3 COVID-Safe Vacations You’ll Love

Summer 2021 is here, and with it the anticipation of a little less fear and a little more cheer. However, be sure to keep in mind that COVID-19 is still a very real threat — and one that should be taken into account no matter what your travel plans entail. We all know that healthy travel starts with CLEAN™, so here are three COVID-safe vacation ideas that are sure to provide a memorable (and well-deserved) getaway! 

3 Fast (and FABULOUS!) COVID-Safe Vacation Ideas

1. ROAD TRIP!

Whether this conjures up wonderful childhood memories of family vacations (or horrible ones of car sickness), calling shotgun on getaways with friends, or the belly laughs while watching Chevy Chase’s legendary performance in National Lampoon’s Vacation, the great American road trip is back! 

And this time, you can do it your way. Prefer to take a rental car on the road and leave yours behind? Why not? Ready to skip the traditional pup tent and s’mores for something a little more luxe? There are hundreds of smaller lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, and inns that are reopening their doors and ready to accept reservations. 

The key here — as with all good vacation ideas during COVID — is planning ahead. You can find a travel agent to help plan your road trip or plot every stop yourself. Travel agencies are nice because their agents are well-versed in the best places to stay and the best route to take, while also being up-to-date on the latest COVID travel restrictions, protocols, and information. If you’re more of a DIY vacationer, you can do your own research online or use an app, such as the AAA TripTix^® app, to help you plan road trips to millions of destinations. It also includes over 300 pre-planned routes and itineraries to popular destinations across the U.S. 

If you’re planning on taking your own vehicle, make sure you take it in for a checkup so that you can minimize any car issues while you’re on the road. Little things like getting your oil checked, refilling your wiper fluid, and checking your tire pressure can make a difference when you’re driving for hours a day.

WHAT TO PACK: Road tripping means long stretches of riding, eating, drinking, and other activities in the car. Before you bust out any snacks on the road, use a hand wipe to wipe off dirt and grime. Nice 'N CLEAN^® Sani-Hands^® Hand Wipes also kill and remove 99% of bacteria* on hands. Use one before eating, and another one after!

Make sure to wipe these key areas when using a hand wipe:

• Individual fingers, fingertips, and nails
• Between fingers
• Palms
• Back of hands
• Wrists 
• Forearms

LEARN MORE: Hand Sanitizer: Wipes vs. Gels

Another important wet wipe to have on hand for road trips are disinfecting surface wipes. They’re helpful for cleaning up any unexpected spills and messes along the way. Use Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes to...

• Dust and clean the interior of your car: steering wheel, cup holders, dashboard, center console, doors, door panels, and windows. 
• Clean up messes and spills (we guarantee at least one beverage will be spilled along the way!)
• Clean off any bird droppings. It’s happened to all of us.

 
2. MARITIME MERRIMENT! 

For many, the shore is impossible to resist during this time of year. As you pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and shades, consider this: Just as you’re planning on spreading your beach towel on one of America’s favorite beaches in California, Florida, or down the Jersey Shore, so are several hundred-thousands of others, and that’s going to make social distancing somewhat challenging. So what’s the COVID-safe solution? Consider a beach that’s off the beaten path! Beaches aren’t just expensive oceanside property surrounded by pricey hotels and big-ticket amenities — they can also be found along the nation’s inland lakes, rivers, and even canals.

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not take it a step further and consider staying on the water in a houseboat? In her article, 9 Charming Houseboat Rentals for a Socially Distanced Summer Trip, travel writer Maggie Fuller describes nine houseboat rentals available across the country at a variety of price points and locations, all with amenities that are sure to provide a memorable getaway. 

WHAT TO PACK: Similar to the road trip, having antibacterial hand wipes around will make your time on the beach or in a house boat more convenient. Hand wipes are great for wiping sand and sunscreen off your hands, and you can use them before and after eating if you don’t have access to soap and water.

Another type of wet wipe to consider packing is moist toilet tissue. Flushable wipes are a convenient and refreshing way to clean up after using the restroom. If you plan to bring along flushable wipes on your trip, here are 3 tips to follow:

• Confirm it’s flushable. Don’t assume all moist toilet tissue is flushable. Made with plant-based fibers, Nice 'N CLEAN^® Flushable Wipes feature Eco-Flush^® technology that has passed all flushability guidelines and is safe for well-maintained sewers and septic systems.
• Flush individually. Moist toilet tissue should be flushed down the toilet one at a time to minimize the chances of clogging. 
• Check the plumbing. Flushable wipes are not recommended in motor homes or with basement pump systems, so be sure to ask whether the houseboat plumbing can accommodate them. 

LEARN MORE: Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

3. HOUSE SWAP! 

Instead of booking an Airbnb from a stranger, swap homes with a friend! Whether it’s across town or across the country, arranging a house swap would give each of you the opportunity to vacation in a new place without necessarily having to worry about the cost of a hotel. 

Be sure to set some ground rules ahead of time. For example: agree to get vaccinated and/or socially distance ahead of time to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 exposure, and clean and disinfect your homes thoroughly before and after your swap.

To ensure your personal safety — and to avoid potential conflicts with your swap partner — it’s a good idea to follow Airbnb guidelines, such as bringing your own linens, utensils, and toiletries. Also, agree in advance which areas of each other’s property and amenities are off-limits. Leaving each other a list of recommended local attractions, restaurants, and take-out menus, as well as your Wi-Fi and Netflix passwords, is a nice touch.

HOW TO PREP: To prepare your house for your guest, be sure to disinfect all surfaces ahead of their stay. This is especially important for high-touch surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, drawer handles, appliance handles, and countertops. Use surface wipes like Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes to thoroughly clean the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms. Leave a package or two of disinfecting wipes on the counter or in the drawer for your guests to use during their stay. This is a great way to show consideration and care for your guests’ safety and health. After they depart, be sure to thoroughly disinfect your home again.

LEARN MORE: Tips for Cleaning Your Entire House with Wet Wipes

   
Vacation During COVID is Possible!

With the CDC’s travel guidelines in mind, many of us are dusting off our suitcases and dreaming of the relaxation and revitalization travel brings. With a little imagination, some organized preparation, and some wet wipes from the Nice 'N CLEAN^® brand, you can make vacationing during COVID a rich, rewarding, and safe experience for the whole family. Healthy travel starts with CLEAN™!

*Kills 99.9% of the most common household bacteria.

References:

1. https://triptik.aaa.com/home/index.html 
2. https://www.afar.com/magazine/houseboat-rentals-in-the-united-states-you-can-rent-now 
3. https://www.businessinsider.com/safe-vacations-during-covid#book-a-socially-distant-hotel-stay 
4. https://www.priceoftravel.com/13437/best-vacation-destinations-for-americans-during-covid-19/   
5. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html