Summer Travel

Learn more about travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore.

At Farmers®, we understand that summer plans may look different for many people during these unprecedented times. We’ve discovered that in lieu of extended getaways, many people are more likely to embark on road tripping adventures, or may be staying home to recreate their own vacation experiences. That's why we’ve teamed up with travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore to explore two trends: Embracing the Great Outdoors and Homecations. We’ve also compiled safety tips and considerations to help you make the most of your summer 2020. No matter the destination — from faraway places to backyard spaces — an amazing summer adventure still awaits.

Release - Farmers Insurance® Shares Tips to Enjoy Summer's Biggest Vacation Trends

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Summer is the season to embark on the perfect road tripping adventure. As many get back on the roads this summer, keeping basic road safety and vehicle maintenance in mind are critical steps to help ensure safe and fun journeys.
 

62% of people are planning to travel by car or RV in the next few months and, among this group, roughly 74% are keeping their travels closer to home, preferring destinations less than 500 miles from where they live.¹

Know before you go: Before embarking on a road trip adventure, consider getting an overall checkup of your car to ensure comfortable cruising, especially if your car has been sitting for an extended period of time. Take your car to a professional for an inspection well in advance of your trip, so you have plenty of time to address any unexpected issues that come up.

Check your coverage: It’s also a good idea to know your insurance coverage before getting behind the wheel. You probably already know your personal auto coverage, but if you’re planning to rent a vehicle or an RV for your summer travels, it’s worth checking in with your insurance agent to understand what coverage you may want.  

Go phone-free in the car: Limiting mobile phone use is one of the easiest ways to become a more focused driver — and that keeps everyone safer on the road. Recent driving data from Farmers Signal^® app, which is powered by TrueMotion, shows that non-call phone use while driving is up 50 percent compared to pre-coronavirus levels. For more focused driving, make your car a “phone-free zone.” Hands-free calling and voice texting can still be distractions, so think about using a smartphone app, like Signal^® from Farmers, that can help you monitor your driving habits and reward you for practicing focused driving behaviors.

Pump the brakes: Take the time to safely slow down if you have to go over a pothole or any other object in the road, and keep a safe distance from other cars. Farmers data indicates that 24% of all Collision claims in the summer involve a rear-end collision.²

Enjoy a quiet drive: Road trips are great for bonding with loved ones, but boisterous conversation can be a distraction for drivers. Take a cue from the 33 percent of people who believe that talking to passengers, even those seated in the back seat, poses a danger to others on the road and keep the chat light.³

Be sure to make time to get an overall vehicle checkup; also check your emergency kit and make sure it is stocked and easily accessible in your car.

Most people know what’s covered for their own vehicle, but it’s always good to review before you head out on a trip. For those looking to rent an RV, be sure to check with your insurance agent to understand what coverages you have and discuss coverage options you may need.

There are many things you can do to ensure you aren’t distracted, such as making your car a “no phone zone," considering limiting phone use to keep your focus on the road, and making sure your pets are secured safely in the back seat.

Instead of extended getaways, many people are choosing to elevate their homes and outdoor spaces to create unique escapes, or “homecations,” while reimagining summer fun at home.
 

64% of people completed home improvement projects while at home this spring.⁴

Treat yourself: Your homecation is still a vacation — treat it like one. Many of us are working from home these days, so it’s important to be intentional about taking time to relax and unplugging from your home office. Set up an out-of-office reply for your work emails, think about turning off email notifications on your phone and be sure to take plenty of pictures so you can cherish your homecation memories forever.

Get all decked out: Think about taking on home improvement projects that expand your living space to the outdoors. Renovations like building a deck or balcony can create a much-needed personal paradise after spending so much time indoors, and can increase your home’s value.

Don’t get burned: Grilling is one of summer’s official pastimes. Enjoy it safely by positioning your barbecue a safe distance from your home and clear from any awnings, deck railings, patio covers or branches. Approximately 17 percent of the estimated 8,900 fires caused by grills every year happen because the cooker is too close to something flammable. Always remember to open the front panel of your grill before firing it up to release any built-up gas and never grill indoors.

Guard your pool with an app: Pool safety rule number one: never leave children unattended. You may already have a locked gate to help keep kiddos away from the pool, but you may also want to think about adding a high-tech monitoring system that connects WiFi motion sensors, lights and cameras around your pool to your smartphone.

Bounce into safety: Trampolines can be a fun addition to your backyard setup, but they also can create a safety hazard, especially when multiple people are bouncing at once. Flips and somersaults can also be major causes of injury. Set firm ground rules for trampoline use at your home that limit use to one person at a time and prioritize safe bouncing.

If you plan it right, a good staycation can be a luxury to be savored. But like every good travel adventure, every good staycation needs a good plan.

Without one, it’s too easy to get sucked into your normal routine. Talk through your homecation strategy for relaxing, having fun, and recharging.
 

Don’t watch the news, set up an Out of Office reply on your email and temporarily delete your work email account from your phone. If you are working from home, designate time for your homecation and completely step away from your work duties.

Whether you’re traveling or vacationing at home, it’s still a cherished time to remember. Have fun with it, wear what you would on vacation and create your own homecation album.

_{^{1 & 4} This CARAVAN survey was conducted by ENGINE INSIGHTS among a sample of 1,004 adults, 18 years of age and older. The online omnibus study is conducted three times a week among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,000 adults 18 years of age and older. This survey was live on May 8-10, 2020.
² Based on Farmers historical claims data between 2013-2019, for the months of June, July and August.
³ This CARAVAN survey was conducted by ENGINE INSIGHTS among a sample of 1,004 adults 18 years of age and older. The online omnibus study is conducted three times a week among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,000 adults 18 years of age and older. This survey was live on March 2-March 4, 2020.}