Tips from AAA if you’re hitting the road July Fourth weekend
“Travel is in full swing this summer, as Americans eagerly pursue travel opportunities they’ve deferred for the last year-and-a-half,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “We saw strong demand for travel around Memorial Day and the kick-off of summer, and all indications now point to a busy Independence Day to follow.”
Short road trips have become more popular during the coronavirus pandemic, especially after many airlines either halted flights or limited seating.
Traveling during a pandemic can be confusing for some people, however, so AAA has a variety of free resources to help you plan your getaway.
“We encourage travelers to take advantage of these free resources as they develop their plans,” Waiters said.
COVID-19 travel resources
- AAA’s COVID-19 travel restrictions map provides updated COVID-related travel restrictions, checkpoints and closures.
- AAA TripTiks help map your route and locate open gas stations, hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, auto repair facilities, attractions and more.
- AAA mobile app is free to download for “on the go” access to all the resources listed above including COVID-19 travel restrictions.
- AAA’s best of housekeeping highlights AAA Diamond designated hotels that are recognized for implementing the highest cleaning standards.
Road trip tips
- Prep your vehicle: Visit a AAA approved auto repair facility to ensure your vehicle is ready to hit the road, especially if your vehicle has been sitting in the driveway awhile.
- Plan stops: Destinations and businesses may have adjusted their hours because of the pandemic.
- Pack cleaning supplies and face coverings. Some regions have ordinances requiring the use of masks.
- Pack food and water. This could reduce the number of times you need to go to the store.
Staying in a hotel
Call ahead. Ask about any restrictions or changes to amenities and the check-in process. Inquire about their cleaning protocols.
Understand cancellation policies. Hotel cancellation policies can vary based on when you booked, what site you used and whether the booking was for a special rate.
Bring cleaning supplies. While many hotels are implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, personally sanitizing high-touch areas might provide additional peace of mind.
About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
