Top 10 Tips For Road Tripping During a Pandemic When You're Already a Germaphobe

It's no secret to anyone who knows me personally that I can be a little "much" when it comes to germs. Last March when all the talk about this ridiculously contagious virus broke out, like most humans, it sent me into a bit of a frenzy. Wash, clean, sanitize repeat. Over and over and over again...

With all that said, I really didn't want to just crawl into a bubble and lose out on so much precious time where I could still go out and take photographs. Even at the worst of it all, I still found it to be one of the things I could continue doing safely. I live in the beautiful state of Minnesota where we are blessed with the beauty of the North Shore on Lake Superior. It is hands down one of my favorite places to be and of course to photograph. So, I made it a point to continue day-tripping it up there on the weekends as much as I possibly could.

Here are some helpful hints that have worked for me to have a limited-contact, social-distanced, sanitized day-trip.

1. BYOF

Bring your own food. Of course one of the best things about road-tripping is stopping along the way at some funky little restaurant that you've never tried before, but for now, I've put that on pause to limit contact and pack up a cooler of plain ole turkey sandwiches. Yum.

2. Hand Sanitizer.

Bring a few bottles of sanitizer. You never know what you might encounter in the great outdoors. When you high five the deer as you walk by you want to be sure you're prepared.

3. The Portable Loo

Oh yes, we're going there... one of the best investments made (maybe $20 bucks?) was this little portable loo. Put a nice liner in that baby and have a spouse that is willing to handle cleaning up the contents and you're golden. No gas station bathrooms needed.

4. Gloves

Pack a box of disposable gloves for when you have to fuel up.

5. Park passes

Pre-pay your State Park pass ahead of time so you don't have to stop at a pay station or go in to purchase a parking pass when you arrive. Better yet, support your State Parks and buy an annual pass and enjoy all year long.

6. Masks

It goes without saying, but you'll want to bring yourself a good mask. Finding one that is comfortable that I wanted to wanted to wear hiking is key. I love the Under Armor Sports Mask. I know a lot of people say that if you're outdoors the mask isn't really necessary, but I like to wear it just out of courtesy passing others on the trails.

7. Caffeine

Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and hit the road. If you want to cram several hours of driving into one day, you may want a little boost to keep you going.

8. H2O

Fill up a few water bottles and toss them in the cooler. Stay hydrated kids!

9. Extra clothes

If you're anything like me, you leave the house thinking that you are dressed for the elements, but something always happens. Ripped pants, drenched socks, you name it. The drive home is always better in fresh/dry clothes.

10. Make a weekend of it!

Dust off that ol' tent and make a weekend of it! Better yet, pick yourself up a little vintage beauty like I did and let the good times roll!