The travel industry is taking a hard hit from the coronavirus. RVers may feel safe in their homes-on-wheels, but the ability to travel to places unaffected may soon become more difficult.
We received a comment from a reader named Gray on our RV Daily Tips Newsletter this week expressing concern. Here’s what he wrote:
“This morning (Wednesday) we learned that ten nursing and care facilities in WA state have at least one resident or employee tested positive for Covid-19. That’s a sudden increase from the one Life Care center in Kirkland in which the majority of WA fatalities have occurred to date. This may be seen as an unpleasant or distasteful topic for our carefree RV lifestyle, which most may prefer to ignore, BUT… wife and I have siblings in similar long-term care facilities in No. Idaho and we’d planned an RV trip there to visit. Now we ask ourselves: understanding that one can become infected and contagious without knowing it, is it advisable to travel and visit unprotected facilities containing the most vulnerable family members among us?
“Or should we just blithely go on, business as usual, heads in the sand? And deny the uncomfortable reality that this unpleasant reality is spreading at an exponential rate? And pretend it will have no effect on such things as our happy RV lifestyle? And realize that everywhere we go these days, there has been no testing and we have no idea whether those we come in contact with are or are not carriers? Ask yourself: How is it that we are seeing an exponential spread from town to town, state to state?
“Is it possible to exchange information, seek answers to serious questions, and make sensible and knowledgeable adjustments to RV travel and camping? Isn’t it about time to begin addressing this issue in these forums, or is that asking too much?”
What do you think, RVers? Are you worried about upcoming travel plans because of the coronavirus? Have you already changed upcoming plans, or think that you will? Please leave a comment and tell us how this virus is affecting you, your RV, and your travel plans or route. Please keep this discussion as respectful and as non-political as you can. We are all in this together. Thank you.
##RVT939
Thank you, RV Travel, for opening this topic for discussion. Today (Thursday) the world’s leading communicable disease authority, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told a Congressional hearing that our U.S. system is NOT set up for adequate coronovirus testing. And we have failed early days to engage the spread of this new disease. All current advice from medical science experts advises against unnecessary travel, and exposure to possible infection sources. ALSO this morning the assisted living facility in north Idaho where our elder brother resides called us to advise that they are restricting family visits, to limit exposure to the extremely vulnerable patients.
In short, I absolutely cannot guarantee that our visit wouldn’t present a life-threatening hazard to him and his fellow residents. Nor can I guarantee that wife & I wouldn’t become infected during our stops for fuel, meals, encounters with RV park employees, etc. Both of us are in our late 70s and fall in the high-risk category. It’s not a risk worth taking.
For the nay-sayers and conspiracy believers, the facts are there for all to see. Covid-19 is at a minimum 10 times more lethal than influenza. Global statistics indicate it is more likely 20 times more deadly. With an incubation period averaging two weeks, during which time an infected person is regarded as contagious, our national inability to implement a significant testing program means that we are ALL stumbling through the night with no light to guide us. We have no way to know the extent of the spread, who is or is not infected, and how many are affected. Here on our island of 70,000 people, one local case has developed. State and county health authorities cannot say how many more are among us. We can only guess that the unfortunate victim has unknowingly spread the infection to family members, fellow workers, and others. We simply cannot know until full-blown symptoms emerge, and then it’s too late. The wildfire is spreading, out of control.
Travel in our RV at this time? No. We’re one old couple that is staying home, avoiding group contact, and carefully budgeting our reserves. Please, everyone be careful. Stay informed and do not disregard the seriousness of this threat.
Well said. I hope all goes well for the two of you
By Abdu Sharkawy
I’m a doctor and an Infectious Diseases Specialist. I’ve been at this for more than 20 years seeing sick patients on a daily basis. I have worked in inner city hospitals and in the poorest slums of Africa. HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis,TB, SARS, Measles, Shingles, Whooping cough, Diphtheria…there is little I haven’t been exposed to in my profession. And with notable exception of SARS, very little has left me feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed or downright scared.
I am not scared of Covid-19. I am concerned about the implications of a novel infectious agent that has spread the world over and continues to find new footholds in different soil. I am rightly concerned for the welfare of those who are elderly, in frail health or disenfranchised who stand to suffer mostly, and disproportionately, at the hands of this new scourge. But I am not scared of Covid-19.
What I am scared about is the loss of reason and wave of fear that has induced the masses of society into a spellbinding spiral of panic, stockpiling obscene quantities of anything that could fill a bomb shelter adequately in a post-apocalyptic world. I am scared of the N95 masks that are stolen from hospitals and urgent care clinics where they are actually needed for front line healthcare providers and instead are being donned in airports, malls, and coffee lounges, perpetuating even more fear and suspicion of others. I am scared that our hospitals will be overwhelmed with anyone who thinks they ” probably don’t have it but may as well get checked out no matter what because you just never know…” and those with heart failure, emphysema, pneumonia and strokes will pay the price for overfilled ER waiting rooms with only so many doctors and nurses to assess.
I am scared that travel restrictions will become so far reaching that weddings will be canceled, graduations missed and family reunions will not materialize. And well, even that big party called the Olympic Games…that could be kyboshed too. Can you even
imagine?
I’m scared those same epidemic fears will limit trade, harm partnerships in multiple sectors, business and otherwise and ultimately culminate in a global recession.
But mostly, I’m scared about what message we are telling our kids when faced with a threat. Instead of reason, rationality, openmindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested.
Covid-19 is nowhere near over. It will be coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. Expect it. Stop waiting to be surprised further. The fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. But our own behaviors and “fight for yourself above all else” attitude could prove disastrous.
I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education. We have an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases in our society. Let’s meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophizing.
Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts.
Our children will thank us for it.
#washurhands #geturflushot #respect #patiencenotpanic
From a Facebook post verified in https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/abdu-sharkawy-coronavirus/ .
