BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
After traveling from Michigan to South Carolina through multiple states and experiencing such a broad spectrum of interactions with people along the way, we knew our experience could help others to learn how to navigate COVID-19 road-trip travel issues. Hope our experience assists you to BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS!
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“I HOPE YOU SEE THINGS THAT STARTLE YOU. I HOPE YOU FEEL THINGS YOU NEVER FELT BEFORE. I HOPE YOU MEET PEOPLE WITH A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW. I HOPE YOU LIVE A LIFE YOU’RE PROUD OF. IF YOU FIND THAT YOU’RE NOT, I HOPE YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO START ALL OVER AGAIN.”
– ERIC ROTH, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
1. Research each state that you plan to travel through for their specific travel restrictions and COVID related rules to pass through their state.
We planned to travel through Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I suggest researching Covid-19 travel restrictions state by state Megan Marples and Forrest Brown, CNN • Updated 2nd April 2021 CNN Travel.
This is a great guide (updated frequently) to help a traveler understand what the expectations by each state are for safe travel through their boundaries. It lists any requirements or quarantine regulations required to be present there.
Check for updates on this travel site frequently both prior to your road-trip and before returning from your destination. This should help you be successful navigating road-trip travel restrictions.
“ROAD TRIPS ARE THE EQUIVALENT OF HUMAN WINGS. ASK ME TO GO ON ONE, ANYWHERE. WE’LL STOP IN EVERY SMALL TOWN AND LEARN THE HISTORY AND STORIES, FEEL THE GROUND, AND CAPTURE THE SPIRIT. THEN WE’LL TURN IT INTO OUR OWN STORY THAT WILL LIVE INSIDE OUR HISTORY TO CARRY WITH US, ALWAYS. BECAUSE STORIES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THINGS.”
– VICTORIA ERICKSON
BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
2. Gas station stops can be very successful with a few changes in mind.
Try using plastic gloves at the pump. Pay at the pump. Don’t go inside.
Okay, so that’s in the perfect world. If you are like me, you need to use the restroom or get a drink or snack for yourself or someone else in the vehicle. So, mask up, interact with humanity and do those things at the gas station stop. Try to keep your distance without being offensive. Wash your hands AND hand sanitize before touching your vehicle when you return. Keep hand sanitizer in your pocket especially if you skip the plastic gloves.
Waiting in line while distancing, of course, is essential, but that particular courtesy should’ve been in play anyways all along with or without COVID.
“A JOURNEY IS A PERSON IN ITSELF; NO TWO ARE ALIKE. AND ALL PLANS, SAFEGUARDS, POLICING, AND COERCION ARE FRUITLESS. WE FIND THAT AFTER YEARS OF STRUGGLE THAT WE DO NOT TAKE A TRIP; A TRIP TAKES US.”
– JOHN STEINBECK
BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
3. Choose your own destiny with hand-sanitizer and bleach wipes at Hotel overnights while traveling.
While traveling in this crazy COVID culture do not be afraid to lead with disinfectant. When you stop for the night during a road trip, after securing your accommodations bleach wipe down all surfaces, light switches, handles, etc. If your hand needs to touch it…disinfect it. Remain vigilant about hand washing as you would typically do, but this added step will provide you peace of mind. Each time you leave the sanitized area be sure to hand sanitize before you re-enter. This will help you be successful navigating road-trip travel restrictions.
Our experience at hotels while traveling provided us a chance to see how hotels are adapting to the COVID protocols to keep everyone protected. Sign up sheets for not more than 10 in the indoor pool area at a time and families taking 15 minute (the timer on the bubbles) turns in the hot tubs. Towel service stepped up to provide a sanitized service for pool towel administration to guests and dirty pool towel removal as well.
Grab bags for morning snacks at check out were available instead of setting food out.
These are all great protocols to just keep in place anyways.
“I WANT TO GO ON A ROAD TRIP. JUST YOU AND ME. THE HIGHWAY, THE RADIO, THE BLUE SKY, THE BACK ROADS, AND WINDOWS DOWN. WE’LL TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING AND NOTHING. WE’LL SING OUR HEARTS OUT, AND WE’LL MAKE MEMORIES WE’LL NEVER FORGET. JUST YOU AND ME.”
– UNKNOWN
BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
4. Difference in COVID behaviors noticed between states visited.
In sparsely populated rural Michigan where I live, we have not been as restricted as many others that live in dense population areas. The COVID numbers are way lower and people’s lives are less overall affected by the devastation of COVID-19 than in high population areas simply because of numbers.
