MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) — With the Labor Day weekend right around the corner, many people are wondering how to travel in the world of the coronavirus pandemic. 

AAA has shared a list of tips and resources for those traveling to better prepare them for what to expect. 

“Labor Day is typically the last big hurrah for the summer travel season,” Director of Public Affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group Nick Jarmusz said. “With students back in school, the majority of travelers are most likely to take up to a three-day road trip. We encourage travelers to take advantage of these free resources as they develop their travel plans.”

COVID-19 Travel Resources

  • AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map provides updated COVID-related travel restrictions, checkpoints and closures.

  • AAA TripTiks help map your route and locate open gas stations, hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, auto repair facilities, attractions and more.

  • AAA Mobile App is free to download for “on the go” access to all the resources listed above including COVID-19 travel restrictions.

  • AAA’s Best of Housekeeping highlights AAA Diamond designated hotels that are recognized for implementing the highest cleaning standards.

Road Trip Tips

  • Prep your vehicle. Visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility to ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Some vehicles may have sat unused for months and should be inspected.
  • Plan stops. Destinations and businesses may have adjusted their hours of operation.
  • Pack cleaning supplies and face coverings. Some regions have ordinances requiring the use of masks. 
  • Pack food and water. This could reduce the number of times you need to go to the store.
  • Pull out of the traffic lanes if your car breaks down. If faced with a vehicle emergency, safely steer your car off the roadway. Turn on the emergency flashers to alert other drivers and exit the vehicle on the side facing away from traffic if possible. Once everyone is in a safe location, request assistance from a road service provider.

Staying in a Hotel

  • Call ahead. Ask about any restrictions or changes to amenities and the check-in process. Inquire about their cleaning protocols.
  • Understand cancellation policies. Hotel cancellation policies can vary based on when you booked, what site you used, and whether the booking was for a special rate.
  • Bring cleaning supplies. While many hoteliers are implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, personally sanitizing high-touch areas may provide additional peace-of-mind.

AAA is also reminding travelers to drive sober.

“Preparation is paramount for people planning to travel during this pandemic,” said Jarmusz. “But it’s not just about protecting yourself from the virus. With an influx of drivers expected for Labor Day weekend, it’s also critical that travelers make safe decisions while behind the wheel. Please be sure to buckle up, slow down, and avoid distracted and impaired driving. These are simple steps to reduce the most common fatal accidents.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. Additionally, 47% of people killed in vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing seatbelts, so AAA is reminding drivers to buckle up.