Thank you for sharing this excellent post by Dr. Sharkawy, Bill. He posted this on his Facebook page on March 5, and there have been 1.9 million shares as of March 14. He also has more information on his FB page since then. Go to FB and search for Abdu Sharkawy. Good information. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
As far as the Coronavirus is concerned I’m packing nylon gloves for pumping gas, I have N95 masks to use if need be and I’m carrying sanitizer with me. I will eat at my camp site not in restaurants. If there are sites to see go see them just wear disposable gloves. I will take my temperature everyday and live my life for as long as God allows me to. Travel, just use some common sense and enjoy yourself. Happy Trails.
We were planning on heading south from our home base in the Seattle area to the FCOC Rally in Hemet, CA, followed by the FMCA Convention in Tucson. We’ve been keeping a very close eye on things and just today decided to pull the plug on the trip.
What amazes us is that every hour brings more event cancellations, including the NBA, MLB, MLS, XFL, PGA, etc. not to mention many major events, concerts and conventions all over the country. Why the RV community doesn’t see the seriousness of this situation is beyond comprehension.
Since the vast majority of RVers are in the top one or two tiers of vulnerability age-wise, not to mention older with existing health problems, we felt that spending two weeks with other members of those demographics was almost as high risk as taking a cruise. What really made the decision easier for us was thinking about actually getting (potentially seriously) sick while on the road. NOT fun!
None of us are exempt from this virus, and the best thing we can do for our family, friends and loved ones is to lay low, take precautions and live as cleanly and as carefully as possible while this plays out.
We’re not in a panic, we’re being realistic. Yes, we’ll continue to live our lives and not let a postponed trip get us down. The key is to be smart, be safe and think of others. Until the testing catches up with the apparent infection rate, doing anything else is just plain dumb.
Excellent advice, DustyAngel! Thank you!–Diane at RVtravel.com
We have a trip planned for May. At this time we haven’t decided what to do; I’m pretty sure we’ll have a much better idea in a couple of weeks how this is going to play out .
Nobody should be panicking but downplaying the disease doesn’t help either. This is a serious disease, especially for the elderly and those with compromised health, and the number of infections here is almost certainly much, much higher than the official numbers. The fatality rate certainly appears larger than the seasonal flu, although we won’t know the true rate for months. I think things will get much worse before they get better. And the biggest concern is that it overwhelms the Health System (just look at Italy).
Social distancing is critical, and most RVers are generally in a good position to do that. But if you’re traveling, are you prepared to wait it out if things get locked down? How many days of provisions do you have in your RV? Are you prepared for 2 weeks of quarantine? All valid questions…
Everyone’s risk tolerance is different; do what works for you. As stated below- be smart, be prepared and above all be safe.
Agreed. I think the biggest problem from all of this is fear and panic. After all it might be a more virulent strain of the flu, but it’s just the flu none the less. Take common sense precautions, washing your hands etc. There is no need to panic buy toilet paper, hand sanitizer or stock pile cans and dry goods. Business and manufacturing will continue. Be a good neighbor and please share. It’s not the end of the world. Likewise, supermarkets and drug stores, can you please limit the number of products customers can purchase, so that there will be some for all and not all for some. Thanks.
The fatality rate will be greatly affected by the availability of hospital beds and ventilator machines. If they are maxed out, people who might have recovered will succomb, even though they are young and were healthy.
This is why we are (hubby and I) trying to do zero contacts outside our home. Leaving only for careful grocery shopping and practicing social distancing. We are 45 miles to the epicenter in Kirkland. We know people who have tested positive in our neighborhood. It felt far away from our little world until a few days ago.
It appears that Washington State has been forced into a national leadership role, filling a vacuum left by the US federal failure to act in either a timely or decisive fashion despite two months warning, watching the Chinese government confront and essentially extinguish a disease outbreak that threatened their population and economy. Governor Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, along with King County executive leadership, are working 24/7 to blunt the effects of the most serious viral outbreak to date in our state. The principal effort now focuses on preparing for the expected surge of patients requiring hospitalization and emergency respiratory intervention.
The time for testing to intervene and halt the spread is essentially past. Epidemiology experts warned that early intervention was essential. It is no longer early days. It is now the beginning of the Italian experience: within weeks a surging flood of victims will threaten to overwhelm our hospitals. if you read today that WA state has 500 infected people, realize that they are last week’s result. Today there are a thousand or more walking among you, not yet discovered. These will double every five or six days.
Everyone must take seriously the warning to prevent exposing themselves to the virus and possible infection. Anything less is both irresponsible and morally wrong. The advice to go home and self-isolate oneself when one begins to exhibit symptoms, is rather stupid if there are family members sharing the home. Why go there and infect them? Better to seek an isolation site. This might be a great use for the RV: isolate yourself there, and keep the family safe in the house.
Pray that Gov. Inslee and Mayor Durkan are able to acquire sufficient personal protection suits and gear to protect our essential first responders and health workers; that they are able to acquire more respirator machines to meet the flood of demand; and that they have the means and time to set up new isolation and treatment facilities to save our hospitals from being overwhelmed.
I believe them. I believe the nation’s leading health authorities. I believe the hard facts we’re seeing coming from all around the globe. Be careful. We’re all in this together.
As snowbirds, with all the news about the virus, we altered our travel plans in that we headed home about two weeks early. Even though we are self contained in our R.V. we wanted to be home.
Agreed. We’re leaving two weeks early too as are most of the Canadian’s in our Mesa AZ RV park. Like you we just want to get home.
That is exactly what we are doing. No matter how comfortable our motor home is we are still in an area that is not familiar to us. My husband is 68 and at risk. We cut our reservations by 2 weeks in order to be home near our doctor and familiar facilities.
No change in plans, first trip isn’t until mid June so I am sure things will be sorted out by then.
Good question and the responses are promising. I suggest you ask the identical question in 1 week. Things are going to change that fast! I wish you all wellness and a quick end to all of this so we can go back to normal.
