As states are gradually reopening, many Americans have started to travel again. But with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, travelers still need to take extra precautions and abide with the safety measures as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A survey by the MMGY Travel Intelligence revealed that for the next six months, 67 percent of travelers would be on the road in their personal cars. If you or someone you know are planning a road trip soon, this wish list is all you need to get some useful items to bring on your journey for your peace of mind, comfort, and enjoyment.
A Heavy Duty Roadside Emergency Kit
Road trips provide the opportunity to travel safely this year. They allow you to self-isolate in your personal vehicle while still having the chance to enjoy being on the road again. Wouldn’t be it a shame if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of nowhere, in the midst of a pandemic?
Having an all-in-one car emergency kit can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble in case of vehicular emergencies. It typically contains a tire pressure gauge, tow straps, a portable air compressor, a headlamp, and some jumper cables. Perfect for DIY roadside assistance, this type of heavy-duty emergency kit can handle a car, SUV, truck, and RV problems.
Still, even with an emergency kit on hand, remember to have your car checked and maintained before you go. The global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has emphasized the importance of health and safety above all else. If you have money to spare, you may add ceramic car coating to make sure your car is protected from the elements while you’re traveling.
A COVID-19 First Aid Kit Built for Your Needs
Road trips often lead to long stretches of rugged, lonely roads with no gas station in sight. Thus, it’s essential to have an extensive first aid kit. This time, however, your kit should be updated to include COVID-19 first aid items specifically.
A good first aid kit that can prepare you for the challenges of the pandemic is a must-have for your road trip wish list. First, consider preventative measures. Packing a spare supply of hand sanitizer and high-grade face masks is the first step.
Then, think about the signs and symptoms of the novel coronavirus. Your first aid kit should contain products that can ease a sore throat, fever, and dry cough, among others. If you have allergies, always bring your antihistamines with you.
Other items to include are:
- Surgical gloves
- Thermometer
- Antiseptic formulas or wipes
- Over-the-counter medicines for fever and pain
Finally, your first aid kit should have bandages and topical medication for physical injuries. Don’t forget to include medicines for sting and burn relief in case of mishaps down the road.
Compression socks
Too much seat time can overwork the veins in your legs. When driving for a long period, blood tends to pool up inside your lower legs. This puts increased pressure on the veins, resulting in swelling. Then, after you arrive at your destination, the symptoms appear: tight muscles, tenderness, and pain in the thighs and lower legs.
If you have ever experienced these on previous road trips, there’s a high chance that you’re in the process of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This painful condition is caused by the blood clots that form in the veins in your legs from prolonged sitting.
Getting a good pair of compression socks can help you prevent swelling and DVT. They don’t only help with blood circulation; they also keep odors and moisture away. As a result, you can rest easy knowing that once you park your car, your legs are fresh and healthy enough for some hiking or sightseeing.
Road Trip Care Package or Gift Basket
You can never go wrong with having your favorite food and snacks in tow during your road trip, and a care package takes care of that. Road trips can take you to places with barely a supermarket in sight, so it pays to have an assortment of food that can satisfy your cravings.
Additionally, you don’t need to risk going into crowded stores and restaurants whenever you’re hungry — you can reach into your gift basket. Furthermore, stocking up food can also help you prevent driver fatigue.
Driver fatigue is a dangerous condition that has been the primary cause of thousands of road accidents yearly. Causes include lack of sleep, medications that lead to drowsiness, drinking alcohol, and driving after a long work shift.
It can lead to delayed reactions, absentmindedness, and impaired driving performance. To beat it, you need to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and take vital driving breaks. Caffeine and sweets can definitely give you a quick pick-me-up in case of fatigue, so make sure that those are included in your gift basket as well.
Because flying to far-flung destinations is still a risky move, more people are choosing domestic road trips in their cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles instead. If you’re going to be on the road for leisure soon, make sure to have all essentials packed in your trunk for your health and safety. Have a great trip!
