Are you starting to get the travel itch? Have you found 2020 to be especially difficult in terms of holidays? Perhaps you have an exciting trip planned, or you were at least leaning in that direction, only to have the COVID-19 pandemic throw a wrench in your dreams. With a long winter season ahead and the virus still very much lingering, you may be thinking of other holiday options at this point. 

One option that could be enjoyable and relatively safe to embark on is a driving holiday within the UK. This allows you to create your own itinerary and set the pace of your holiday. It also gives you a chance to appreciate the beauty, sites, and attractions of places nearby that you may never have known about.

So, to make your planning a little smoother, here are some tips you can use for your driving holiday in the UK during COVID-19.

Are Driving Trips Allowed?

The first thing you may be asking is whether or not driving trips in the UK are even allowed. As it stands, the government has permitted overnight stays outside of your home as long as your area is not in lockdown. Now obviously this could change, so it’s best to stay on top of the latest guidance from the government. 

The government has recently launched a local COVID alert level system that will help you to figure out your plans. The three levels are medium, high, and very high, each of which has its own restrictions and guidelines.

Unless there are local lockdowns in place, there are no restrictions on where you can travel within the UK.

Only Travel with Household Members

In terms of who you can holiday with, it is recommended that you only travel in the car with people who live in your household. Because you will be sharing the same space with them in the vehicle, you don’t want to risk exposing those outside your home and vice versa.

Plan Out the Route in Advance

While it’s always a good idea to plan out your driving trip in advance, during these times it’s even more important. Some attractions, venues, sites, and even restaurants/pubs may not be open, so you want to be sure you do your research. Not only that but the government advises that you don’t travel and visit areas during peak times so that you can avoid potential crowds.

A great tip is to try venturing to those more off-the-beaten-track natural attractions where you won’t find large crowds. Anything outdoors is also much safer from a transmission standpoint such as parks, self-guided walking tours, and even taking your bike with you so you can do a little cycling.

Carry a COVID-19 Essentials Kit

There are also supplies that you’ll want to pack as your COVID-19 essentials kit. This includes things such as hand sanitiser, sanitising wipes, and of course, facemasks since they are required in many public areas. 

When it comes to facemasks, ideally, you want to carry the best mask with you. The Viractiv Shield is a great example of masks for sale that are unique. The Viractiv mask was actually developed by virologists and features a special coating that provides antiviral protection. Not only that but the VIRACTIV Redshield mask is also incredibly comfortable and easy to wear, making it perfect for long hours’ worth of wear time. You can look here for facemasks from VIRACTIV such as the Virustatic shield with the famous Redshield.

Make Sure the Car is Road-Worthy

You also want to be sure that your car can handle a driving trip without issue. The last thing you want is to deal with a breakdown or service issues while in an area you aren’t familiar with. It may be worth getting your car into your mechanic ahead of time and just have a basic check done, including an oil change.

Pack Plenty of Snacks and Drinks

Here’s a tip that is useful for road trips whether in a pandemic or not, and that is to pack a good amount of snacks and drinks. You can always enjoy these on the road, or pullover to a quiet rest stop, get out and stretch your legs, and have a little snack.

There are some foods that are known to travel well in terms of car holidays, these are foods that offer energy, focus, and attention, and don’t make a massive mess in the car.

As for drinks, your best bet is to always have water in order to stay hydrated.

A Change in Scenery is Possible

If you figured that travel was out of the question in 2020, it may be time to think again. A driving holiday that has you remaining in the UK can still be a wonderful little getaway and give you that change in scenery that you’re after.