Sure we are following the rules with masks being worn in public places like schools, gas stations, restaurants (as you walk through being seated), and grocery stores, but outside of that, life has gone about somewhat normally mask free when not around groups of people. We live in homes very spread out in rural locations and usually avoid crowded situations anyways. Our school-aged kids remain in-person classes in our smaller rural communities. Our older son’s Holland, MI college (3,056 students) remained in-person this past semester, as well. We socialize with “our 2-3 family pods” much as we usually do anyways. Our churches meet regularly while remaining to offer the on-line option. Our places of work keep plugging away trying to provide a living to the many employees that rely on an income through actually working. We don’t need to work remotely (although it is an option) because we all have very separate work areas anyways.
We have been very blessed to limitedly have our worlds turned upside down from COVID. Perhaps restrictions on hairdressers, gyms, restaurant closures, sports teams and statewide mandates to close other businesses and schools were the greatest impacts. In hindsight that probably should have been administered locally or regionally and not as a blanket order by the state that covered so many rural areas, but that is an individual state issue to take up with our governor’s office. Many opinions persist and I do not want to debate these topics.
Very sadly, many smaller businesses have been lost. We regularly try to order take-out and provide business to local restaurants to help keep them viable. Similar to most of the ordinary things that all people around our nation are doing in their own communities while being cognizant of socially distancing.
Yes, we also find ourselves practicing that talking through a plastic barrier is “normal” behavior. It is not. It removes warmth and caring from human interaction. The crux of my concern…
Traveling opened our eyes to a variety of different behaviors. In Ohio, the places we stopped at had locked lobbies, drive-thru only fast food, people who were wary of you if you were not OVER and beyond six feet from them at all times. Understandably, the areas of North and South of Columbus, a larger city with great population, was very guarded with COVID Protocol and we received a lot of looks as it must have been obvious we were traveling through with a Michigan license plate. Humanity is closing themselves off to humanity in the name of self-protection.
In opposition to this behavior, South Carolina had zero restrictions. Masks were advised, but not mandated. Limits on the number of people in an elevator, pool, fitness center, or hot tub were suggested, but not enforced. Being seated in a restaurant right next to another group of people was so odd. Outdoor seating was always an option which we chose mostly. We were the ones wearing masks while indoors (out of respect for those around us as we were the travelers). We practiced a heightened level of politeness and appreciation for those that chose to be kind to us and interact with us, or those that were assigned to serve us.
It all felt so strange. We were predominantly located on a beach outside or in our condo for the most part on our travels. So we never felt uncomfortable. It was all so odd and interesting at the same time.
I love to study people and their behavior. No one was ever rude. I’d say closed off or guarded which I completely understand. COVID is a horrible virus. I am just saddened that so much humanity is being lost in this process. I wonder if it will ever be regained? Will strangers return to looking at strangers with fondness again?
“LOOK AT LIFE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, NOT THE REARVIEW MIRROR.”
– BYRD BAGGETT
BE SUCCESSFUL NAVIGATING ROAD-TRIP TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
5. Freeway interactions when traffic is backed up in the Mountains
Virginia and West Virginia had no listed travel restrictions that I could find. Travelers wore masks and social distanced. We were moving along with no problems until the traffic became backed up at one point.
Waiting in stopped freeway traffic in the mountains on I-77 as emergency vehicles assisted a semi accident. People actually got out of their cars and stretched their legs, walked their dogs, and were pleasant. It was a substantial wait made pleasant with smiles from other motorist and pleasant travelers. Patience was the order of the day. It was an interesting dynamic.
“WHEREVER YOU GO BECOMES A PART OF YOU SOMEHOW.”
— ANITA DESAI
If you traveled for spring break on a road-trip, where did you travel? What was your experience in different states? Did you notice differences from your home state? Were you surprised by different parts of our nation and their treatment of COVID management?
Leave a reply comment below on how you feel about traveling for spring break this year. Where are your spring break plans taking you? What places are you considering traveling to that you’d like to discover? What are your favorite activities to do there? Have you taken a good long look at your spring break choices yet? Will this be the year that you understandably stay-cation?
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
35 Comments
Tricia Snow
Looks like you had a great time!
Holly B
Great information! There are so many new rules and laws and even when this virus gets under control, I think a lot of states will be watching health trends and codes to protect the people of their states
Barbara Robinson
I agree rules and regulations are evolving quicker than we can keep it straight.
Elaina
So many things we must think of now when traveling but it protects everyone. Great tips!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
Thank you for sharing your travels through different states. We have witnessed almost the same during our travel adventures.
