Road Trip Essentials

A perfect getaway from the stress of the everyday.

by CAROLINE DELISLE ★ AUGUST 1, 2020

Does anyone else feel like the walls are closing in around them a little? It can’t just be me who’s feeling the effects of our 160th day of social distancing and pandemic-fearing. I think I can officially empathize with Ana when she sings, “I’ve started talking to the pictures on the walls.” Slowly the days are starting to blur together and I’m forgetting what the world was like pre-rona. My breaking point was when I had to be told last week that we were in the month of July, not May. Did I sleep through June or something?? Where is she??

Another thing I’ve noticed is the stress I experience as a result of not having a plan. Things change so rapidly right now—Florida’s numbers skyrocket, new treatments are reportedly in trial, schools decide to make students arrive two weeks early to quarantine before classes start (I’m looking at you, ‘Cuse). This ever-changing state of unknowns and new plans has got me feeling dizzy. I’m a person who THRIVES on a good, well-established plan formulated far in advance. These last-minute changes that I’m greeted with everyday are really starting to wear on my mental health. Previous mental health issues I’ve been diagnosed with in the past and have been working on for years have started to resurface worse than ever. So I’ve had some internal evaluating to do.

Being isolated at home to stew in paranoia and frustration is simply not it, chief. Life is too short, we are too young, and the world is too big and beautiful for us to spend our days confined to our childhood bedrooms watching the days go by outside our windows. And because there is not a whole lot we are able to safely do without breaking health guidelines and regulations, we are going to have to get creative.

Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between, it’s road trip time.

I have gathered tips and tricks to ensure a fun, safe, healthy road trip experience that will get you out of the house and feeling refreshed by the outside world. I’ve also included some suggestions of destinations to visit. I tried getting some from a wide range of locations across the country so hopefully there is one near you that you can add to your route. Without further ado, here are our road trip essentials…

Supplies

Expensive and germy hotels are not the move for a mid-pandemic road trip. The alternative? Pimp your car. Save the expense of an overnight at a Hilton and minimize the spreading or receiving of germs by camping in your car! This also allows for more freedom in your voyage. Rather than plotting out and reserving space in hotels, make the backseats/trunk of your car your crash pad! You can now sleep wherever you end up without having to scramble for a hotel room. Some suggestions for supplies:

Sleeping pads: Because car trunk floors are not the ideal sleeping surface, you would benefit from packing something soft to sleep on. Luckily, sleeping pads are super easy to pack and bring with you on your trip. They roll right up and won’t take up a ton of room in your car, but will make a world of difference when you go to sleep! You can find these at any camping equipment store like REI, EMS, or Dick’s for around $40. A worthwhile investment for sure.
Sleeping bag/pillows: Depending on how much room you have for packing, bring as many blankets and pillows as possible for optimal coziness! You’ve seen all the renovated VW vans on Pinterest and VSCO, and nothing is keeping you from doing the same in your Tiguan or Explorer!
Lights: Flashlights (with extra batteries!), headlamps, and fairy lights are key, not only for the perfect road trip aesthetic, but also as a just-in-case essential! You never know when you’re going to want to go for a night walk and get a good look at the stars!
Mini generator: For anything from charging your phone to powering your hanging lights in your pimped-out trunk, a portable generator definitely comes in handy as an extra source of power. You can also use it to power a fan at night if you’re in a hot location. Depending on the strength and size you want, as well as your budget, generators vary in price from $40 to $200, but we would definitely recommend snagging one for your trip.
Hygiene essentials: Today, this includes a mask or two, a thermometer to occasionally check your temperature, and a whole lotta hand sanitizer. It is so so important to continue to monitor your health and abide by CDC guidelines on your trip! While getting away from the stresses and anxiety of a COVID-focused world can be super beneficial for your mental health, you cannot completely disregard your physical health or that of those around you on your excursions! Monitor your health, avoid crowded places, and abide by health regulations to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. Apart from COVID-related supplies, you will also need the day-to-day essentials like a toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe some face and body cleansing cloths, and dry shampoo. Clean & Clear makes some great face wipes that will enable you to wash your face without being dependent on a sink and soap! And stores like Target and Walmart sell all kinds of disposable body towelettes you can use to freshen up.
A friend: It’s always a good idea to travel with a friend. Of course, keep the group as small as possible, but having company makes the experience both more fun and more safe!
Disposable camera: Disposable cameras make for a great souvenir from your trip! If you use it to take photos along the way, then develop them at the end, you’ll have snapshots from your trip you may have forgotten you even took! You can use these pictures to make a scrapbook, decorate your room or dorm, or just hold onto as a keepsake! A disposable camera is a great way to capture memories from your trip and distance yourself from your phone, too.

Destinations

If anything good has come from corona, it’s our appreciation for the Great Outdoors. While cities are pretty much shut down until further notice, we are forced to go into nature to seek a change of scenery. Here are a few destination suggestions. If they happen to be near you, definitely check them out, but if not, use them as some inspiration for spots closer to your area. National parks, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks are prime socially-distant destinations for your excursion.

The White Mountains: Lakes and rivers to swim in, mountains to hike, cliffs to jump, and campgrounds at which to spend the night, New England has a ton of beautiful public areas for you to explore. Go breathe in that fresh pine air!

Big Sur: Yes, L.A. is cool and all, but the forests of California are a must-see at least once in your life. Hit that PCH and drive, baby!

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA: The ideal mountainous overlook on long winding roads.

Door County WI: Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, this idyllic spot with its clear blue waters and wide flat rocks is the perfect escape from the anxieties we’ve all been experiencing this summer.

Badlands National Park, SD: Another remote destination for you and your travel buddy to explore. Towering spires, dramatic canyons, and aged layered rock formations, along with a stellar view of the stars, will be your perfect nature getaway.

Red Rock Country, AZ: Huge, bright red rock formations shooting up from the otherwise flat and serene desert landscape of Arizona is a sight that will surely take your breath away.

Historic Columbia River Highway, OR: Hopefully you aren’t afraid of heights, or maybe you’re feeling like conquering some long held fears, because this scenic drive would not be ideal for the acrophobics. However, these steep overlooks make for a celestial spot to reconnect with and reground yourself. Sometimes feeling small is exactly the prescription you need in times when you feel overwhelmed.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. It is so easy to feel stressed with everything going on. 2020 has been nothing short of a sh*t show, and if you’re like me, it’s all starting to catch up to you. Now more than ever it is crucial that we keep tabs on our mental health and give ourselves the time and space to take those deep breaths and seek some peace. And you can’t get any more peace than in nature. It can be so cathartic to look around you, take in your surroundings, and remember that you are small, your problems are even smaller, and life will go on. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.

Cover photo credit: Pinterest (@Diary of a Toronto Girl)

UGirlAugust 1, 2020