9 Road Trips To Plan During This Pandemic
Without mincing words, Coronavirus did a number on us all. We all had plans to explore a new city this summer but quarantine season happened. Most of our summer was spent indoors with our families while observing safety measures.
Fortunately, while it created the opportunity to bond better with our partners and loved ones, we were all missing something; the excitement of traveling to a choice destination and the adventure of experiencing something new and different.
While major cities in the world are currently putting an ease to travel bans, every adventure seeker is eager to get out of the four walls of their homes. However, air travels to another country or city for vacation purposes is still farfetched. But a simpler method presents itself: road trips.
You can hit the road even in this pandemic to a safe city while maintaining travel precautions. And we have culled 9 road trips to plan during this pandemic. Check them out below:
Island of Oahu, Hawaii
If you’re planning to spend a shorter road trip, the Island of Oahu, Hawaii is just the perfect opportunity for you. Located in the Pacific Ocean, the unique island is a treasure trove of excitement and adventure, whether you’re traveling by yourself or with friends.
A round trip around the island is about 112 miles which you can complete within 3 hours if the travel is favorable (which it usually is). The best place to start is Honolulu and drive through to Kailua and then Kaneohe. You can then cruise along the north shore which will take you to Haleiwa and then back to your first stop.
But no road trip is ever complete without making a few stops, eh?
The island offers some exciting locations you can visit in between stops. You can head over to the Hanuman Bay for morning snorkeling and catch your breath later at Leonard’s to munch on hot and fresh malasadas.
You can make a quick stop at the Kailua and Haleiwa beaches to catch some fun and take great photos. The Waimea beach is just the perfect spot to watch the sunset. You’re bound to have a swell time on your road trip there.
Utah National Parks
Utah National Parks would be an ideal road trip to plan during this pandemic. Located in the western region of the US, Utah is home to several national parks for you and your family to experience fun.
You can kick off the journey from Salt Lake City, Nevada, or even Las Vegas.
Along the way, you can make a stop at the Zion National Park and hike on the Riverside Walk and the Narrows. Enjoy hiking on the Emerald Pools trails and Angel’s Landing.
You can spend a day or two exploring the unique sights at the Bryce Canyon National Park. You and your family can the amazing hoodoos located there and visit the Sunrise and Sunset Points inside the Bryce Amphitheater. It is one of the best road trips to plan to during this pandemic.
In Moab, you’d find the Arches National Park. Even without making a stop, there’s a truckload of different views to savor. However, if you’re road tripping with your kids, you should check out the Junior Ranger programs specifically organized for kids. There’s a lot to learn at these programs and they’d thank you for it later.
The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is also another road trip to plan during this pandemic. Located along the Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, a whole family can enjoy the Canadian Rockies. From the month of May down to September, the weather is warm and perfect for hiking through the plains.
You can begin the journey from Vancouver to Calgary or vice versa which takes around 12 hours to complete. Albeit, the fun is in the stops and adventures in between the long trip, and that may take 3 to 4 days.
You can make a stop at the Jasper National Park, the Banff National Park, or even Revelstoke en route. One of the best things about such this trip is seeing some of the rarely-seen animals. Some of them include mountain goats, deer, coyotes, bears, moose, bald eagles, elks, and lots more.
You can opt to lounge in a hotel, look out for mountain cabins, or camp along the way.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is the best scenic road trip to plan during the pandemic. Located along the Vancouver to San Francisco highway, a trip along this windy road is filled with several attractions and things for you to experience.
You can make a stopover at the Glass Beach at Fort Bragg—a unique location that was once a landfill and now blanketed with sea glass. You’d be awed by the breathtaking horizon there. While you’re permitted to touch the sea glass there, you aren’t permitted to take them with you. However, there’s a small gift shop and museum just around the corner where you can learn about the history of the beach and buy a couple of sea glass jewelry.
Avenue of the Giants is an amazing highway that runs parallel to the pacific coast highway. It is very scenic and you’re bound to make several stops to take some amazing photos.
You should also check out the Cannon Beach in Pacific City, Oregon is located on the coast highway for unrivaled adventure and fun for the entire family.
The Guatemalan Highways
If I were in Central America, the Guatemalan highways would be the perfect road trip to plan during this pandemic. You can begin the trip from Antigua—one of the best-preserved and last colonial cities in Central America.
Cruising through the Guatemalan highway typically takes about 6 hours. But you’re bound to make a couple of stops along the way.
The Pacaya Volcano a couple of miles from Antigua is a hiking destination that starts right from San Vicente. The hiking trail is properly marked, so you’d always find your way back.
If you want to work up a sweat, hike on the Acatenango Volcano. It typically takes about 5 hours to get to the crater. However, you can enjoy the best views of the Agua Volcanoes and Pacaya from there.
The Los Amates Waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful and you wouldn’t mind spending the whole day there. It takes about 3 hours to cross the crystal-clear pools, and it is recommended that you come with swimsuits.
Mumbai to Goa
If you’re in India and fancy a safe road trip, by all means, cruise on the Mumbai to Goa highway. You and your family can enjoy a trip that is nothing short of amazing. The trip takes about 10 hours to complete if you take the safest route—the Pune-Kolhapur route through National Highway 4 (NH4).
You can begin the trip from the Mumbai-Pune expressway which merges into the NH4. Along the way, you can make a couple of stops to visit Panhala Fort—a serene resort packed with a lot of amazing views, edifices, and plains.
The Rankala Lake, located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is a perfect spot for you and your family to unwind and enjoy a picnic alone. You can also do a quick stopover at the Jyotiba Temple.
You can retire in the evening at Belgaum and camp for the night at Jamboti Hill.
Manali to Leh
The Manali to Leh highway, open from June to September 15th every year is another safe road trip you can make. This particular road trip is filled with a lot of gorgeous views, built as an alternative route to the convectional Srinagar to Leh highway.
This road trip typically takes about 18 hours to complete if you’re not going to make any stops. But since you’d have to, you can make a few stops at the following areas:
You can make a pit stop to grab food and refuel at the strings of dhabas in Khoksar. Parachute tents are also available if you’re planning to camp the night there.
Pang is a town filled with basic tents and there are a couple of isolated homestays in Rumtse village. Luxury swiss tents are available in the lovely Sarchu town.
Dubai to Fujairah
Add the Dubai – Fujairah Road trip to your bucket list during this pandemic. Located along the coastline on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is a unique destination to cruise with your family for a weekend road trip.
Along the way, there are a lot of exciting stops to make. You can make a quick stop at Fujairah Fort—regarded as the oldest fort in the whole of UAE. This place represents the scenic past of the region and you’re bound to be mesmerized there.
You can make a stop at Snoopy Island located near Fujairah. This is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. You can also pitch up a tent or book one of the beautiful villas around the island.
Liwa
Liwa is another destination you should plan a road trip to during this pandemic. Whether you want to commence the trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’re bound to enjoy the scenic expanse of drylands as you snake through the windy highway.
Liwa is home to several attractions including Sheikh Hamad Auto Museum, Mezairaa Town, Liwa Forts, and the Qasr Al Sharab Desert Resort. However, due to the COVID-19 control measures in place, you might want to visit a secluded hotel—Tilal Liwa, located on the outskirt of the desert.
While you’re eager to hit the road, you should remember to pack a lot of nose masks, hand sanitizers, towels, wipes, and disposable hand gloves to protect yourself and your family. Make sure to check out the suggestions above to plan one of the best Road Trips During This Pandemic.
Whether you’re going on a road trip or planning international travel, there are some accessories that are absolutely vital for the journey. Check out my latest post about it.
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