Summer has already begun. It’s supposed to be that time of the year when hodophiles are out in full force. Unfortunately, this 2020 is unlike any other. COVID-19 has significantly impacted any travel. Going out from your quarantine bubble is generally a calculus of risk.
The thing is cooped-up people are turning stir-crazy at home these days. They have been itching to walk out, breathe fresh air, enjoy nature, be physically active, and be safe from the virus. Regardless indoors or outdoors, how to enjoy summer amid the coronavirus outbreak? Let’s find it here.
1. RVing
As COVID-19 restrictions ease in many countries, RV companies are reporting a major spike in their sales. It turns out that RVing is now among the ways to enjoy outdoors, while, at the same time, maintain social distancing.
Like any typical RV vacation, outline your route ahead of time, only this time there are more COVID-19-related considerations that you need to pay heed to. For instance, it would be better to opt for one destination and reduce the number of stops to prevent coronavirus transmission. What’s more, you can relax better when you set up in one spot.
Ensure reservations and be aware of a site’s day-use regulations, as well. In the past, it’s normal to come and go to RV parks, campgrounds, and other stops easily, especially during summer seasons. However, since the coronavirus outbreaks, not only people but all places have to follow necessary protocols, like reducing foot traffic, to keep everyone safe.
It’s safer to rent an RV that has its own toilet. You can avoid getting in contact with other people and the things they used, as well as prevent the kids from doing unnecessary actions. RV models with built-in toilets can be costly, but you can always rely on RV loans.
Considering the current demand for RVs and financial crisis, many companies are offering loans to consumers. Most lenders have their loan payment calculator on their websites, like My Financing USA’s RV loan calculator, so it’s easy to assess RV financing rates and terms online. Just make sure you take the full costs of owning an RV into the equation from purchase price, sales tax, RV insurance, maintenance, towing, furnishings and decor, etc.
More importantly, always act with caution. Aside from social distancing and wearing masks, here are must-dos that experts advised you to follow while going outdoors this summer:
- VERY IMPORTANT: If you haven’t been feeling well, avoid going outside. Always evaluate if you have all the symptoms of flu. Check the WHO guidelines and other reliable sources. Until then, do not go outside. Even if you don’t have the disease, you’ll more likely be able to catch it if you risk going outside.
- Avoid crowded places and contact sports, even if you’re wearing masks.
- Check your destination’s website for information on communal facilities like bathrooms, park trails, and the like. The more private, the better.
- Keep downloaded or printed maps before setting off on your trip. The last thing you should do is to ask for directions and make contact with strangers.
- Travel inside your local community, closer to your home by all means.
- Share an RV or tent only with people who you live with. Anyone outside your household is a potential asymptomatic coronavirus carrier—always keep this in mind.
- The safest route is “at least” 50 feet away from others if there is no vegetation.
While RVing gives you the feeling of normalcy, the pandemic isn’t yet over. Hence, treat your RV like your house. After venturing outside, still wash hands, sanitize, and do other safety precautions before entering inside the RV.
Is It Really Safe to Go Outside While Coronavirus Is Still Spreading?
There’s a recent consensus that COVID-19 transmission risk in the air is likely quite lower outdoors than indoors. Although outdoor risk hasn’t been definitively measured yet, there are science-backed reasons to support this concord.
First, scientifically, harmful fungi, microscopic bacteria, protozoa, and viruses tend to dissipate in the open air. Second, the coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets and infects people through close contact and shared surface. With these in mind, there’s a higher chance of COVID-19 transmission if people gather around any closed space.
Just to be clear, going outdoors is not zero-risk, but just “low-risk.” Recent studies have shown the infectivity and transmissibility of the coronavirus can still “possibly” be affected by the wind, sunlight, rain, humidity, ambient temperature, and other natural factors that “may” allow droplets to stay.
Compared to engaging in outdoor activities as part of a large crowd, socially-distanced and solitary outdoor activities are likely low-risk. Putting it in another way, you can have fun but do it “safely” and “responsibly.”
2. Virtual Camping
Camping online has been made possible by several campground hosts, and it isn’t necessarily a bad stand-in for an in-person camp. In fact, it has a bit of an edge over the traditional one, both for the children and the parents.
While it may not be as active as a canoeing-on-the-lake camp, kids can still enjoy traditional camping activities in a virtual camp, like socializing, experiencing cool stuff, and learning new things. Virtual camping lessons are more likely taught in a go-at-your-own-pace way, and there are more chances to have one-on-one conversations with experienced instructors.
Virtual camp activities are specially designed for different age groups, ranging from 3-year-old toddlers to school-aged kids. What’s more, these virtual camps are less expensive and can be free sometimes.
That said, you might probably be thinking that kids are too fed up with the whole e-learning thing after being quarantined and home-schooled for months. They might want to do the real outdoor experiences.
That’s true, and that’s why camping hosts are making their activities as physically engaging and diverse as much as possible. Parents can even tailor camping activities to their children’s interests. Check this link and see whether you’ll find the right virtual camp for your kid.
Takeaway
From a virus perspective, any socially-distanced outdoor activities are “least risky” get-togethers you can do this summer, as stated by the experts. Keep in mind, nonetheless, that if mismanaged, unfettered gatherings could spark fresh summer getaways. Conversely, if you’re looking for an activity that’s close to zero-risk, virtual camping can be the answer.
Author’s bio:
Lauren Cordell is a wanderlust who is also interested in the financial world. She writes stories about her travel experience and destinations including camping, RVs, Airbnb’s, and the likes. Her goal is to help her readers discover great deals and enjoy the best out of their travel plans.