I’m leaving for a 4 month trip soon. I decided I have just as much chance getting the virus by staying put as I do on the road. But, I’m not going “just blithely go on, business as usual, heads in the sand?” as you said. I plan on watching local forecasts to be aware and make possible changes to my itinerary and taking common sense precautions to protect myself and others as much as possible.
We have a trip planned for mid April. So far we haven’t changed any plans but we’re not sure that everything will still be open. We’re hoping things have settled by then, will just have to watch and wait. RVers are nothing if not flexible! Keep safe and healthy everyone
We have a trip to Europe planned for early May. Going to wait a few weeks before we change plans or the cruise line cancels our trip for us.
Our friends, who were packed and ready to leave on a Viking cruise to Europe two days ago, were contacted by Viking and announced that the cruise had been canceled, with all their money completely refunded.
My plans were to head north in April after yet another winter in New Mexico. At the ‘advanced age’ of 79, however, the risk of catching the virus at one of the many stops along the way and the unknown readiness of medical facilities on my trip made me decide to cancel travel for the present. I’ll hunker down here at least until late summer/early fall and see how things are going by then.
Our plans were changed for us as a rally in Texas was cancelled .
the only thing that worries me is the group panic that seems to have taken hold. so far the panic buying seems generally limited to TP, hand sanitizer and bottled water (bottled water???) but will it soon encompass food, OTC medications and toiletries and fuel??
we were in a Costco and Wally the other night for some non-outbreak shopping. the panic evidenced by most shoppers was papable. very scary. NM State Parks have shut down overnight camping but left day-use area open (huh???). will privately owned parks follow? will we be able to get home? will some looney tune governor decide to close their state’s borders to travelers? (don’t laugh. our state’s governor declared a state of emergency with less than a dozen known infected cases out of a population of 12-million). much of ‘the media’ seem to be fanning the flames with huge headlines (Arizona Republic: HIGH ALERT). not helpful. we’re thinking of cutting our winter/spring snowbird trip and head back but will wait and watch a bit. everyone…calm down! Americans are better than this. we will get thru this.
We want to go to Washington state to visit grands in June or July. May have to wait until next year.
Things should be showing an improvement by then. Stay tuned.
My decision to cancel my travel plans was due to my wife’s heart condition and being more susceptible to the virus. Our main purpose for traveling is site seeing but if the sites are closed or crowded there’s nothing to see, it’s just another rv park.
I believe I am safer camping in the woods, the desert, the sea shore, than I am in crowded cities. My only fear is that the campgrounds I avoid, are the ones that crowd RV’s close together.
Our plans for travel in May are only partially complete. Even though I feel that we can accomplish “social distancing” to some extent, I would not to be far from home should we develop some medical issue. Will wait it out.
The uncertainty and the associated risk make it very difficult to make summer travel plans to “destination” locations knowing that they will have large gatherings of people. You can’t tell if someone is an infected carrier that you may come in contact. So, how do you safely navigate through this uncertainty? Well, most of us are at an age of higher risk so to be prudent i believe a ” wait an see” is the proper action.
I was planning to go to Phoenix to attend the Goodguys Car Show & Swap Meet in Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds Air show at Luke Air Force Base 20 & 21 March with my son and his family. Both events have been cancelled due to Coronavirus concerns.
So far travel changed by FMCA rally canceled in Tucson. Not sure on our circuitous route back north yet. Feel pretty safe and isolated in our current spacious southwest mountain campsite but not sure about the planned travel to a number of national parks this summer. Heck, I am not even sure if I can get TP- Walmart had the last few rolls of camping toilet paper on the empty shelves of the regular stuff. I can only guess that no one has an old Sears Roebuck catalog to use in a national emergency handy….
We are camp hosting in Surprise AZ and we come into contact with a lot of people. That’s my concern, not for myself because I’m 58 and very healthy. But after May 1 we have plans to travel before going “home” to the Pacific Northwest. My concern is more about carrying the virus with us to people rather than catching it. We know we are very likely going to catch it. We are going to watch what happens because this will pass like all the rest of these outbreaks. At least we will self-quarantine if needed, and don’t want to be part of the problem. We also are unsure if we will have registrations still if we hit the road.
If you are at high risk, then you should be thinking about what comes next? And, taking precautions to remain safe. This is not a joke or hoax! I feel that our motorhome is a safe place as long as we do not have much contact with too many others. We are still planning to stay at the parks we have planned thru April 10th. Then, its time to call it and head home. Be safe all!
I’m not sure how to answer the survey, because we were planning a non-RV trip to Spain that is now delayed until (we hope) fall. We may replace it with some boondocking out in the desert near home.
This is about to get real. If you’re in a smaller place where you can avoid people and aren’t being forced to move, stay put. In your normal travels, you have a lot more contact with people than you think, and the sooner everyone stops moving, the sooner we’ll all be able to get back to our regular lives.
Friends of our just returned from Spain. They report everything is closed…stores, restaurants, museums, galleries. Their flight home was from Morocco, which closed its borders a few days ago. They had to purchase very expensive tickets from Spain to Toronto, then figure out how to get to Seattle. They have travel insurance, but will have to put in claims for coverage.
We’ve been planning a trip a week or so from now, headed south here in NV. Where we are going, there are no others around. We’ve got our fave boondocking sites where we go anyway, before all this virus stuff got underway. I see no reason to change our plans. If we were planning trips to RV parks and other commonly visited sites, I may have thought differently about this.
We have twice modified our none RV travel. First by canceling plans to fly from southern CA to Seattle for routine medical appointments. And then canceling a car road trip to Sacramento to see family. We have been in an RV Park since January and this year we have had the usual seasonal illnesses passing thru the various groups here. We are scheduled to leave at the end of the month for a fully planned travel season. So far nothing has changed, but as noted with the sudden FMCA cancellation, ones plans can be forced to change quickly.