Barbara Robinson
I find it fascinating to see how societal communities from different regions adopt these rules. Each implements them very differently. Just an observation. People are so interesting to observe!
Megan
We went to Mexico for Spring Break and felt fairly safe. You always risk getting something on the airplane, haha! But once we were there, we were outside in the sun most of the time!
Barbara Robinson
Good for you! We considered it too! We even considered Hawaii… Mexico was on our radar because of zero restrictions!
Tiffany Smith
Glad you had a good road trip overall!
Alexis Farmer
Ugh, I hate getting stuck in 77 mountain traffic! It’s super interesting how each state is handling this pandemic differently.
Barbara Robinson
I completely agree about how each state is so different! Semi truck accidents on I-77 are so scary!
Karen
These are great tips on navigating restrictions on a road trip. We plan to take some road trips this summer so this is a great resource!
Barbara Robinson
Glad that this will be of assistance to you!
Sabrina
I live in SC so I understand your concerns. Traveling during Covid is tricky. However, you look like you had a great time navigating in and out of all the restrictions. I plan to travel in 2022 when I feel more comfortable. Meanwhile, I will vicariously thru your posts. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Robinson
South Carolina was so refreshingly “normal.” It was hard to return to the land of the masks! Love South Carolina very much!
Whitney Woodley
We haven’t really been traveling. That’s mainly due to being pregnant. Very useful info nonetheless. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie
I totally agree! Different areas have different perspectives we’ve also noticed in our Covid era travels. The main thing I’ve noticed tho, is that life is still being lived! People are adapting and that’s been nice to see. We’ve been in at least 10 states m, besides our own, since last August and happy to see people cautiously enjoying themselves.
Barbara Robinson
Totally agree!
Amber
We live in NC so I feel you on the restrictions. That’s why we do a lot of traveling in Tennessee and South Carolina. Travel has become a little harder especially if you hit small towns without public restrooms, YIKES. Glad we are close to being on the other side of this virus stuff.
Amanda
Awesome that you could get some good road tripping in! It is sad to see the smaller businesses that have closed. On our last trip, we had to hit 3 different restaurants listed on Goole Maps before we found one actually open and suitable. Sad! Even Google can’t keep up.
Barbara Robinson
I pray for our country! This is definitely a very dark time for many economically as well as socially and politically.
Sabrina DeWalt
We have been traveling across the country and back for the last six months. The only places we saw major restrictions were California and New Mexico. We weren’t concerned about the inconvenience of restaurants being closed to indoor dining because we have not been interested in that anyway. Most places are perfectly happy to offer to-go food. The attitudes of people varied by where we were. In the larger cities, masks have been the norm. In small towns, people stared at us as if we had a third eye. I’m not terribly concerned about what everyone else is doing. As long as they do not infringe on my right to wear a mask and keep my distance (which they are not always) I am ok to go with the flow. For us, traveling has been the best way for us to socially distance and keep from catching the virus.
Kristin
Must be so fascinating to see the different ways the states have responded and try to adjust accordingly. These are helpful tips in navigating this new travel world.
Chantelle
Great tips, and I love the quotes you chose!
Angela
Yes so much has changed, especially for travel!
Misskorang
Thanks for this guide. I have been so paranoid, our family has stayed put bt for a road trip to Wyoming, and even that, we just had to go because my husband had to work over the Christmas holidays there. I have an asthmatic child who would be first to mingle and not care a hoot about protocols.
Lord help us, I am losing parts of my mind.
Kendra
This is great information for road trip travel restrictions. I think many of us are guilty of just thinking we can still just get in the car and go wherever.
Danielle Ardizzone
It’s not surprising that researching the restrictions/guidelines for each destination in advance is an absolute must!
Melissa Jones
Great tips!
Marianne
We will hopefully be doing some road trip outside of our province (but still in Canada) this summer. It will be interesting to see how things are. We did some limited travel last summer, and it was different. People were respectful, but not overly social. We just need to figure out how to navigate this new normal.
Alice
I have not planned on traveling out of state this year by car. I do want to go some places within my state. I am mindful of now living in a larger city this year as opposed to a rural area last year. Good post.
Cindy
Great suggestions because every state has different requirements and restrictions!
Maya
Great tips!
Stacey Billingsley
Great tips! It’s true that Covid has made travel a little different. It’s been interesting to see how different places handle things. I think we’ll all remember these times for the rest of our lives.
Lisa Manderino
Road trips are going to be a big thing this year I think!