Global travel restrictions have certainly put a gray cloud over thousands of travel plans around the world. With the future still looking uncertain when it comes to international travel, many explorers are using their creativity and passion for adventure to fuel staycations and road trips in their home countries. Rather than let this sad situation get the better of them, millennials are using this strange yet unique opportunity to finally get back to their roots, and actually become tourists in their home country.
A refreshing take on travel and tourism, road trips and staycations are actually helping supporting economies and local businesses, that have been relying on international tourists financially. Let’s take a look at why road trips are the next massive trend for the modern day explorer.
The Rise of the Road Trip
A romantic road trip with a night spent under the stars is trending on social media, inspiring those stuck at home to plan a staycation road trip and make the most of their time back home. The beauty of a road trip for many digital nomads who have spent months traveling around the world, is that it allows you to keep on the move, continue creating memories together and not give in to the temptation to sit at home and just wait it out.
Road trips are such a flexible way of traveling. With the availability of travel apps like Discoverlist, it has never been easier to pack a picnic basket, blanket and a flask of coffee and head out on the road. The beauty of a road trip is that you can minimize your risk of exposure to Covid-19, while still discovering new places right on your doorstep. For some people, this is the first time they’ve traveled as a tourist in their own country.
For those who haven’t spent much time back home for a couple of months, or in some cases years, the Covid-19 travel restrictions are actually creating a wonderful opportunity to re-connect and spend quality time with loved ones. Booking staycation breaks with parents or siblings, rather than booking another exotic trip overseas, is growing in popularity and bringing people back together. One thing that the global pandemic has taught us all is how precious life is and how we should live in the moment and truly appreciate those around us.
Plan the Ultimate Road Trip
Ready to pack up and start exploring your own country? Here are some top tips to experience the ultimate road trip this summer.
- Pack wet wipes and hand sanitizer: You never know how clean your overnight stay might be, plus with the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, being clean while on the road is super important.
- Take a box of matches: There is no such thing as a camping trip without that incredible smell of roasted marshmallows, so make sure to pack a box of matches or a lighter to help get your fire started.
- A picnic basket: Get those travel goal pictures on point with a picnic on the beach, on a mountain or even in the car while you listen to the rain. A picnic basket just oozes sophistication and makes your road trip extra special.
- Keep your trash: Protect Mother Earth and always clean up after yourself. Keeping a couple of plastic bags in your car will help encourage you to take your trash back home, or at least to your next destination where you can get rid of it properly.
- Pack sunscreen: Never underestimate the power of the sun. Even if you’re planning a hiking trip, sunscreen is a must and will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and wind burn.
- Take an emergency kit: You never know what life has in store for you, so always take an emergency kit with you on a road trip. You’ll need essentials such as rubbing alcohol, bandages, antiseptic cream, pain killers, a torch, jumpstart cables and water. It’s also a good idea to pack a fully charged small phone in case of emergencies and if your smart phones are out of battery. A warm blanket is also a smart idea in case you have to sleep inside your car, or wait a long time, should your car break down.
Remember, always tell someone else where you’re going and your rough travel plans before hitting the road. Now, you’ve got the essentials out of the way, you can begin planning your road trip route and all the must see destinations along the way.
Share Your Staycation Inspiration
If you’re planning a staycation or road trip in the next couple of weeks, we’re sure you’ll want to share your travel tips, inspiration and snaps with your friends and family. Rather than just post an incredible picture of you and your friends roasting marshmallows under the stars, take this a step further by downloading the Discoverlist app and giving your staycation tips and pictures context. Let others learn about your road trip and follow your footsteps by recommending the best places you’ve been. Discoverlist is hosting a ‘Travel from Home’ virtual event on Saturday August 15, so make sure to join in and discuss your upcoming road trip ideas and staycation plans for this summer.