We have not changed our travel plans yet, and hope not to do so, unless someone makes us, ie New Mexico state parks. This makes no sense to me, leaving open day use but close to overnight camping, it should be the other way around, limiting the number of people coming and going. example we camp a minimum of 4 days, that’s the same 2 people over a 4 day period vs 2 people in and out every day, that’s possibly 8 different people. I received an email from Texas state parks, where we have 3 different reservations over the next 4 weeks, and they are proud to say they are open for business and are stepping up on what they can do to help visitors stay safer.
I am not one for crowds, we are fulltimers over 60, don’t do much with rally’s or big get togethers. I like the peace and quiet this life gives me. I don’t mind neighbors as long as they, too, are quiet and peaceful. Trust me, i will not be breathing all over them and vice versa. We are in an area where there are no confirmed cases, but panic shopping is crazy. Talked to the cashier who checked me out the other night at the grocery store, after waiting in line for 30 minutes (all lines were open), and she was telling me this is worse than any holiday she has worked. Long lines, shelves are empty everywhere and people fighting over shopping carts. It was the same at walmart the next day, except the long lines, I went earlier in the day.
Yes, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. With the increased available testing the confirmed cases will go up, it might even increase the fatality numbers because people were thought to have the flu, but the percents should go down. Be sensible, don’t know about you, but when I start feeling bad I don’t want to be around anyone. I have holed up with the flu, even just a cold, before and did not even infect my hubby, with just common sense hygiene practices. Even in our 5th wheel, we can stay safe if one of us does get sick. Cough and sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. Limit your movements around the trailer, and clean up after yourself. Don’t share anything, not even a kiss on the cheek. And wash your hands often and well. They may dry out, but that’s what lotion is for.
If it gets too bad, CALL a doctor/hospital. They will be able to give you the most up to date info on what to do and where to go in your area. Don’t just show up and infect everyone around you. If it took you 10 days to get really sick, another 30 minutes to make the call will not make it worse, no need to rush in. Many dr’s offices and hospitals are setting up quarantine type areas for suspected cases. Limit your exposure to others.
We have plans for Yellowstone, Teton and Glacier NPs this summer, I’m hoping I don’t have to change them. By then everything should be under control and maybe the crowds will be smaller this year. Safe travels everyone! We need to keep adding to the economy and get thru this.
Traveling is safe, Campgrounds are safe as long as you don’t get within 6 feet of anyone else. The risk at the gas pump is easily avoided with gloves. RVer’s can easily avoid public restrooms.
Go to the grocery store early in the morning. When they first open or 4-5am. Minimal traffic and most of the virus in the air and on contaminated surfaces will have died. Wear gloves!
Don’t eat in restaurants. The danger isn’t only from infected employees. Plastic menus, chairs and booths are prime sources of flu transmission so the same will be true of corona virus.
These minimal precautions make your risk very low.
Hopefully, widespread (10,000 a week or more) and easy (drive-thru) testing will finally be available in the US. ( Months late) We are way behind with testing, you would know if you are contagious and should definitely avoid exposing others.
Sadly, Roger, the experts are saying we might not know if we are contagious. That’s why we need to do a lot of testing in the United States. Hopefully, our scientists can learn more about this virus and health the rest of the world as well.
Here’s the issue: there’s a 12 to 14 day incubation period during which time you are contagious before showing symptoms. By the time you realize you have it, you’ve exposed everyone you’ve been with over the previous two weeks! This is why you need to stay away from crowds, etc.
So everyone goes out and gets tested. Your informed your negative, that’s great but what happens tomorrow? You can just as easily get the virus the next day. Testing is not going to keep you from getting the virus.
So should everyone get tested everyday?
Use common health sense and quit watching the news 24/7.The news media is causing all this fear because that’s all they are reporting.
Typically in one year 12,000 to 20,000+ people die in the US from the flu. Nobody seems concerned about that nor does the media mention that little detail.
We had planned to leave for Alaska in 3 weeks. Not confident about border crossings. We planned for too many years for this trip to have this added stress. We’ll stay stateside this summer…Alaska isn’t going anywhere.
Respectfully, It is not the President delaying anything. Those laws were created by politicians that you and I voted for years ago. “Pork” is a major problem. “Lobbyists” are a major problem. When a Bill is created, there is so much pork in it that you and I never know about. It’s called bribes and kick-backs. You sign my Bill and I’ll add $300,000,000 to test ketchup in your state. When a Bill is created, it should only contain what is being proposed. That’s it. Create a law that says that.
The POTUS is now removing that restriction from the CDC. ITS ABOUT TIME! But why stop at just this virus? Take away all the restrictions for all diseases. Why should it take 11-12 years to approve anything? But if it is to continue to be limited (as we all suspect it will), then ANYTIME a crisis like this hits the streets, drop all of the hard core restrictions.
While on the topic, create an law or at least an incentive to move the drug companies back to the US. How insane that we have crucial necessities overseas (China or elsewhere). Why is the US just cutting our own throats by manufacturing life saving essentials overseas?
This is not a political forum. This is an RV forum. I expect that there will be a lot of negativity displayed from folks on this topic. RV Travel, it’s OK to ask about travel plans with a survey question, but this is entering dangerous territory allowing comments on a sensitive topic.
Respectfully
So much for being non-political….
I have a relative who works in conjunction with the CDC and she says that this Administration knew about the virus before it became public in the USA but refused to take it seriously. Because of that attitude, we lag way behind other countries re public testing and resolutions. Therefore, we have to take responsibility for our own health and consider other people. Stay away from large gatherings, do not shake hands, wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with regular soap and water (sanitizers not necessary) and practice all-around good regular hygiene. No need to panic… just use common sense and courtesy.
We had a cruise planned for April 12. The cruise we were going on has shut down service for exactly 30 days (at this point). Our cruise is exactly 30 days from now. Are we on? Are we not? We can’t get a response from that cruise yet. I figure they are inundated with calls and emails at the moment.
It doesn’t change our plans. If the cruise is still on, we are going. Wash the hands frequently. Watch out for others who are totally irresponsible and snotting over themselves (which should immediately be reported to the cruise line). Don’t touch your face. The cruise line we are on makes it mandatory that you use the hand sanitizers before entering meal establishments. It’s also available everywhere in the hallways.
