Simple ways to Road Trip Safely during COVID-19

I know I’m not the only one that is anxiously waiting for that opportunity for a road trip during covid-19. I’m also hoping for the downfall of covid, so that our lives can go back to the new normal. But life as we knew it won’t be normal for quite some time. And that’s ok. Change is good, even if it’s uncomfortable.

1. My life in Scotland during COVID-19

As you all may know, I have been in Scotland under lockdown since March. Scotland is arguably one of my favorite places in the world, and being here but unable to go out and see the sights was challenging. I’m always yearning to do more and to see more. On the other hand, my friend and I had our share of local adventures and culinary delights. Life inevitably had its ups and downs, as is expected. But for the most part, life is simple. Quiet.

On July 15, Scotland moved into Phase 3 of reopening, which meant that hospitality and tourism opened, with restrictions, and indoor dining with distancing could resume. (For the record, Scotland and England, as well as Northern Ireland and Wales, all have different guidelines for reopening. So don’t assume that all the UK is the same.)

With my time in Scotland potentially coming to a close soon, and my friend’s family visiting from England, I set out for a solo road trip adventure around Scotland. Taking some long overdue annual leave days, and hoping to write about Scottish tourism along the way.

Coronavirus-based travel restrictions change day by day. Before you begin to plan a road trip during COVID-19, make sure you are following local rules and guidelines! And if you’re in the US, how about taking an at-home covid test before you set out just to make sure you’re negative?

2. Planning a Road Trip during COVID-19

First thing’s first. Take all the safety precautions.

2.1 Mask up

Ok, this is in no way political or infringing on peoples’ rights, and is only my personal opinion… but WEAR A MASK. In Scotland currently, when in shops, it’s mandatory. Wherever you are, follow masking guidelines, not only to protect yourself but to protect others too.

It’s probably a good idea to get a few masks, so you can wash them and rotate them often.

The other day, I accidentally sneezed while wearing my mask. GROSS, but this is exactly why you should wear a mask. To contain your germs so you don’t accidentally spread it. (I promptly washed my mask that night so it wouldn’t be disgusting for too long.)

2.2 Prepare to disinfect

What is that Boy Scouts motto? Always be prepared? (Ok, maybe that’s not actually it, but that’s what it is in my head…)

Originally, I thought about getting one of those UV lamp or cases in order full disinfect my phone, keys, etc.  First, I couldn’t get the one that I wanted. Then, there were just too many options on Amazon, with not a huge amount of reviews either.  Third, to be honest, what do I know about UV rays and disinfecting?  It seems like a huge stretch to be carrying around, either a UV wand or box, and not being a science-enough person to know whether or not there would be side effects of running around zapping UV into things…

So, in the end, I decided to stick with what I do know – and that’s the simplicity of anti-bacteria hand wipes and hand gel.   (And, some hand cream so my hands don’t become brittle and fall off due to all the disinfecting.)

I bought two packs of anti-bacteria hand wipes (biodegradable – earth friendly!  And nice smelling, too!).  One would remain with me in my purse, and the other would reside in one of the compartments in the car.  Just in case.

Additionally, I also bought a 500 mL pump bottle of 70% alcohol, anti-bacterial gel.  It fit just perfect for the cup holder in the rental car.  And to be honest, there could not be a more perfect place for it.  Basically, if I am out of my car (for gas, for a coffee, for groceries, for anything, really), the first thing that happens when I enter that place is sanitize my hands at the hand sanitizer station inside their doors. When I re-enter my car, I sanitize my hands.  And just for good measure, once a day, I take my handwipes and wipe down my phone.

3. How clean is your rental car?

I rented a car from Enterprise Rental Cars.  Don’t ask me how, but it ended up being a Jaguar XE.  Excitement!!  So, when going over the rental stuff, the attendant assured me that everything in the car had been sanitized and cleaned.  But then he drove the car over to me.  (If you’re thinking that defeats the purpose, that’s why I have my bottle of hand sanitizer!)

When I got to the car, there was a plastic sleeve over the steering wheel, which I promptly removed.  I did a once over with the main surfaces with my hand wipes, just in case.  Mainly, the steering wheel, the gear shift (which in this Jag, is a knob), the a/c and other buttons, and the screen. 

Plus, if you’re like me and sanitize after getting in and out of the car, you are literally good to go!

4. How Scotland tourism is dealing with COVID-19

So far, what I have noticed, is that when you enter into an indoor space, a shop, a restaurant, a gas station, the first thing you do is use hand sanitizer that has been set up inside the door.  Masks are required in only shops. That means you don’t have to wear them in restaurants. 

Most shops have a one way walking track that you have to follow.  Some of the smaller shops have a queue outside the door, as they can only let in a few people at a time.  So when one person exits, the next can enter.  I don’t really find any of this to be particularly annoying.  

Sometimes I forget to put on my mask, but then I’m literally the only person who is uncovered and then it becomes blatantly obvious.  So just do the damn thing and put it on, you know? It’s really not a big deal.

At some point on my road trip during covid-19, I hopped on a ferry (with my car) out to the Inner Hebrides. CalMac, the ferry company, takes covid-19 very seriously. When we boarded, an attendant brough each of us to a seating area. The lounge seats with tables had a good distance between each other. Some seats were in rows, with alternating rows roped off to ensure adequate distance.

The general rule was, if you were sitting at your seat, you don’t need a mask. But if you walk around the ship, masks on. Of course, hand sanitizing stations are plentiful. Currently, food and services are not offered during the ferry ride, so bring your own snacks!

As for lodging, the three different places I’ve stayed at so far have all newly installed hand sanitizing stations. They are located directly inside the front door, and depending on the communal space, throughout the property. Two of the places were bed and breakfasts. Hosts and hostesses either wore face masks or face shields when in close proximity (i.e. serving me food or showing me to my room). Or, check in and check out is done behind a screen or just via an envelope with my keys/room bill. I’ve managed to feel safe and super sanitized at all of these places!

Parting Thoughts

At first, I was a little apprehensive about taking a road trip during covid-19. But, I think I prepared well, and that lifted some of the anxieties. I think it helps tremendously that Scotland (and its business owners) take re-opening seriously.

So many local businesses rely on tourism and consumers in order to recover. As much as you’re scared to go, they’re scared their businesses or livelihoods may not survive. The sad fact is that many businesses are unable to reopen due to the restrictions and the distancing guidelines. So, now more than ever, whenever you can, support local business!

Going on holiday now is completely a personal choice. And I understand and respect people’s decisions one way or the other. Hopefully my experience can shed some light on how to road trip safely during covid-19.

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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