How I Planned a Safe Weekend Trip During COVID: Tips That Actually Worked

 How I Planned a Safe Weekend Trip During COVID: Tips That Actually Worked

When COVID arrived, people all had to put their lives on hold. Like all of you, for months, I stayed at home, watched the news, cleaned all the time and cancelled trips. But once the initial gathering was over and everything began to relax, I realized I badly wanted to get out for two days. I thought a short break at the weekend would be just right. I sensed I had to be careful at this moment.

I’ll talk about how I planned a weekend trip at the time of the pandemic, what worked out for me and what I learned along the way. Anyone trying to travel safely, particularly during uncertain times, will find these tips helpful.

1. Selecting the Right Place to Visit

Making these first two connections was the most crucial thing. I picked a place nearby, that didn’t have many visitors and had access to decent healthcare—in case I got sick.

Following my research, I found a quiet hill station that was a 5-hour drive from where I live. I didn’t go to spots well known among tourists; I wanted to be relaxed, not deal with lots of people.

What Worked:

Deciding on a location that’s not part of the mainstream.

Looking up the latest rules and COVID statistics for your county.

Having a hospital within reach (just for safety).

Personal Tip:

Ask people in the community on the internet for local hidden treasures. A friend’s cousin let me know about the homestay and I signed up!

Travel destination! 

2. Driving a Car Instead of Riding the Bus

I chose to drive my car on the trip. This way felt much more secure than using a bus, train or flight. I managed to keep my vehicle clean, use only safe areas to break and steer clear of busy rest stop areas.

What I Brought to Keep Safe

Put aside 4–5 extra face masks.

You should keep hand sanitiser and a disinfectant spray on hand.

Disposable gloves

You should store used masks or tissues in a little garbage bag.

Water to drink from a bottle and snacks that you’ve prepared

Pro Tip:

Don’t count on dhabas or dining spots along the route. It’s good to have easy foods like parathas, theplas or sandwiches during your journey. Having some idlis with chutney inside a hotbox worked very well for me.

Car travel!! 

3. I Stayed Where Covid-19 Safety Protocols Were Followed

A homestay with just two rooms was something I opted for, instead of a hotel. I called the owner and asked many specific questions while on the phone.

Is it common for them to disinfect?

How many people will be staying at the conference?

Was a vaccine given to employees?

It’s unfamiliar, but I have to ask these things.

What Made Me Feel Calm:

The room in the homestay was blocked and set aside for us 24 hours before our arrival.

Contactless check-in and using your card are used everywhere.

Meals were taken outside, far enough from one another.

Quick Tip:

Go ahead and book directly with the service instead of relying on the big booking websites. Talking to the park owners will help you learn about the safety procedures.

Smart packing methods! 

4. Smart Packing During the COVID Era

It was a different experience to pack this time. A while ago, I would carry with me some clothes, my camera and perhaps a bit of food. Still, a bit more organizing would have made this trip better.

What I’m Packing for COVID Protocols

A thermometer and oximeter are enough (only to use for daily checks).

Google Pay and PhonePe, as well as other options

Sheets and pillow covers to keep your bed free from dust (for added hygiene)

Man reusable spoons and mugs

I’d never expected to be carrying my own sheets on holiday, but rest assured, it did improve my sleep quality.

5. Noticing Small Details as You Visit Seeing a new place can be inspiring.

I didn’t go on very many trips. Having a walk in nature, sitting by a stream and enjoying sunsets from the balcony comforted me a lot.

These are a few of the guidelines we applied:

Markets and museums will still be closed indoors.

I didn’t eat at eateries unless I was sure there was outdoor seating.

Continuing to wear a mask, even when other people didn’t.

Friendly Reminder:

Just because you can go to a place doesn’t guarantee it’s safe. Consider your own thoughts instead of doing what others do.

Visited inspiring, noticing!!! 

6. Emergency Preparedness

I know it might not seem like fun, but it’s helpful to make a plan. I made a simple list of things to consider.

Information about the nearest hospital and closest pharmacy.

A nearby test center exists.

A copy of health records and a list of people in my family.

Helpful Tip:

Get the Aarogya Setu and CoWIN apps and store your vaccination certificate in soft form.

Emergency preparedness! 

7. Getting to our homes without incident

We didn’t see anyone new for about 4–5 days after our trip. We also chose to test ourselves for reassurance. That’s how we tried to keep dangers away from where we lived.

A look at what happened during construction.

Washed all laundry as soon as I got home.

I sprayed disinfectant all over the car to clean it.

I rested when I could and checked how I was feeling.

Final Thoughts

I found this weekend to be very special because it reminded me to notice the beauty of nature and to remember to breathe—not because of what we saw or bought.

If your travel plans are coming up, here’s my advice.

Though traveling in COVID requires extra thought, it is still possible. Always drive carefully, look out for your safety and don’t do anything that could be dangerous.

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Enjoy a safe journey!