For 80% of the people that catch it, it’s a mild case. Yes, for the few unfortunate who have weak systems (usually those over 70), it can be devastating.
Read this article about the persons trapped on the Princess:
https://www.foxnews.com/us/cruise-ship-data-helps-reveal-coronavirus-death-rate-researchers
Hope you make your cruise. We’ve actually been thinking of booking one as there are some great deals being posted. We usually do Royal Caribbean.
We got our cruise room info and boarding passes today. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that things don’t change.
We kept our hotel, parking and pet boarding. We won’t cancel unless there is still an issue as we get closer to departure.
Planning a 6-month road trip beginning in mid-April – California to Montana to Colorado and back – and have not changed our plans at all. Nor have we changed our daily routine. My husband and I have no chronic illnesses and the virus for those who are healthy, even seniors, seems to be mild, so we may have already had it. I don’t understand this sense of helplessness. This is not bubonic plague or Ebola. We take walks in the fresh air, we eat healthy, we avoid people who are sneezing. We did all of that before this hysteria.
Thank you Candace for this realistic view. I have seen bird flu, swine flu, sars and even ebola threats come and go. I never changed my plans or activity. I just used standard health practices, kept contact to a minimum and kept my hands clean. We have lost thousands each and every year to the “common” flu and no one panics over that. So why now?
Spewing political view’s on this site should not be allowed. If the administrators of this site continue to allow it we will have lost the sites true purpose in helping to enjoy our camping lifestyle.
I’m very happy to see all the plans the current administration is putting in place, including the drive-thru testing if infection is suspected, government working closely with private companies like LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, travel bans etc. Very well could have a vaccine by next month!
It took them long enough and as of now there still is not enough test kits.
What test kits did you find with the Swine Flu (H1N1) global Pandemic in 2009? Over 4000 died and 22 million were infected in the US alone.
It’s impossible to have a vaccine next month if some lab thought they had perfected one today! All credible experts say it would take at least a year to 18 months to create, animal test, and human test in small then larger groups of volunteers.
Please read this article to understand why it takes so long:
https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-03-12/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-make-a-coronavirus-vaccine
Administrators of this site : Please remove those who wish to use this site to spew their political views. This site should be for all things related to RV travel only. There are many sites out there were obsessed people can spew their political views.
As of right now our plans remain unchanged. We are not part of the most at risk groups. Having read information about the virus, I feel pretty safe traveling. I’m in Texas right now and need to be in Pennsylvania by April 5th for our summer jobs. I lived through the Ebola and h1n1 scares so I think that I’ll get through this one too. I’m not going to let fear mongering by the main stream media change who I am or what I do.
Panic and Fear are far bigger problems than Coronavirus. The spread of this virus is NOT more rapid than many, many previous influenza and other viruses. Also, there is not credible information that Coronavirus is “more deadly” than other outbreaks. These outbreaks have been a part of human existence since the beginning of time. 81% of the cases are mild to moderate in severity. Taking common sense precautions makes sense and helps, but truly how far do we go to try to stop something that we really cannot stop. We can’t stop this virus anymore than we have been able to stop influenza or the common cold or for that matter, a myriad of other life-threatening illnesses and events. My wife and myself will use common sense and be considerate of others, but we will NOT live our lives in fear and panic of things we simply cannot control. The efforts of the government are more about political posturing, power and control than they are about “stopping” coronavirus. We’re not going to stop it, we sure are ruining lives and fortunes and killing jobs with all of this overreaction.
I agree 100% the overreaction is worse than the virus!
Remember FDR’s famous quote, “The only thing we have to fear – is fear itself”.
I couldn’t agree more. The usual flu kills more people each year than the corona virus is likely to, but we don’t panic and shut down the country each flu season. Yes, take appropriate precautions, and yes, if you are elderly, in poor health, or have a very young child you should self-quarantine (and stay out of hospitals and nursing homes). But don’t stop living. The damage this “crisis” and the resultant panic and gross overrea is doing to people’s businesses and retirement incomes is going to be worse than the health implications.
We leave next month on a 5 month cross country trip. Right now my main concern is whether RV parks will close. I feel pretty “safe” because I think I can keep our RV environment “clean” and we don’t use campground facilities–just to check in. We may alter some of the places we were going to see, such a the museums in DC, but tour the beautiful, open countryside instead. I’m interested to see what others think
I am planning a trip to Alaska this summer. It will be interesting to see if the Canadian borders will be open. It’s my understanding of the virus is that it peaks and then levels out or declines. If people self isolate and don’t expose themselves it should start to decline sooner than later. I haven’t made any decision to cancel my trip, will wait and see. Yes, it is inconvenient, however, I am much better off than others and praise God for that. Be safe and happy trails.
Just did cross country last year. Hindreds and hundreds of foreign visitors and national parks extremely crowded. I would postpone if you can given this Corona virus.
We’re betting on fewer foreign visitors than usual because of the virus.
We are scheduled to drive from Las Vegas to Anchorage beginning May 5- June 5. We enjoy boondocking and Provincial campground with space(trees, etc) in between. We’ve been along the Canadian route numerous times. We are concerned about the borders being closed and scarcity of the occasional hookup. We’re aware fuel could be a concern. What are you all thinking? We haven’t made our final decision on whether we’ll go along with our plans or not.
My husband, who until recently worked at the Pentagon, took part in a study a few years ago on the nation’s ability to respond to a dirty bomb attack (terrorist detonates a suitcase nuclear device inside a major U.S. city). While this was radiation and not bio warfare I think the reaction is similar. What the government concluded was that it was not those exposed to radiation and ill who would overwhelm the system but the worried well flooding the hospitals, insisting on being tested, and hoarding supplies.
Let’s not be part of the worried well.
