Traveling and Camping with Kids during COVID-19
So, as many of you know, 2020 hasn’t gone as planned for most people! Our family feels your pain as we have had two of our dream Escape Campervan trips cancelled do to traveling situations. Sense things have started to slowly open we have had some experience camping with our family during this time and think it may help in your upcoming Escape Campervan trip and especially with kids.
The main tip I can give is prepare you children ahead of time! Make sure they know the importance that staying healthy is staying safe. Explain what social distancing is and how important it is to not touch things. While it’s next to impossible to keep children perfectly clean, expectations can help you later. Thankfully my kids actually like wearing masks and see it like a fun accessory… but if your kids aren’t there yet, try practicing at home! Watch a movie with the masks on or go to a local park and have them wear them while playing. This way they will can get used to wearing them in different circumstances.
Flying:
If you choose to fly be sure and ask your airline how it’s set up. For example, are their rows of empty seats between you? If your kids are with you many times you’ll have your own row or at least a seats between you and other flyers. Wear your mask (ages 2 and up). Bring sanitizer and use it as much as possible. If possible bring your own snacks for the plane so less handling food. Many airlines aren’t even handing out snacks at this time. Need more tips on flying with kids? Check out our blog here “Flying with kids.”
Search out your travel plan and campsites ahead of time:
If you are anything like our family we really enjoy those ‘last minute’ finds while traveling and camping. During this time we are needing to take extra steps to plan in more detail. Some campgrounds have new hours and different site plans. Many require a call ahead of time to book, that normally didn’t require this. You may even find some places with a campsite between yours totally open. It’s good to know what you are getting into before booking or ‘showing up’ during this time.
Look for campsites that are more secluded and not right up by other campsites.
Watch the signs as you enter the campground for rule or read the requirements for the campground you are booking at on their website. It will most likely be at the top in red letters “COVID-19 Rules.”
Food:
Escape Campervan is the perfect rout to go to help with the food concern. With the refrigerated drawer we keep up to 3 days of food for our family in it! This helps cut out more interaction with others and we can make our own food while camping. Not to mention it’s normally the healthier way too! If you do choose to go out to eat to a restaurant, ask if you can sit outside.
You’ll most likely be asked to wear your mask to the table. You could even take food to go and eat at a local park or vista. This will give you dinner and a view!
Bring, wear and use masks:
You may be already aware but most areas if you are inside and establishment you are now required to wear a mask. Kids sizes are available at most targets and many fun different ones online. Here are a few of our favorite places:
Masks for Kids: *This Tribe of Three Masks *Cubcoats Masks
*Amazon Masks Stick to the great outdoors:
While most activities are outdoors while on a escape campervan trip be sure and keep it in mind at all times.
*Choose renting bikes over bus rides.
*While at a well known vista, watch to see how many are out of the car and take your turn. *Going to a restaurants, eat at an outside table or take it to go. *Going to a local outdoor attraction with lots of people? Practice social distancing, wear a face mask and be sure and use sanitizer.
While travel may look different for aw while it is totally still totally possible! Find more fresh air and less populated places! Keep the above tips under your belt and be on your way. We hope that you and your family take these tips to make a more comfortable traveling experience!