If you’re an avid traveller, you know that there is no match of the feeling of driving on an endless highway – watching the sunset, enjoying your favourite song while the cool breeze crosses your tresses. Well, road trips are not only soul-enriching, but in the current times, road trips are also the safest means of travel as you are in a controlled environment viz. your car. However, it is not always possible to maintain good hygiene while travelling by road too. So, we’ve compiled a list of hygiene and safety tips that will help you have a smooth and fun road trip:

  1. A week before your journey, start keeping a tab on your health and take an appropriate amount of vitamin C and D along with zinc daily to boost your immunity.
  2. Pack essentials like a torch, spare masks & gloves, drinking water, some plastic pouches, an extra pair of shoes and some quick snacks like protein bars or wafers.
  3. Make sure that your vehicle is in a good shape and properly sanitized from inside as well as the outside.
  4. Make sure to get enough sleep before the journey so you don’t feel tired. It will also ensure that your drive is as safe and efficient as possible.
  5. Download the Aarogya Setu mobile app which will send alerts when you’re about to enter an area that has a higher number of coronavirus cases.
  6. Don’t be in a rush to cover maximum distance in less time. Remember slow and steady wins the race. You must drive slow and safe rather than fast and furious.
  7. Always be cautious of aggressive tailgaters.
  8. Whenever parking your car, it’s best to take your valuables like phone, wallet, laptop, camera etc. with you. If you can’t take them all along at least make sure to properly hide them.
  9. Avoid pulling over on the side of the road unless it is an emergency, especially at night.
  10.  If you don’t have experience in say mountain driving or riding on the snow, make sure you prepare yourself for special conditions.
  11. Keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts at all times via text or call.
  12. Only book a 100 per cent hygienic hotel or stay at a known person/relative’s place.
  13. Wear a clinically approved face mask and gloves at all times during the journey.
  14. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  15. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer frequently.
  16. Avoid eating outside until you are certain about the food quality and hygiene of a restaurant. It is recommended to consume food and water brought from home.
  17. Avoid touching anything at a public facility like toilets, gas station or cash dispensers. Make sure that you sanitize your hands after returning to the vehicle.
  18. Prefer online payments (wherever possible) to avoid contact with any currency that may be contaminated. For unprecedented times, ask the vendor to put money in a plastic pouch.
  19. Keep your windows rolled up at all times and avoid coming in proximity or giving a lift to strangers.
  20. In case of a flat tire or car break down, stay inside the vehicle till the towing van or mechanic shows up. Make sure to maintain a 6-feet distance from them.
  21. As soon as you reach the accommodation facility, take a hot shower and send the clothes in laundry.
  22. Carefully dispose of the gloves and masks (if disposable) in a sealed bag or container which can further be dumped in a closed bin.

In the post-COVID-19 era, road trips are going to be the new travel trend as they are safer, closer to home and also offer the flexibility to enjoy the trip at one’s own pace. So, buddies make sure to follow these tips for a convenient ride.