Road trips top summer travel plans, survey finds

As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions ease, British Columbians are set to hit the road this summer, according to a new poll.

The Insights West survey for BCAA found 66 per cent of B.C. adults polled plan to take a summer road trip.

Of those, 84 per cent cited a desire for normalcy during the pandemic as the main reason for taking a trip in their own province, while 45 per cent said it had more to do with the restrictions on international travel.

Insights West said this year’s road trip, however, is all about preparation, with 75 per cent saying their preparation will be extra careful to keep safe during the pandemic.

This includes everything from getting organized to vehicle maintenance to packing and route planning.

“This isn’t the summer to jump in the car with a pair of flip-flops and half a tank of gas and let the road take you where it may,” said BCAA automotive manager Josh Smythe in a statement.

He’s urging road trippers to leave nothing to chance.

“This is about the safety of you, those you travel with, and the communities you visit or pass through,” he said.

The Insights West survey found that while 32 per cent of respondents admit they feel planning takes the spontaneity and fun out of road tripping, the vast majority accept that it’s necessary.

BCAA reminds travellers that they should pack hand sanitizer, wipes, soap and extra masks.

Other tips include planning your accommodation and routes and bringing plenty of food and drink to minimize stopping.