We take walks in the fresh air, go to the movies, and out to dinner. We drink more orange juice (antivirus) and green tea (keeping well hydrated), and eat more beef (it’s good for you!). Ironically when I went grocery shopping yesterday there was plenty of OJ, green tea, and beef, it was the toilet paper that was missing. Go figure.
Those who want to cocoon are going to find it pretty boring in about 5 days. For everyone else, if you want to do something really helpful find ways to spend money, because businesses are hurting, especially small businesses.
Haha. I was with you until the “beef is good for you” part.
Very good post. Common sense is all we need. And what is it about t.p. ? Plenty of soap and sanitizer. Do they know some shielding benefit of t.p that I don’t?
I did not cast a vote on the poll. My plans are for May and June and include two HS graduations across the country. If one or both of them are cancelled it may change my route somewhat. As it stands we are ready to go, but plans could change . Will we have campgrounds available? Will cities be on some kind of lock down? Until we are more near the time we will not know of required changes.
We’ve spent the winter in the desert north of Yuma at a BLM long term visitor area & planned to leave March 17 to wander towards Michigan to visit our kids & grandkids around early May. But now we’ve decided to skip the wandering & wait until Late April to head straight for MIchigan, depending on the situation in Michigan at that time. Sitting here in the desert is really the best place to be right now. We go into Yuma every 12 days to shop & do laundry, but now we go around 5am to avoid the crowds in the laundromat & Walmart. We’re not paranoid about the situation, but since we had no firm plans or reservations over the next couple of months, we’ve decided it won’t hurt to be a little cautious. Changing our departure date required no calls or cancellations. But then this is the way we’ve traveled for the last 10 years, with few if any plans or reservations, just flying by the seat of our pants.
We just cancelled our May RV trip to Seattle (to visit with our 2 children) and on to Alaska and then across Canada because we are uncertain about potential border restrictions and because we decided to stay within 2 days driving time of our Arizona home in case one of us would become ill. Thus our new plan is for a one month trip in May to Utah, Colorado, and northern Arizona before returning to our full-time home in Arizona. We’ll plan another trip for later in the summer if the situation improves. We just bought our Airstream in January and thus are disappointed to have our big trip plans disrupted. We do believe however that by avoiding restaurants and crowds that we’ll be limiting our exposure to the virus during our newly revised and abbreviated trip – as well as having a contingency plan if we do become ill.
We are currently in Texas in a “full-time” park. We’ll not be moving until the end of April due to recent heart attacks Bob has had. My main concern is similar to some others…will there be campgrounds open as we continue our travels? I see New Mexico just closed their state parks.
And, as an afterthought, where are the political posts? I don’t see any. I see posts from people who are concerned; I see posts from people who are not particularly concerned, but I don’t see any particularly political posts.
Nice isn’t it. I hope they don’t show up.
These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures.
This situation requires that we forsake comfort and convenience for vigilance and safety.
Common sense MUST prevail.
Your life will be disrupted but…if you are smart and lucky…you will still have your life when it is over.
We have plans to visit our daughter in Arizona and our son and nephew in Colorado mid April and possibly just enjoy some outdoor spots in and around those states for a month or so. As of now we do not plan on changing those plans but as others have said I guess it’s kind of a wait and see if RV parks and places don’t close completely! My husband and I are perfectly fine with spending time alone in our RV and meeting people at a distance here and there is fine while we will proceed with all the necessary precautions, that I hope everyone will be following, as we would be following being at home. Stay healthy and God Bless everyone!!
I take that last comment back (we should be able to edit our own posts). I DID see the political posts. And I took them with a grain of salt (no…a whole shaker of salt!) and realized who they may have been written by.
At this time we are continuing our plans to travel. We are full time so stopping is a little more difficult. We have made a contingency plan with a family member to store our camper are her house if necessary. Then either stay there or head to another family members home. Only time will tell where this will head. Everyone stay safe.
We had planned a trip this summer west to Tahoe, northern CA and OR. but will probably wait to see how this pandemic plays out. Both of us are in the “elderly” category and I have increased vulnerability due to lingering effects of West Nile virus contracted last year. However, it’s the volatility of the stock market that will probably be the deciding factor for us. We have to take minimum distributions from our IRA, but don’t want to do that while the market is in such a state of decline. I’m surprised no one else has mentioned this! We will let it ride as long as we can and still hopefully be able to do some traveling this year.
Taking your “minimum distribution” at this time would allow you to take less out because of the lower current value, wouldn’t it? Or is the issue that you need the HIGHER value?
Actually I think low markets are a good time for your initial RMD. They will remain the same over the years preserving your balance for gains in future years. Check with your financial advisor to confirm this.
My brother-in-law, his brother and myself are planning a 2 month tour of the western state parks and feel all will be well by then. If it were to start next week, I believe we would still take our trip. Common sense and preventative measures should be all that is needed to avoid contraction. Keeping your distance, washing hands and the use of hand sanitizers will reduce the odds of contracting the virus by 99 percent. I say use your head and keep your plans intact. Happy Camping to all.
Quit listening to main stream media and spewing your political views. Try educating yourself before commenting. The rules that were in place from previous administrations was never intended for this sort of widespread outbreak and appropriate changes have been made by the current administration!
We’ve postponed plans to travel south to our mobile home in Southern California until the end of April. We still plan to RV to Northern Nevada to do our taxes at the end of March and plan to stay in an RV Park there for a few days, however this is subject to ongoing events. I can always do them online and through the mail and conference call. We’re happy to be in Oregon, hunkered down, for now.
My wife and I had planned to visit friends in California this spring before my shoulder replacement surgery. We are both in mid 70’s and she has COPD. One of our friends has multiple health issues. We decided to move my surgery date and visit later this year if conditions permit. I would not like to chance bringing further illness to our friends. We hope that common sense will prevail, and an early end will come of this situation. Good health and common sense to all.
We are waiting to hear from those parks at which we are scheduled to volunteer. We have seen at least two state park systems close their bathhouse and visitor centers. Stone Mountain, He announced today announced plans to close temporarily. If the parks stay open, we are going.
