Isn’t it frustrating when the very things preventing you from travelling as much as you’d like to are the same things that make you feel you need to escape?! The COVID pandemic — while synonymous with 2020 — certainly feels like it’s all we’ve known… and for far too long, right?! Here’s the thing about planes and trains: they’re not your automobile.
With the easing of lockdown restrictions, inter-province travel is now allowed and that means that you, your favourite people, and your favourite car are primed to explore new sites once more.
How? Through the art of a well-planned road trip!
How to plan the best road trip
In general, South Africans aren’t strangers to taking long drives. Just by the sheer spanse of our country, we’re used to being on the road much longer than those in Europe for example. It’s even become a comedic custom to tease Joburgers about their annual December migrations to the coastal towns that line the south of our continent. So while there are safety protocols you should adhere to with regards to your rest-stops, we’ve put together some additional tips for when you set out to plan a road trip.
The longer the road trip, the more stops along the way
Travelling in your Subaru means supreme comfort and unmatched safety, and while we’ve thought of everything else when it comes to traveling in your car, there’s nothing we can do about what happens when nature calls.
Think of these stops as necessary, as well as reminders about contact with other people (and surfaces). You can get hand sanitizer at your trusty pharmacy and/or at supermarkets (just about anywhere these days), so get a couple of these to keep in the car to make sure that you’re confident about sanitization before you exit — and before you re-enter your car after rest-stop breaks.
How to Plan a Road Trip During The COVID Pandemic
Best Road Trip Plan Guide
How to stay safe on a road trip?
Safety Tips Remember:
- Carry a mask on you at all times and keep some sealed spares in the car
- A bottle (or two) of hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) is non-negotiable while you plan your road trip; sanitizing wipes are also a good idea, in case you want to wipe purchased items down
- At any/all stops, wash your hands thoroughly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds) once you have finished using the restroom, and sanitize your hands before touching your set of keys or your Subaru’s door handles after leaving the facilities
- Camping is a good option – just in case hotels/motels/hostels aren’t offering the most COVID-safe facilities
- Check your accommodation’s safety protocols and be prepared to adhere to these, and/or to search for alternatives (if their safety protocols aren’t to your satisfaction and in line with global best-practices)
- Bring your own pillows and pillowcases if staying in a hotel, and carry a sleep sheet
- Wipe down your accommodation’s general surfaces or seats and facilities before using them
- Pre-book all your accommodation so that you road trip plan is well researched and you aren’t left in a bind should you get to an area that then has no accommodation at the last minute
- Make sure you’re up to speed on the inter-provincial rules and regulations for the specific territories you’re planning to visit
With a Subaru Forester, Outback or XV as your mode, why not plan a road trip for the holidays? The country is calling you across both roads well-travelled… and those less so! And if you are here reading this as a fan and not-yet a Subaru owner, there’s no time like the present!
Call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za and a skilled member of our team will be happy to assist you. Alternatively, use our store locator to find your nearest dealership, and experience any of our six incredible models first-hand by getting behind the wheel and booking your test drive today.
