It’s finally summer and so many people’s vacations have been cancelled due to the Covid outbreak. We've got tips for you and your friends or family to hit the road safely.

1. First and foremost, be safe

Here are some tips you should follow to ensure your destination (and stops along the way) is safe:

• Check travel restrictions and quarantine rules for your destination(s). If you’re going out of state, some states may have different mandates and requirements. Check first before you go.
• Check the number of cases and hospitalization rates in the area(s) you’ll visit. Look for a steady decline over at least two weeks.
• Pack an adequate amount of hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant wipes and paper towels.
• Use rest stops as little as possible. Use a paper towel when you touch things like door handles and faucets.
• Always wear a mask at gas stations and rest stops.
• Leave hand sanitizer in your car so you remember to use it when you get back in.
• If possible, bring as much of your own food/snacks as you can. This will help your budget too!
• To minimize contact on the road, use contactless payments or, if you have to use a credit card, disinfect it after use.
• Avoid unnecessary stops. Every 2-3 hours is recommended.
• Clean the inside of your car every day. Don’t forget your phones and tablets.

2. Budget beforehand

If there’s one rule of financially savvy vacationing, it’s this one: Make a budget before you hit the road. It can be easy to justify an ever-ballooning budget. A few dollars here and there can quickly turn into one big expense, and it’s one you could be paying for long after summer is over.

Instead, take control of your spending by giving yourself a realistic goal of how much you’ll spend. If you end up a few dollars over, you can make up the difference much easier than if you were to later find out you massively overspent. Making a budget also gives you an idea of how much you need to save between now and the start of your grand adventure.

3. Vet your vehicle

Nothing will influence the road trip experience more than your choice of vehicle. This is where you’ll be for several hours a day, so you’ll want to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible. Beyond a thorough cleaning, consider what maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off. Get a tire rotation and an oil change before you leave to avoid having to pay for expensive repairs on the road. If you need a new car, we’ve got some great contactless car-buying options and a great deal on a car loan!

Finally, you’ll also want to make sure all the legalities are covered. Make sure your insurance is current and you know where your card is located. Call your insurance company to make sure you’re covered if someone else is driving your car. Confirm that your plates are current and that you know where all your important documents are. Taking these steps can prevent an expensive and time-consuming ticket!

If you do opt for a road trip this summer, be safe and have fun!

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