We will take precautions, but after getting sick twice several years ago while hosting a remote site that had vault toilets and no running water, we are used to buying hand sanitizer by the gallon and eating lunch from home in the car!
This is what this country needs:
2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version (NIV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Amen
Nice thought, wrong platform.
Amen! I was watching Good Morning America (which I rarely do) and they had a segment on how meditation and other “enlightened” activities could help people with the stress of dealing with the corona virus. But, not surprisingly, there was no mention of faith made at all. The one thing we all need, a saving faith in Christ, which is the only thing that can help us all deal with all the trials and tribulations of daily life, got no mention from our godless media. Sad. But, as we sew so shall we reap.
Best verse ever for these times! Let’s do it and see God move!
We were scheduled to leave on a cruise this Sunday. We knew the risks and decided to accept that risk we left Utah to drive to California and on our way we received an email from Carnival saying that anyone over 70 could only sail with a letter from their doctor stating that they were healthy enough to travel. Before we could contact our doctor to get a letter from our doctor carnival cancelled all of their cruises so we turned around and headed back home.
We were planning to go to British Columbia in late May. Will have to wait and see, if we will be allowed to travel in the US and Canada
Are you a Canadian citizen. They can go home, if I read it right, your visit is stopped at the border
We are currently in a 55+ rv park in Goodyear, AZ. We got here 1 Feb and planned on leaving for home ( NE corner of NC) by way of San Diego, the first of April, taking our time stopping several places along the way. Now we will leave as planned but cancel the trip to San Diego. We’ll head east from here and stop for overnights and an extra day in several places just to give take a break from all the driving. But will not be visiting places where there are a lot of people such as Nashville. Since all the news of the corona virus started we have limited where we go. We did get to one spring training baseball game but now they are all canceled. We have not visited any casinos or theaters and when we go to restaurants we go for a late lunch/ early dinner so it’s not so busy. Just plain old common sense, trying to be careful. Can say it’s not as much fun but we are both in our 70’s and don’t need to push our luck.
With so many day to day changes, it is hard to plan anything in advance. What sounds possible today may be impossible tomorrow. Not a doom and gloom guy, but things are changing so fast, it is almost impossible to predict any future plans.
We are planning a trip from southern California to northern Minnesota via Houston after April 1st. Cautiously optimistic. No campground problems yet for reservations.
We changed our itinerary for next week, we were going to see a friend in a Senior Living Center in Albuquerque. The facility has put visitation and going out restrictions in place. The average age is 80. They have no Covid 19. Although , we are all disappointed , we proceed with common sense.
We are fulltime RVers.
Heading back to Texas to attend to business.
Then in May we head to Alaska, we are still planning but who knows , will it be possible or do we wait until next year?
We limit our social contacts, use good hand washing, and keep our common sense and good health in mind.
along with all the other concerns about a road-trip, I am wondering about the availability of fuel, groceries, restaurants, camp spots along the way….and if we get exposed during a 10minute fuel break at a spot we immediately leave, how will we know or be notified of any potential exposure….and if we get sick, what about the availability of health care centers? and if the economy continues to tank, it will certainly limit our discretionary spending….lots to think about
This is a very good point that I just went through to get back to Canada by driving across many States, starting in southern Arizona to Michigan.
How do you know if you were exposed? This is why a 14-day isolation is required for Canadians returning from out of country. I have no symptoms, took precautions, but there’s always a chance that I did indeed catch it. The worst part, is you may have NO symptoms, be infected and pass on that infection to someone that could die from it. Ask the Italians about it.
We have a trip scheduled with friends starting in mid August to see the national parks in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. So far the only changes to that trip was to remove Pilot-FlyingJ fuel stops with and select stops that honor the TSD fuel card. By August according to our glorious news media, we will all be dead, or this virus scare will just be a distant memory.
As a healthcare provider, I have not participated in the panic. We are living our RV life as usual, no hoarding of toilet paper for a virus that is only respiratory; no hoarding of hand sanitizer which is anti-bacterial, not anti-viral. We are taking all common sense driven protective measures just like always. End of story.
We left Colorado to see the Rockies Spring Training. Got to Arizona March 1st. Saw one game, next one cancelled due to rain, the next day the MLB cancelled Spring Training. We are at a 55+ RV park until the end of the month. Hoping things are better by the time we head back home.
Greetings – We have been planning for over a year for a 10 week trip out to Arizona, Utah, and other western states leaving from home (Atlanta)
Somewhat perplexed about leaving on March 23rd the second week of the lockdown.
Any thoughts?
Is it worth taking the risk of catching the virus? What if these states start closing parks and typical tourist attractions while you are there? What if the President issues a non-essential travel ban?
We had plans to camp at Cherry Creek State Park and go to the Supercross races in Denver the beginning of April. The races have been cancelled but, unless the state park closes, we’re still going and will find something else to do.
Just FYI – my daughter is a waitress in Denver and she texted us yesterday that all restaurants in Denver are closed until May 11 – except for take out. Good luck
Being Canadian, there’s a matter of travel insurance coverage and whether non-essential travel would be banned by President Trump. Fortunately, my insurance would continue coverage up until the point (yesterday) that my government issued a travel advisory. By that time, I was already home. I did indeed alter my travel plans due to this virus and left 4 weeks ahead of schedule.
The corona virus Covid-19 was not being taken seriously by many people, including those in Italy. Look at what happened with Italy. Yesterday, as I crossed the border, I was told to go into a 14-day isolation. Today, my province issued a “state of emergency” and have closed many public venues and told the restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc. to close. And, advising all people to self isolate for 14 days, not just those coming back from other countries. Of course, they keep the grocery stores open. They have also, wisely or not, kept our border open to all Americans … so far.
