While international traveling might still be our preferred means to go on vacations, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that we need to look a lot closer to home for holidaying.

With international travel limited and spending plans cut down, more people are choosing staycations, exploring must-see regional locations, and taking pleasure in traveler spots with a renewed interest.

After being home for such an extended period, a trip with friends and family is an excellent way to reconnect and make new memories.

In fact, with a little preparation and a few useful pointers, you can go out and experience the abundant society in your backyard.

Explore must-see local destinations and enjoying tourist spots with a renewed interest.

1-Plan your path out ahead of time:

Waze works with SYNC3 implemented cars and is one of the most stable third-party navigation apps, and it will give you turn-by-turn direction to your destination.

It will inform you of any traffic issues, road closures, or other difficulties you may find on your route, providing you the opportunity to re-route around them.

Waze needs GPS and your data plan to work, but it does store an offline version of your course just in case your signal drops during your trip.

2-Research

Now is a great time to see those places you wanted to visit when you had more time, so Google places of interest along the way.

Do a little research on the restrictions and guidelines you will need to follow at your destination.

The new normal is treated differently in varying regions; your research should also include the sanitation guidelines of the hotel, resort, or camping ground you are staying.

Knowing that your hotel is doing its utmost to keep you safe will ensure peace of mind when bringing your loved ones on a road trip.

3-Pack a sterilization kit

You will need supplies when you're away, and it's better to take them with you rather than rely on picking them up along the way.

Pack enough surgical masks for multiple changes for each passenger; hand sanitizer helps in moments you do not have access to water.

For those worried, it could speed up the wear and tear of the cabin's repeatedly-touched materials, testing by Ford has proven the interior trim can withstand the daily use of hand sanitizer, with up to 70 percent alcohol.

Keep the kit handy in the center console.

All Ford SUVs and trucks have a console large enough to stow your supplies.

4-More kit

Add in some disinfectant wipes (not baby wipes) to help when you interact with commonly touched surfaces like fuel pump handles, ATM keypads, or even cleaning your credit card after use.

If you want to utilize disinfectant wipes for your vehicle's interior, ensure that they are bleach-free to avoid any undesired damage on the trim.

Pack liquid soap too, for when you do have access to water.

Disposable medical gloves are also advisable.

5-Clean your car

If your vehicle has been placed up during the lockdown period, verify its condition before setting off.

A quick hand wash will remove the dust and dirt and give you a chance to inspect for any issues as you work around the car.

Clear out any debris accumulated in the cabin and the trunk and wipe all surfaces down.

Setting off in a clean car is a great way to start your holiday.

6-Check your car

It's a good practice to check your tire pressure regularly.

If your vehicle has been in quarantine too, then check that the demand hasn't dropped and don't forget to check the spare.

Pop the hood and check your fluid levels also.

If your car is due for service, book a session with your nearest Ford service center.

7-Steamy windows

Do your sunglasses steam up while wearing your mask?

Try this tip: fold and tuck the top part over once, then gently pinch the metal strip over your nose.

This should create a little gap that allows your breath to escape without releasing up into your lenses.

8-Filling up

Many fuel stations offer disposable plastic gloves for use at self-service pumps.

Use them if they're there; use your own if not.

If you must touch the pump without gloves, wipe down the gas nozzle and the keypad with disinfectant wipes.

If possible, pay with your credit card at the pump to avoid association with other people.

When you're finished fuelling up, use hand sanitizer, or better yet, wash your hands with soap and water.

Remember to wear your mask in public where required: it's mandated by law in many countries.

9-Travel with fewer stops

Lesser stops will avoid needless exposure to other people and areas not correctly sanitized.

Record your stopping points.

Should yourself or a member of the family become sick later, this will help in contact tracing.

10-Avoid contact

Arriving at hotels and resorts has also changed in the new normal.

If possible, opt for a contactless check-in and check-out.

If you need to sign papers at the front desk, use your pen as an extra precaution.

Also, avoid getting your vehicle valeted.

This will save you time from disinfecting areas the valet might have come in contact with.