The world shut down, and instead I ended up spending nine months burrowed away in northern New Hampshire.
I love New Hampshire more than any other place in the world, but I had only planned to stay three months, and I was getting antsy. As the snow melted and spring, then summer, arrived, I went back and forth on how to travel again. But as cases surged around the country, I put away my plans and tried to redirect my focus at the community I lived in.
Then, an offer came up that I couldn’t refuse: I was asked to drive a car from New Hampshire to my cousin in Seattle. I could take six weeks. So, I stocked up on masks and hand sanitizer and headed west.
Perhaps travel seems reckless at this time, and I don’t blame you if you think that I’m being irresponsible. I know that there was risk in what I chose to do, for me and each community I pass through. But I feel confident that the precautions I am taking are significantly decreasing my risk of infection.
I’m not in a position to encourage travel during the pandemic, I know it’s not for everyone. But should you choose to hit the road, please do so safely. Not sure where to start? Here are some steps that I am taking to reduce the risk that I could spread the coronavirus while roadtripping across the United States:
Fresh Air
It’s no secret that the main attraction of the American West is the landscape, and I’ve been taking full advantage of it! Most places I’ve visited, it’s been to hike, camp, or drive through some of the most scenic parts of the country. By staying outside, whether it’s to see the sights or visit with a friend, I know I’m being safer and reducing the risk of transmission, and I’m all for that! Plus, have I mentioned how much I love being out in nature?
Private Dining
Before I left on my trip, I stocked up on road trip snacks and meals so that I could minimize the time I spent in restaurants. I also invested in a small gas cooking stove and some cookware. This way I get to have exclusive private dining experiences in my car, in parks, or wherever I see fit! Full disclosure, I have had a few meals at restaurants on my trip, but I always scoped out the place first to make sure there was space outside and it wasn’t crowded.
Pitch a Tent
I am the very proud owner of an Exped tent that I have spent many nights in since I left New Hampshire. This has been the easiest way for me to reduce contact with others, not to mention that a tentsite is way cheaper than a hotel room. I’ve pitched my tent in wilderness areas, backyards, at National Park campsites, and even a few RV parks (not the quietest option, but sometimes you just gotta go with it). The most I’ve spent on accommodation is $15.
Forcast Says…
As I’ve planned my trip, I kept an eye on recent and current rates of infection in places I will be visiting or driving through, so I can assess what activities will be safe to engage in while I’m there. For example, while in South Dakota, I really wanted to visit a mammoth fossil dig, but after reading about the skyrocketing infection rates (and seeing few people wearing masks around town) I decided that it was not the place to be spending time indoors.
Testing, testing
During my trip, I got tested five times for COVID, a precaution I’m taking to stay up-to-date on my status. I know that these tests don’t have a 100% accuracy rate, but combined with all of the other precautions I’m taking, it’s one more layer to help prevent me from spreading anything.
Communication is Key
Building off of my last point, I’ve been sure to communicate clearly with anyone I may be coming into close contact with, my status and recent travel history. That way they know when I last tested negative, where I’ve been and who I’ve seen since then, and what I’m doing to prevent spread. Before I visit with a friend or family, I often request they also get tested, and we come to an agreement about what precautions we will be taking while we are together. We love consent!
Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene
This one’s obvious, we’ve been told to wash our hands obsessively since March. I’ve been doing that a lot more now that I’m on the road, plus I always have hand sanitizer with me. I was also able to get my hands on some wipes that I use on the occasions I stay in an Airbnb or hotel for peace of mind touching doorknobs and faucets.
Mask Up!
It’s cute! The must-have accessorry of 2020! I always have masks with me, whether I’m grabbing food, checking out the shops, or hiking in the Rockies. And (with the exception of a few places) I’ve been met with masks by locals and other travelers as well.
Adapt!
Ultimately, I know that the pandemic could cause my plans to change at any moment, so I’m always ready to adapt if I need to. Luckily, summer tourism is on the decline and it’s been very easy to find last-minute camping spots as I head west. Also, I’m always ready for more tips and feedback on how I can be a better, more conscious traveler. If you have any ideas, let me know in the comments or by emailing me at clara@whereshewentblog.com. Happy trails!
