Are there any tips or tricks to reduce the cost of a roadtrip?
I'm trying to visit my long distance girlfriend in Vermont for a couple weeks, but I cannot drive. This is obviously a major issue as I live across the country in Missouri. My parents are willing to drive me up there, but it's a two day drive both ways. Between hotels and gas, it will be massivley expensive and I just can't ask my parents to do this. A plane, bus, or train would be cheaper, but with the pandemic that's going on, it's not a risk I'm willing to take. (I refuse to risk my girlfriend's health or that of her family.) How can I reduce the cost of this trip? Any help would be appreciated! (We haven't seen each other since March and might not again until, well, who knows?)
Answers ( 2 )
Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't chance it. I've myself looked at an option to travel a long distance, and I'm an experienced road-tripper, and couldn't find a good option except to take advantage of lower airfares and plan the trip enough in advance to find the best discounts. All the other options put you at more risk because of longer stays in enclosed spaces - like bus trips, train trips, staying at hostels. Every kind of travel option right now is more of a risk for exposure due to the length of travel time. Air travel would be your better option.
Now, you say you refuse to risk your girlfriend's health, you need to be concerned risking your health. But to note, you could in fact become infected and bring it to her. So, traveling isn't a good option, and I suggest more Facetime, Skype or Zoom. It's uncomfortable and hard, yes, I know, but you keep both yourselves and your families safe.
First, lets start with this: Grace is correct. This is not the time to be going long distance via public transport if you can avoid it.
That said, sometimes you don't have a choice, and have to take a long trip, even during a pandemic. Basic, general tips apply to reducing the cost of any road trip, so lets look at some of those, and then get back to how to mitigate the risks during a pandemic.
Shop online for the least expensive fares. Bus costs less than Train costs less than Airplane - except when it doesn't! Don't just assume, get on the various comparison websites and look. Be willing to take overnight / roundabout trips, if time is not of the essence.
Pack your own food. This is hands down the easiest way to save on expenses during a road trip, and bonus, you'll probably be eating healthier to boot. Dried fruit, nuts, sandwitches and a canteen/thermos if you have one can get you through 48 hours of travel.
Now, in order to mitigate the risk to yourself, you need to be as paranoid as possible when travelling. Seriously, there is no overkill here.
Before you leave, have you been quarantined for 14 days, and showing no symptoms? If not, can you wait to leave? Don't just wear any mask, but a mask with layers, that you do not remove when you are in an enclosed space like a bus/plane (eat during transfer points). Bring at least one other mask (sterilized, and sealed in a container) so you can change if/when you have a chance. Goggles too - think like one of those medical personel you see on tv/movies. Gloves, and change them after you touch somethign you haven't cleaned/ brought yourself. Bring disinfectant wipes / spray and clean the space you will sit in, and the spaces you will come into contact with on the trip. Stay at least six feet away from other people as much as possible.
After you arrive, try to limit your exposure to anyone until you've had a chance to do the best job you can to decontaminate yourself and your clothes. Limit contact (distancing, masks, standard protocols) until you've gone another 14 days without symptoms.
All this may seem to be overblown and too much to consider. Certainly people are traveling and interacting without following these or similar guidelines - but note that here in the US the pandemic is nowhere near under control. If you can, don't travel. If you have to travel, be as cautious as possible.