The Basics of Social Distancing on the Road

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Words by Jan Lee

If you are like me, and just about every other RV'er these days, you're itching to hit the road again. Weeks, or months, of hanging around the house have eaten up a major portion of a perfectly good summer of golf, swimming, and fly-fishing. After all, there are favourite restaurants to frequent, museums to visit, and loads of beaches and other attractions to take the kids to. The RV parks and sunshine are calling.

But this year, more than ever, pre-planning is important. I am not referring to site reservations or driving routes. Those are a given. But even though many businesses that were forced to shut due to coronavirus concerns (COVID) are now open, health officials are still advising travelers to avoid highly populated areas when possible.

So even though practicing "social distancing" (maintaining 2 meters/6 feet between you and others) doesn't sound like a big deal, it can, and probably will affect the way you spend your summer vacation. Not doing so, say the health experts, can still put you or a family member at an increased risk of catching the virus.

For that reason, many RVers are choosing to skip the road trip and stay home this year. Back yard barbecues, virtual family visits on Zoom, and other activities are some of the new summer activities this year.

But the truth is, RVs are still the safest mode of travel right now. That's because most RVs are equipped with cooking units and toilet amenities, so it's easier to social distance while traveling. RVs can shuttle vacationers from point to point without having to go through a flight attendant or hotel concierge. They don't require cleaning crews to come in and make up the beds. Depending on how good a cook you are, they can also help you turn out some pretty gourmet meals and offer some eye-popping views of home soil scenery from your parking spot.

So just how do you “social distance” when traveling?

The first step, experts recommend, is to centre your daily activities around your RV. For the foreseeable future at least, limit your social interaction in populated venues, like crowded restaurants or places where social distancing really isn’t possible.

So here are some steps to consider when you are planning that long-awaited RV trip:

1. First, assess your own risk

Do you or any of your family members have multiple health conditions that would put you at risk of complications if exposed to COVID? If so, talk to your family doctor about whether you should stay at home this season. While the risk of exposure has been dropping in Canada, individuals with additional health factors are recommended to take additional precautions.

2. Pick a destination close to home

Some experts recommend staying within a day's drive from home. Taking a three- or four-day trip across the country through areas that you haven't visited may be a better choice for next year. Right now, parks, restaurants, and stores are still getting back into the swing. Some may stay closed for the season altogether. Staying closer to home allows you to enjoy a vacation but return home easily when you wish.

3. Choose RV parks that meet your specific needs

Pick RV parks that offer some spacing from other campers so you can sit outside comfortably. Picking that ideal park may take some research online or by phone. Don't forget to find out what kinds of take-out restaurants and amenities are nearby (see #4, below).

4. Stock up your pantry and plan to eat in

Try to head out with a full fridge and pantry so you don’t have to frequently dip into grocery stores. Craving an order of sushi or pizza while you’re RVing? Great! Order it to go and make a picnic of it.

5. Remember to social distance when using local amenities

Social distancing above all requires patience. Let the person ahead of you finish before heading into the laundry room.

6. Clean, clean and clean (RV surfaces as well as your hands)

Health experts say it's the surfaces we touch that cause the greatest risk to COVID (and forgetting to wash our hands). Remember to sanitize both surfaces and hands frequently. COVID can remain on plastic and metal for several days but it is easily removed with 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and hot water, a wipe down with a bleach and water solution, or 70% alcohol spray.

7. Stay on top of government advisories

Heading over the border? Be sure to find out what, if any requirements are in place for travel to and from the US before you go.

There’s nothing like a summer RV trip, but it’s often better when you’ve planned ahead.

Have an enjoyable one!