2022 could be your year to travel. Many individuals and families want to get back out on the road this year, so maybe you're all going to pile into the car to see some relatives. Perhaps you're flying instead, and you're heading to a popular tourist spot to create some vacation memories together.

With summer not far away, it's the ideal time to make plans and take some paid time off, if you have any. If you can get away, you'll break up the routine and probably come back relaxed and refreshed.

You need to watch out for a few dangers while you're out there, though. We'll talk about some of the more prominent ones right now.

Tractor Trailer Tire Blowouts

Tractor-trailer tire blowouts are very dangerous, and they can occur at any time. You've likely seen tractor-trailers on the highway. They're enormous, and they weigh much more than the average car.

If you're close to a tractor-trailer, you never know when they're going to have a blowout. You can't tell how well a trucking company maintains their trucks, and if you're near a vehicle that size when this happens, that's probably bad news for you and anyone else in the car.

You can stay away from tractor-trailers on the highway if at all possible. Give them a wide berth and speed up to pass them when you can. You can also slow down to give them a chance to outdistance you.

You might end up stuck next to one in heavy traffic. If so, you'll have to wait till you get a chance to separate yourself. Until that happens, keep an eye on the tractor-trailer in case it changes lanes suddenly or has a blowout.

Covid-19

Some people act as though Covid-19 is no longer an issue. The CDC says we've gone from the pandemic stage to the endemic one, but that does not mean the coronavirus no longer exists.

If you got the vaccine and a booster shot, you might feel okay traveling again. However, you should still try to protect yourself with a mask if you can.

If you travel by car, there is no need to wear a mask if you're by yourself or with your family. If you're traveling by plane, though, you can wear a mask through the airport and when you're on the plane itself. It's easy to wear a mask, and that can prevent exposure.

You can also wear a mask if you're at sporting events or any other venue with a lot of other people. Getting Covid-19 can cause serious damage in some instances, even if you got the vaccine and a booster shot. It's far better to avoid getting it if you can.

Insects and Animals

While you're traveling, it's best to watch out for insects and animals as well. You should know which ones you might encounter based on where you're going on your vacation.

For instance, if you're traveling through a state with lots of deer, keep your eyes squarely on the road ahead to make sure that none jump out in front of you. A buck can total your car if you hit it squarely.

If you stop at rest stops, and you're walking around and stretching your legs, stay out of the tall grass, or you might have to deal with ticks. They carry Lyme disease in some instances, and they're most active during the summer months.

If you're traveling in a state like Florida, watch out for alligators and venomous snakes. If you're in the Southwest, know that you could deal with scorpions. The more you know about the local insects and animals, the less likely you'll get in a situation where you'll run into a dangerous one.

Car Breakdowns

Your car can always break down when you're out on the highway, traveling from state to state. To avoid this, you should get a mechanic to check out the vehicle before you drive anywhere far away.

You can pay a fee and get the car tuned up. During a tune-up, the mechanic will check all of the car's major systems and components. They will check to see whether the tires have enough air in them, and they will look at all of your fluid levels.

If your car seems okay, you can feel a lot better about driving it longer distances. A breakdown can still occur, but it's less likely if a mechanic just looked at it.

If you're not certain whether your car can handle a long trip, you can also rent one. That might be the better move if you have an older vehicle with a lot of miles on it.

Robberies or Assaults

You always need to watch out for those who want to harm you while you're traveling. There's no reason to suspect that someone wants to hurt you, but maybe they want to take your money or vehicle.

If you stop for gas while on a long car trip, try to do so at a well-lit rest stop with lots of people around. If you stop somewhere deserted at night, you make a more tempting target for carjackers.

You should also read up on any neighborhood where you're staying if you're visiting a city you don't know. If you find out that you're in a dicey area, you can stay indoors after dark. You can also make sure to stay on well-lit streets and out of dark alleys or anywhere off the beaten track where tourists shouldn't go.

If you watch out for all of the issues and dangers we mentioned, you should enjoy your vacation and return refreshed. You can return to work with vigor and purpose. You can also think back fondly on the trip in the years to come.

If you encounter any trouble while traveling, keep a clear head and respond accordingly. Know how to contact the police or medical personnel depending on the problem's nature.