Escaping the coronavirus panic sweeping the world seems impossible right now. Schools, colleges, and events have been shut down until further notice. Employees are being told to work remotely. Grocery stores are picked clean and fights break out over toilet paper. Toilet paper! It’s easy to think that traveling during coronavirus flu season is bleak and there’s nothing left to do except self-quarantine for the next few weeks. But that doesn’t have to be the case! While air travel is best avoided during this pandemic, taking a local campervan retreat to the wilderness is a safe and restorative way to escape the panic and crowds of the city. Read on to find out how to have a safe and enjoyable self-quarantine vacation in the wilderness during this unexpected time. A week out in a campervan is a much better way to isolate than staying home…
Know The Situation
If you’re considering a wilderness self-quarantine, we recommend the first thing you do is know the situation in your area. This includes the number of outbreaks, local closures, and any other state or federal government mandates. We’ve compiled a list of resources here to help make research a little easier for you. Be sure to follow any new regulations, restrictions, or directives your local officials put out to limit and control the spread of the disease. Remember that the government has the right to enforce federal and state laws relating to public health.
A ton of guidance has already been shared about cleaning best practices, but it’s worth repeating especially if you’re considering traveling during this time. Thorough handwashing (minimum 20 seconds of scrubbing!) and hand sanitizer are your best friends, especially during the “escaping” part of your self-quarantine trip where you find yourself at the store, gas station, or a public space on your way out. You can check this website to ensure you’re using cleaners suitable for taking care of germs. If you’re using rubbing alcohol to disinfect, make sure it’s 70% alcohol or higher. Note that face masks are not recommended for healthy people, only those who are ill and need to contain their sickness. For everyone else, the masks can actually serve as a collection spot for germs and make matters worse!
Practice social distancing
We’ve been helping our travelers with social distancing for over ten years by safely getting folks out on the road toward adventure. In this situation, though, it means limiting your contact with other people, avoiding public spaces, and maintaining a 1 meter (3 foot) minimum distance between people. Of course, putting a few hundred miles between you and the next living soul will really help flatten out the bell curve. Not to mention provide the rest and relaxation needed during this stressful time. Just remember that we are in this together. It’s okay to keep a respectful distance from others, but also be polite and courteous as you maintain your bubble. During this time of self-quarantine, try to avoid places where people will still frequent. The small communities that surround some of amazing National Parks don’t always have a lot of resources. A large influx of visitors not only defeats the purpose of social distancing and self-quarantine, but puts a drain on the local supplies those people also need. Instead, opt for public lands and enjoy the solitude of dispersed camping. Most public lands are open to dispersed camping, unless posted otherwise. Another benefit is that many dispersed camping areas are FREE and give you the smallest chance of encountering other people. Dispersed camping sites usually are located along secondary or side roads that may not be marked. Try and use existing sites to avoid creating new erosion or disturbances to that area. Remember to leave no trace and protect your public land! Pack out waste, hazardous materials, and anything else you bring along on your escape.
Feed your body with wholesome foods
Healthy greens taste great and provide vital nutrients to keep you healthy.A healthy body stems from a healthy diet. It might be slim pickings at the grocery store for a few days but sticking to leafy power greens (think kale, spinach, and chard), antioxidant rich berries, and citrus fruits can provide a powerful boost to your immune system. Fruits and veggies do a better job than just vitamin C supplements because they contain other vitamins and flavonoids that work with vitamin C to keep your immune system strong. Thankfully, our campervans come equipped with a refrigerator and custom built kitchenette to keep your health foods fresh throughout your escape.One of our favorite options for keeping a healthy immune system is fire cider, also known as master tonic. This potent fermented brew is made of apple cider vinegar infused with superfoods including probiotics, garlic, jalapeno, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, and honey and is a great option for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Fish oil, garlic, turmeric and magnesium also have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties to help combat invading pathogens. It also goes without saying to stay hydrated!
Know what to do if you do get sick while traveling
Sometimes illness or injury strikes, even when you’re being careful. It might not be the most fun part of trip planning, but planning for emergencies ahead of time could save you a lot of trouble, money, and possibly even a life. Here are a few things to keep in mind before planning any trip:
Tell a friend or family member where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and when to expect you home
If you’re already feeling sick, stay at home
Know where local drug stores in the area are located
Have a physical map in case cell phone or GPS service cuts out
In the event of an emergency, know where the closest emergency room is located
Prepare a medicine kit before you leave, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Pepto Bismol, Zithromax, vitamin C supplements, imodium, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes
What we’re doing to keep you safe
For 11 years we’ve been offering unique, safe, affordable and comfortable adventures to travelers around the globe. Health and safety have always been a top priority for us at Escape. Every year we evaluate and improve our cleaning process to make sure no detail gets overlooked. Our teams are rigorously trained and all vans are triple checked before going out to the next adventurer. The world feels very anxious right now as details around the coronavirus (COVID-19) remain uncertain. That’s why we wanted to take this opportunity to assure you that we’re doing everything we can to to ensure you have a safe, clean, and comfortable campervan trip.
Here’s a quick rundown of our cleaning process:
80-point internal cleaning and detailing checklist
Extra strength disinfectant to sanitize all of our surface in vans and offices
High-temp wash & disinfectant for linens, bedding items, cushions, and curtains
High-temp wash for kitchen equipment (cups, plates, silverware, etc.)
Interested in taking a campervan self-quarantine?
A self-quarantine doesn’t have to mean being cooped up inside watching Netflix all day (but that’s okay, in small doses). Check out our specials page and book your campervan trip at your nearest Escape depot to get away from the crowds and make the most of your time off.
We use cookies to improve your experience on this website. You may choose which types of cookies to allow and change your preferences at any time. Disabling cookies may impact your experience on this website. You can learn more by viewing our Cookie Policy.
We’ve been helping our travelers with social distancing for over ten years by safely getting folks out on the road toward adventure. In this situation, though, it means limiting your contact with other people, avoiding public spaces, and maintaining a 1 meter (3 foot) minimum distance between people.
Of course, putting a few hundred miles between you and the next living soul will really help flatten out the bell curve. Not to mention provide the rest and relaxation needed during this stressful time. Just remember that we are in this together. It’s okay to keep a respectful distance from others, but also be polite and courteous as you maintain your bubble.
During this time of self-quarantine, try to avoid places where people will still frequent. The small communities that surround some of amazing National Parks don’t always have a lot of resources. A large influx of visitors not only defeats the purpose of social distancing and self-quarantine, but puts a drain on the local supplies those people also need. Instead, opt for public lands and enjoy the solitude of dispersed camping. Most public lands are open to dispersed camping, unless posted otherwise. Another benefit is that many dispersed camping areas are FREE and give you the smallest chance of encountering other people. Dispersed camping sites usually are located along secondary or side roads that may not be marked. Try and use existing sites to avoid creating new erosion or disturbances to that area. Remember to leave no trace and protect your public land! Pack out waste, hazardous materials, and anything else you bring along on your escape.
