The Founders of Check-it-Off Hit the Open Road: 2020 Leisure Travel

Travel Tips & Recommendations for a Safe Road Trip

After spending 17 days traveling through America’s Mountain States and the Pacific Northwest, this is the scoop on how we planned the trip and managed to stay healthy, have fun, and get some much-needed fresh air. We would not advise taking a leisure trip to any destination that has been deemed a “hot spot” or where the local government has imposed leisure travel restrictions. Take precautions and add face coverings, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and facial tissues to your packing list— or have them sent to your first destination for use during your travels.

Trip Planning

The goal of our trip was to embrace the outdoors and drive some of America’s best scenic byways on our way to small town destinations. Each daily itinerary featured one major activity while providing ample time to make additional stops without feeling rushed or getting to the next destination too late in the evening. We only booked accommodations with flexible cancellation policies and full refunds provided if cancelled 48-hours in advance. Our approach to the obvious uncertainty: we kept our days flexible and had a list of alternate activities and food options just in case something changed last minute.

• Check-it-Off Tip: Before choosing a destination, check the state’s website for travel restrictions. Call each of the hotels a few days before you leave to make sure they won’t have any issue with someone from out of state checking into the property. While on your trip, check for cancellation emails related to upcoming reservations, you don’t want to arrive at a property that has temporarily closed.

Airports & Flights

Flight options are limited right now, with airlines reducing services as well as the number of daily flights between major airports. To reduce the amount of time in airports and on planes, we decided to book only direct flights and purchase seats towards the front of the plane. On JetBlue Airways, all middle seats were blocked (this will be the case through September 8) and mask usage was diligently enforced. Airlines are boarding planes by row, back to front, and adjusting seat assignments to maximize distance between passengers. The airports are operating well under capacity, security lines were short, and passengers were adhering to social distancing recommendations. Before sitting down on the plane, we used antibacterial wipes to thoroughly clean our entire area.

• Check-it-Off Tip: Purchase a seat in the front of the plane to minimize the amount of people walking past your aisle. In-flight food service is limited to a prepacked bottle of water and a snack, so be prepared with food purchased in the airport. Airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks at all times, which may influence the distance you want to fly.

Rental Cars

A great way to explore an area and avoid public transportation and taxis is to rent a car. Rental car prices were significantly higher this year compared to recent years. Typically, we can shop around and find that prices are competitive; however, all of the major rental agencies that service the major airports had very similar rates. Because of this, we considered multiple airports to begin the road trip and get a lower rate for a fuel-efficient SUV with ample luggage space.  In the end we used rewards points to significantly reduce the cost. Rental car companies have introduced new sanitizing procedures between rentals, and we also wiped down all hard surfaces ourselves before leaving the airport rental center.

• Check-it-Off Tip:  Plan your road trip to start and finish at the same rental car center to avoid one-way drop fees that can be very expensive. In some cases, we will make multiple rentals on one trip to save money. Booking and paying for your car in advance can also expedite the process, allowing you to avoid lines and person-to-person contact.

Lodging

Booking lodging requires a little extra research, as there might be travel restrictions depending on your destination and your own state of residence. In addition to the usual considerations like price and amenities, look into each hotel’s safety and hygiene policy and how well you’ll be able to socially distance in communal spaces. We booked our accommodations about two months in advance with the following considerations:

• Stay in small cities and towns with less than 50,000 people
• Preference for cabins and smaller properties, limiting the need for elevators

Our takeaway is to expect to pay slightly more this year for lodging, most likely because they are operating at limited capacity. The properties are very accommodating with allowing you to unload your vehicle in a convenient location, but don’t expect valet service.  Also, don’t expect the room to be available until the stated check-in time, this was the case at almost every location we visited. Housekeeping is a lengthy process these days, and properties are staggering nights that rooms are occupied. Don’t be surprised if face coverings are required upon entering the front door, hand sanitizer is conveniently placed in logical places, and management wants you to be aware that certain high-touch areas have been cleaned. For instance, remote controls are covered with disposable plastic sleeves. One location did require temperature screening at the entrance, but that was not the norm.

• Check-it-Off Tip: If you are looking for discounts on hotels, the best value we found was booking three nights at destination resorts and receiving the fourth night free. Other perks included free breakfast or vouchers for on-property restaurants, activities, or spa services.

Food & Drink

While choosing destinations we did a lot of research on what restaurants in the area were taking reservations and had outdoor dining options. Normally we dig a little deeper into the culinary scene during our travels. This time, we opted for outdoor seating and, in some places (like the national parks), grab-and-go food service was all that was available. Through observation, it doesn’t appear that small-town dining options have been as impacted as major city centers. Breweries and distilleries with food service and outdoor seating also seem to be doing very well this summer. One new development that we noticed is that many restaurants are using QR codes to download their menus on your phone for a touch-free experience. Many places are also going cash-free to limit those touch points as well.

• Check-it-Off Tip:  While exploring a downtown or checking into a hotel, ask the employees about their favorite cafes and restaurants. It’s a great way to confirm your choice or change your plans if there is a hands-down favorite.

Things to Do

As we planned, it became very apparent that, except for outdoor activities, it was impossible to know exactly what would be open in the next two months. For that reason, the planned highlights of our road trip were activities within Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. We enjoyed driving the scenic byways, national forests, and lakeside towns throughout Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The great thing about these destinations is there are plenty of activities that can be socially distanced for everyone, like hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. On days we were not in a National Park, we had a list of museums that we could visit if tickets were available. Expect museums to operate shorter hours, often closing at 4pm and closing 2-3 days per week for cleaning. All the museums we visited required face coverings, had hand sanitizer available, and encouraged social distancing. In a few cases, exhibits were closed to prevent close contact between visitors. If you are traveling as a family, be aware that many children’s displays will be closed to limit contact and any outdoor playgrounds/climbing areas are also closed.

• Check-it-Off Tip:  When the option is available, choose the scenic route and enjoy the view. When planning trips, we always include small towns, which often requires driving off the beaten path. It has become our motto, and this year each of the small towns we visited were buzzing with activity, with a majority of the stores, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants open for business and operating under the new normal.

Looking back on the experience, the planning and preparing alleviated what could have been a stressful and disappointing road trip. Leading up to the departure date, we knew the entire trip was cancellable for a full refund up until 48 hours in advance. It would have been upsetting to have to cancel the trip, but it was always an option. Most importantly, these destinations are doing their best to keep you safe and healthy, so make sure to return the favor. Wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance, and do not travel if anyone is feeling unwell.