This year may come to be remembered as the moment the great American road trip made its comeback. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are turning to car-based trips to avoid planes during a time when air travel feels riskier.
In July, The Harris Poll found around two-thirds of Americans say they’ll probably be taking more road trips this year to avoid airline travel because of COVID-19. After all, it’s easier to control and sanitize the environment in your own vehicle.
This fall could present the perfect opportunity to get away on a road trip vacation. Head for a scenic drive or go camping to see leaves change colors in bright red and orange hues. Or drive to a new city, but be sure to research the destination’s COVID-19 restrictions ahead of time.
Here are some tips for enjoying an awesome autumn trip by car.
1. Take care of routine maintenance before the trip
Every car manual should include a routine maintenance schedule detailing intervals for oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, air filters and more. Look at the odometer reading and take care of all recommended maintenance items as mileage intervals approach.
Head to a trusted mechanic or dealer for an inspection before setting out on a trip that could mean hundreds of miles on the road. AAA offers a list of recommended auto repair shops that meet quality standards set by the club.
Don’t forget to top off windshield wiper fluid before heading out, and check other fluid levels while under the hood.
2. Find the best gas prices on the road
Retail gas prices have dipped in 2020 throughout the country, reaching a national average of around $1.87 per gallon at the height of stay-home orders in late April and May, according to investment research platform YCharts.
Prices have since rebounded slightly, hovering around an average of $2.26 per gallon nationwide in early October. That’s still an improvement compared with this time last year when prices averaged almost 50 cents more per gallon.
Find the best prices on the go by using an app such as GasBuddy, which allows users to submit the latest gas prices to the platform. Waze also offers users gas price information.
3. Keep emergency supplies handy, just in case
When embarking on a multi-day adventure on the road, it’s worth coming prepared with supplies in case of an emergency. Jumper cables, a first-aid kit, basic tools, snacks, extra water, blankets, rain gear and flashlights are among items that should be in a car’s kit.
Consider a subscription to an emergency roadside service such as AAA. Many insurers will also offer roadside assistance as an add-on option, as will some auto manufacturers.
4. Use digital resources to find unique side stops
Just like there are apps for navigation and finding gas prices, there are also digital resources for finding unique, off-the-beaten-path stops.
Roadtrippers aids trip planning by suggesting unique side trips in categories including “attractions and culture,” “outdoors and recreation” and “points of interest.” Historic sites, recreation areas, cemeteries and one-of-a-kind waypoints (like the smallest church in America) pop up while poking around the platform, which also offers mobile apps.
Roadside America offers a similar service, but the mobile app is only available on iPhones and Apple devices.
5. Ask the locals for advice
While many hidden gems and side stops can be found by browsing the internet and utilizing smartphone apps, others can only be found by seeking out local wisdom.
Where’s the best place in town to grab barbecue food? Are there any antique stores or boutiques worth checking out? What about hole-in-the-wall bars?
Sometimes, the best bites, shops and experiences can only be unearthed by asking the right people the right questions. Usually, locals are more than willing to share their knowledge.
6. Know local COVID-19 restrictions for destinations
While some states have effectively slowed the spread of COVID-19, others are popping up as hot spots and should be avoided on a leisure trip.
AAA offers an interactive map showing states that have reopened, which ones have mask mandates and which ones have no travel restrictions at all. The map also points out citywide and countywide restrictions and rules, as well as COVID-19 cases by state and county.
