Navigating the New Normal
If you need to or choose to travel during these times, consider the following so that you can travel safely and keep others safe.
Minimize Stops: Now is the time to load up on all the groceries you’ll need in one stop, rather than lots of little stops throughout your trip. If you are able to do your grocery shopping in a larger city (perhaps when you pick up your van) you’ll do a kind service to smaller communities by keeping your distance.
Be Adaptable and Have a Back Up Plan: The park you wanted to visit might be closed, or the campground on your list is at its maximum capacity. Do your research before you leave and make sure that campgrounds and sites you want to visit are open. While we very much appreciate the thrill of just heading down the road and seeing what happens, maximum occupancy at campgrounds has been greatly reduced this year, and simultaneously demand for services has increased. Have a plan and a back up plan.
Trip-Planning Apps: Should you need to find a safe place to park it, check out trip-planning apps like iOverlander or The Dyrt.
Find A Trusted Host: You can camp safely on private land with HipCamp. You’ll find wide open spaces, and contact-less interactions with site hosts. Or find your self-contained camping spot at wineries, breweries, and farms through Harvest Hosts.
Travel with Your Quaranteam: Minimize interactions with those outside your pandemic pod and opt for curbside hellos with non-pod friends instead of visits inside the camper van.
Minimize Exposure: Wear a mask outside of the van when you can’t achieve proper social distancing, like in rest areas or at gas stations. And of course, wash or sanitize your hands after touching common surfaces like gas pumps or door handles in public spaces.
Toilet Needs: Many GoCamp vans have toilets, and many don’t. Now is a great time to brush up on the principles of Leave no Trace.