How to Get Out of Town Safely This Summer

Road trips. Camping trips. Day trips. Iconic getaways like these are the unofficial hallmarks of a great summer. But with many destinations and cities not yet fully reopened, it can be tough to figure out where to go and how to get there. We’ve put together a list of ways to leave town safely this summer — whether you’re flying solo, with a partner, or packing up the whole family.

Reminder: If you have COVID-19, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have recently been in contact with someone with COVID-19, please continue to quarantine at home and away from others.

Plan a Camping trip

Camping has been deemed one of the least risky summer activities because you’re outdoors and largely isolated. That said, your camping adventure may look a little different than it has in years past.

Make reservations ahead of time

Not all national and state parks or campsites are open at this time, which makes day-of reservations hard to come by. Book a site online before you head out to make sure one’s there when you arrive.

Expand your packing list

In addition to all your regular camping gear, throw in extra hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves to use after being in communal campsite spaces like public bathrooms, public faucets or sinks, or hiking more popular trails.

NOTE: Every park and campsite has different rules and regulations when it comes to social distancing and other precautions. Even if you live in a state that doesn’t require masks, be sure to pack one for everyone in your party to use when in common spaces.

Find safe day hikes

When planning out your daily adventures, try to avoid crowded, narrow paths. This will help with social distancing and diminish your risk of infection. Be sure to pack your mask as well.

Set Out on a Road Trip

Head out of state or explore a new corner of your own on a road trip. However, before you load the family up into the car and head out on the open road, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Pack road trip snacks

While many rest stops will be open along the way, there’s a high chance vending machines at these locations will be closed. Throw all your favorite treats and bottled beverages in the car so you can snack on whatever you want, whenever you want it (and limit your stops and human interactions at gas stations or convenience stores, too).

Stay safe at the pump

Inevitably, you’ll have to fuel up on gas. Wear disposable gloves while pumping your gas, and if possible, pay with your phone instead of a physical credit card or cash. Wear a mask inside all gas stations or when interacting with a gas station attendant.

Book accommodations ahead of time

Spontaneity is part of the fun on a road trip but not during a pandemic. While major hotel chains are still operating (with new cleaning practices in place), not all hotels have reopened. Be sure to look into making reservations in advance to avoid driving all night with no place to rest your head.

A New Way to Day Trip

Lounging at the beach. Picnics in the park. Wine tasting at a vineyard. Hitting a bucket of balls on the golf course. These are fairly low-risk ways to enjoy your summer (without having to go very far). Even so, make sure you’re on the lookout for these factors when you head out:

Social distancing

Even though you’re outside, it’s imperative to stay a minimum of 6 feet away from others at all times — whether you’re in the water, tanning at the beach, hanging in the park, on the golf course, or even in a parking lot. If it looks like you’re going to be packed in like sardines, skip the spot and try and find somewhere else to hang out that day.

Appointment-only venues

While many wineries and golf courses have used appointment-only models in the past, many new locales have adopted this policy as well to avoid crowding and lines. Call ahead and make a reservation in advance to avoid any day-of disappointment.

Low-contact activities

Itching to play a sport? Make sure your court/field/course is open to players. And if you do play with others, try to avoid high-contact sports like basketball or football and opt for things like golf or tennis.

Sanitized public spaces

If you’re heading to a public pool with the family, bring plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect any lounge chairs and tabletops before use. Avoid sharing items that come in close contact with your face (goggles, nose clips, snorkels), and minimize the use of communal kickboards and pool noodles.

Air Travel & Rentals

If you do find yourself on a plane or staying in a hotel room, here are some good practices to keep you — and those around you — healthy:

• Bring extra hand sanitizer: TSA now allows you to bring hand sanitizer bottles larger than 3 ounces in your carry-on and encourages you to use it often when in the airport and on the plane.
• Stay 6 feet apart: When booking your flight, steer clear of middle seats to try and maximize the amount of distance you can have between you and your fellow passenger(s) throughout the duration of the flight.
• Check-in ahead of time: Before booking or traveling, be sure to check in with the airlines or hotel to see what safety protocols they’re taking to protect their guests, and plan accordingly.
• Avoid crowded areas in hotels: This includes extended time in the lobby, gym, public restroom, or restaurants. Also, try to minimize touching common surfaces like doorknobs and keep hand sanitizer close by.

No matter what your summer looks like, pair these guidelines with a little creativity and patience to create some new (socially distant) summer traditions this year.

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