Although in self isolation, I have no symptoms. Since I was boondocking, no one was near me. When I had to get groceries, I would go first thing in the morning when minimal amounts of people are shopping and easy to avoid close contact. That left all the gas stations on the way home to deal with; what I did was use a vinyl glove (the kind used by food preparers) and wore one for handling the pump and pin pad on the pump. That left pure chance encounters in which I could catch the virus and time will tell if that happened.
Best to all of you and hope none of you catch it.
Steve
I am not at all concerned about the virus. I think the scariest part is the panic that is arising. The fact that they may be closing grocery stores and people are worried about feeding themselves. The only way this virus is affecting me and it’s pretty serious is that my husband and I were planning to move into our RV and head to Texas to live. My family members are flying out from CA to help us move from SC to TX. If they can’t fly I don’t know how we are going to get our RV and car with trailer to TX since my husband can’t drive. Our lease is up in June so… To me, THAT’S whats scary
Good luck, Mzlikely! I hope everything works out for you during this very stressful time. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I have not heard anything about grocery stores closing. In fact everything I hear is just the opposite. All essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and take out food will remain open.
You’re not at all concerned about the virus! I’m sorry, but anyone with any sense is concerned with the virus. PLEASE READ UP ON THIS, and each area that you need to travel through.
I chose that my plans have not changed since we just returned from our annual winter trip and have not decided what to do about a summer trip. In other words, same as always — no plans to travel for a few months. We’ll see what things are like then.
Yes I recently made the decision in February to relocate to the Florida keys and was going to drive down with my travel trailer and live fulltime rv . I paid my rent for April at my rv lot and now the governor of the keys has closed off the keys to travelers and I have to wait till April and see how things progress
I left my job and have begun packing up my rv for the long haul from Wisconsin to Florida and now everything is on hold
We had plans to go to Florida (Panhandle) and Myrtle Beach, SC at the end of the month. Had reservations made from Wisconsin thru Myrtle Beach. Unfortunately due to the virus we canceled. No need to transfer from county to county nor state to state. Along with the inability to find replacement supplies when needed….better safe than sorry. BTW we are 65 and 71 years old.
Our RVing isn’t scheduled to start until June. Trying to be optimistic and thinking this will settle down by then.
We have postponed our trip to Florida until we feel it is safe to travel. Hopefully we will get there before hurricane season. Isn’t life fun!!
I feel that if you stay to hanging out in your own space, ( no crowds or gatherings),staying within your family or couple, you can still be outdoors for hikes, walks, things like that and use good hygiene, things should be fine. RV parks may not be the best place at this time, but, if you (and I might) just use your own facilities and keep to yourself, like I suggested above. Safe travels!
We are staying in an RV park in Georgia and just extended our stay another 6 days. We are in no hurry to go home to New York state where it is in a state of emergency with everything shut down and 24 degrees.
We are also in Georgia heading back to upstate NY. General Coffee. Four nights here then another campground in GA near Savannah. After that we are heading straight back to NY. We are really torn about returning to the state with the most cases, but we live in the Catskills. One case in our county.
Had a trip planned to Death Valley NP starting on April 1st, Got email that all NP campgrounds are closing and my reservation was cancelled. recreation.gov refunded my $.
We had a huge trip planned for this year, got to Texas and the coronavirus hit the US. We will try to stay here until things are calmer then decide what to do. I had already reserved many of our destinations, and can tell you that many National and state parks are closed until at least May. Some RV parks are making reservations good for a year if you have to cancel. Everyone please wash your hands, keep from crowds and be safe.
I am in Arizona as a snowbird and am going back to home state of Washington. The trip back will start on 27th of March and take five days. Some concerns but i am self contained except for gas. Wear gloves and using Clorox wipes and staying healthy.
We are both over 70 and have other health conditions, which is common at our ages. We had a once in a lifetime 10 week trip from East Tennesse to the Virginia coast to California to home, but all of that has been postponed now, probably until next spring or summer.
My wife and I are facing a real dilemma. Her sister’s husband passed away unexpected last December, leaving her alone to care for her 99 year old mother who suffers from dementia. They live in San Antonio, Texas. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, we traveled from our home in Alabama to assist her in preparing to sell her house and move back to Virginia where there are additional family members that can help with her mother.
She has leased a new home in Virginia and the movers have already packed her out. Our original plan was to fly with them from San Antonio to Virginia. Now, the airlines have canceled our flights. Our backup plan was to drive our RV from Alabama to San Antonio (13 hours); pick them up and drive to Virginia (23 hours); then my wife and I would return to Alabama (13 hours).
My concerns:
1. The coronavirus has created extensive havoc and serious risks on interstate travel.
2. We are all over 70 years old.
3. I will be the only driver.
My son and daughter are urging us not to travel at this time; wait to see how the pandemic develops.
I welcome all constructive inputs.
Thank you.
I have family (self employed, highly isolated) who travelled from Florida to North Carolina with no issues at all. Virginia has effectively been taken by ****[bleeped by Diane — no name-calling], so no telling what a once friendly and safe state to travel in may be now. I know 81 is a highway owned by tractor-trailers. I used it just as a change from my usual, (95) and although beautiful scenery, I took more snow grit/gravel damage to my vehicle in the one winter when my mom passed, than in all my cars, the rest of my entire life.
Just be cautious about wearing gloves at the pumps, eat in when you can. I assume you’re bringing your own bathroom!
Hope things have worked out for you.
we hope to head home to Michigan from New Mexico next week. We will be traveling in our motor home. What are our chances of NOT getting hung up in a quarantine?
Boy, what a difference a year makes. Multiple State’s governors bungled the common sense way to deal with the contagious ***** virus. Now in at least two states, those governors are under investigation for malfeasance, because in NY alone, upwards of 15K nursing home residents needlessly died because of how infected residents were sent back into the nursing home, which the administrators told the governors were ill prepared to deal with such desease. The USS Hope saw apprx. 100 ***** patients, even though the ship was equipped to handle 1,000 patients, as a level 1 trama treatment facility. Sad, but nothing is mentioned about this, so I thought I’d say it here.