Latest Roadtrip Experience

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People are searching for alternatives to their typical summer family vacation plans.  Many are concerned about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect them if they were to opt for a road trip somewhere close or not so close to home without crossing the border into Mexico or Canada.

My family and I traveled by car from the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, area, to Sarasota, Florida.   Our concerns were finding public restrooms, hotels that would be open, restaurants or fast food establishments available to order and receive food.

We were pleasantly surprised.  The roads were not as busy as usual.  Even through the major cities  which we thought would be chaotic during rush hour as they customarily are.  We sailed through those cities with a bit of a slow down, but not held up in any way.

Finding food was not an issue.  Most establishments were open for drive through or curbside service.  There were fewer restaurants that were open to eat in. 

Rest rooms.  Those restaurants or fast food establishments that only offer drive thru or curbside service did not allow for the general public to utilize their facilities.  We had to opt for convenience store, Walmart or Target store, gas station, or rest areas.  When we stopped in a rest area we were amazing at how few people were there.  There was an attendant who monitored the facility and maintained the cleanliness.  This individual was wearing a mask and gloves.  The general public utilizing the facilities didn't all wear masks, but kept their distance.

Hotel:  We stayed at Drury Inns.  We were required to wear masks.  Upon arrival we were greeted by the reservation clerk also wearing a mask.  The place seemed deserted.  If there were no cars in the parking lot, you would think that you were the only people there thus far.   There were of course more parked cars scattered throughout the parking lot to the hotel.

Drury Inn customarily offers a complimentary Kick Back which consisted of a themed buffet with hot and cold choices.  This included hot dogs, corn chips, salsa, melted hot cheddar cheese, salad, and entrees depending on the theme of the evening, plus three complimentary alcoholic drinks per adult.  The Kick Back is generally available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. and you would be able to enjoy your meal in the dining area.  In the morning it used to be a breakfast buffet with eggs, sausage, pancakes and more.

At our first hotel was to stay the night in Alabama.  The Kick Back did not consist of much at all.  You were able to only get your drinks in the form of beer. wine, or soft drinks (not the usual cocktail selection), hot dogs, and corn chips.  The cheese was grated.  You took your selection up to your room to eat and you could warm up your cheese in the microwave there.  You could always return for more.  Don't forget your mask!  Breakfast was a choice of a bagel, cream cheese, or a muffin.  They did have orange juice and coffee.  They didn't even have anything with egg or some yogurt.  Their breakfast bar always had scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, yogurt, fresh fruit and an assortment of juices.  Have to say...we were disappointed in this department.

The second night was in Gainesville, Florida.  Again at a Drury Inn.  A little more action here.  More people were readily seen in the lobby area and where you went to collect your food.  We were pleasantly surprised when this particular hotel not only offered the hot dogs like the other hotel, but also customized tacos with sliced fajita chicken, black beans and Mexican rice.  The drink selection was the same. Breakfast was similar, except that they had a selection of yogurt to select from.

In both hotels everything was spaced out to encourage social distancing.  Our rooms were cleaned and sanitized.  Items that would typically be touched and spread germs were either sanitized or removed from the room altogether. 

All in all it was a good experience.  We didn't  have the issues or challenges we feared we might experience.  

Would I recommend a road trip.  Yes!  It's time to see the U.S.A!

Places are opening up more and more.  Theme parks, zoos, museums are slowly moving forward in this direction.  The most important thing is to be diligent in protecting yourself and others.  Wear those masks when indoors or in close proximity to other people when social distancing is not possible.  Wash your hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer.

Do know that we can help with road trips here in the U.S., Canada and Europe.   We have all that you need and we can take a lot of the guess work out of everything for you.  Best part.  It won't cost you more.

Give us a call.  Let us know what you have in mind and we will be glad to help in putting together a package.

Happy Travels!