Travel During COVID-19 Without Breaking the Bank

Traveling safely during the pandemic comes with a variety of challenges. Obviously, you want to make your trip as low-risk as possible, both for you and for those around you. At the same time, however, it can be challenging to figure out how to do that while still sticking with your vacation budget.

To help reduce stress and manage all the pandemic fluctuations, it’s important to have time away from your regular routine. In order to help make that possible, myAutoloan.com created this budget-friendly guide to traveling without putting your loved ones at risk:

Take a Road Trip

For many people, the risk of flying is too worrisome. The best alternative? A road trip! Not only do you have full control over when you leave and arrive, but you’ll have an easier time avoiding other people and staying safe. Plus, a road trip is significantly cheaper than plane tickets. Make sure to have your car tuned up before you hit the road to avoid a breakdown. Better yet, now might be the perfect time to get a new car. You can get a great price on a hot car through myAutoloan.com, then initiate your wheels with a super fun road trip.

Get Outside

One excellent, thoroughly budget-friendly, and low-risk way to take a vacation right now is to go camping. Prices for campsites are usually relatively low per night, especially compared to renting a cabin or staying in a hotel. Moreover, you’re a lot less likely to spread or catch the virus outdoors, so a trip based around hiking, sitting around a campfire, and connecting with nature are a great fit.

If you don’t have your own tent or camper, you may be able to borrow one from a friend or family member. If you need to shop for tents, sleeping bags, and other gear, turn to sites like Adventure Daily to find reviews and recommendations on top-rated items that will fit your budget.

Stay With a Friend (Safely)

If you have a loved one who lives in or near a great vacation spot, see if they’d be up for hosting. After all, staying with a friend or family member is certainly more affordable than paying for a hotel. Moreover, you’ll be able to confidently assess your risk by communicating with your host leading up to the trip.

Opt for a Vacation Rental

Hotels definitely have their place, but right now, one of the easiest and safest ways to find accommodations is through a vacation rental. Not only can this be more affordable, but there are rentals everywhere around the world, and you don’t have to worry about being in close proximity to a lot of people as you would in a hotel setting.

Pack the Right Way

To ensure you don’t overspend during your travels, it’s important to pack everything you need. Start by checking out the forecast for your destination. This helps you know exactly what type of clothing to pack so you can dress for your location. Next, gather a variety of travel-sized toiletries that you can easily pack away. Finally, plan for the extra necessities you need. The last thing you want to buy on vacation is a phone charger, so make a point to pack one or buy a new one specifically for trips. The same holds true for things like camping or beach gear.

Enjoy a Relaxing Staycation

Although, strictly speaking, a staycation isn’t traveling, you can get a lot of the same benefits from spending some quality downtime right at home. Obviously, this is great for the budget since you don’t have to pay for your hotel, gas, or any kind of ticket.

Remember, a staycation doesn’t necessarily mean spending your whole vacation time stuck at home. Indeed, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for to explore your own home town and get to know it a little bit better. Check out museums, zoos, and other local attractions and see what their visiting policies are. Most public attractions ask you to visit during a specific window of time, so check ahead of time to see if you need to schedule your trip. You can even fit some “excursions” into your staycation by checking out destinations that are a day trip away.

A time will come when we’re on the other side of the pandemic, putting regular travel completely back on the table. In the meantime, we hope this article helps you figure out fun and affordable ways to get a break from the daily grind.