Research Your Destination 

First up on the summer road trip guide: before you depart, make sure your destination doesn’t have any travel restrictions or require a two-week quarantine for out-of-state residents. Then research which businesses and services are open and what specific safety rules they are following. It’s good to set expectations ahead of time so you won’t be disappointed or blindsided once you arrive. We rounded up 12 destinations that are open for travelers as of July 2020.

At the desert’s edge with spectacular views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains, Marriott Shadow Ridge Villages invites you to a stylish and serene Palm Desert vacation.

Prioritize Natural Attractions 

Although theme parks are beginning to open up in certain places, natural attractions are still your best family-friendly option this summer. If you’re headed to a national park, pick one of the less famous ones, where the crowds will be smaller. For example, instead of Bryce Canyon, which gets over 2.5 million visitors annually, try Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument, which gets fewer than 1 million. 

Alternatively, rent a house or a timeshare with access to a private or semi-private body of water, so you can beat the heat without stressing over social distancing. A few of our favorites include Marriott Shadow Ridge Villages in Palm Desert, Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, and Hilton Ocean Oak Resort, Hilton Head. 

Make Reservations in Advance

In a bid to prevent overcrowding, many attractions, including swimming holes and hikes, are now using a reservation system. Do some planning and booking before you leave home, so you won’t be disappointed if you arrive and find it all sold out. The same goes for outdoor dining – if you’re in a state that permits it, reserve a table ahead of time. 

Custom-designed to pay homage to the region’s fabled oaks, the Hilton Ocean Oak Resort combines championship-quality golf with 12 miles of world-class beach for an eden-like experience in the South Carolina Low Country. 

Meticulously Plan Your Journey 

Depending on your comfort level, you may want to avoid unnecessary stops en route to your destination. Fill your gas tank before you go, and pack snacks and drinks to keep you satiated for the drive. If you do need to stop along the way, look for quieter gas stations where you’ll be less likely to come into close contact with throngs of people. 

Pre-Order Your Supplies 

If you’re planning summer BBQs and lots of fun home-cooking while away, you’ll need to do a big food shop. Find a supermarket within a few miles of your destination, pre-order your groceries (and, perhaps, cleaning products), and schedule for delivery or pick them up on the way. It will not only eliminate the need to go inside a busy store, but it will also save you time so you can get right to relaxing when you arrive!

Stay Entertained On the Ride 

Pass the hours and get in the adventure mood with one of these travel podcasts: Parklandia, a show by a married couple who travel the country in an RV, going from national park to national park; Travel + Leisure’s Let’s Go Together, which is dedicated to diverse and inclusive travel stories; and Travel With Rick Steves, a radio-style show in which the writer/TV host interviews experts on the culture, food, and people of featured places.