If you’re like me, traveling is in your blood. The desire to get away and experience a change in scenery is strong and not something that goes away because we have to shelter in place. So how do you still enjoy traveling during the pandemic and do so safely and responsibly? I’ll share some of my personal tips and experiences here.
Let me start by saying that I have a background in public health and have worked for many years in research of illnesses and vaccines. I take the COVID 19 pandemic seriously. I think it’s important to be prudent about protecting ourselves and those who are vulnerable around us. That being said, I also believe it is still possible to travel and experience the things that bring us joy, and to do so in a safe way.
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Pandemic Travel Tip #1 – Choose Your Destination Carefully
Be sure to look up the most current information about where you are traveling. Keep in mind that rules, restrictions and cases of the virus vary drastically from state to state and location to location. Many of the assumptions you make about visiting an area may be different now. For instance, reservations are required for dining and parks where they were not before, numbers of people at places may be limited and travel may be discouraged in certain destinations.
Take the time to research your destination, even if you have traveled there before. Look at current case and hospitalization rates to see if it is a good idea to visit. Make sure that the activities you want to do will still be an option. Another important thing to check is if a self-quarantine is imposed for you upon return from your destination.
Pandemic Travel Tip #2 – Keep it Local
Right now is a great time to plan a staycation! There are so many opportunities to explore the variety of options right where you are. When is that last time that you explored your downtown? How about your last road trip? Have you visited your local parks and farmers’ markets? This is a unique opportunity to force you to learn and enjoy more about your local area.
A fun way to plan a stay-cation is to look at your city and state through the eyes of a tourist. Pretend you have never visited before and research the top tourist attractions, restaurants and activities in your area. Have you been to them all before? Chances are you have not. When I look at the top things to do in my area, there are some that my family and I have never done and we’ve lived here most of our lives! Sometimes it just takes stepping back and looking at where you live from another perspective.
There are many advantages to staying local during the pandemic. One advantage is that you are close to home in case someone gets sick or circumstances change. Another is that you are more familiar with the specific COVID rules and regulations of your area. Also, you can travel by personal vehicle instead of mass transportation. Finally, you will likely be saving your money and investment of a larger, farther trip for a time when you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Pandemic Travel Tip #3 – Head Outdoors
Heading outdoors is a good option for enjoying travel during the pandemic. Even if you are more of a city person or usually enjoy an all-inclusive, take advantage of this unique time to try something different! Travel that is centered around outdoor activities is a fun and also a safe choice.
Right now is a good time to plan a get away that includes hiking, biking, outdoor sports, camping or any other outdoor activity. Being outside is an easy way to socially distance from others. Also, outside venues such as campgrounds and parks are usually not closed like many other destinations. Another advantage is that most outdoor activities will save you money compared to other options.
We recently returned from a trip to Yosemite National Park. It was such a great time to visit the park because they have limited visitors to half capacity. That means that day visitors to the park need to check availability online and make reservations prior to entering. We rented a VRBO and our admission to the park was included in our stay, since the home was inside the park boundaries. Having been to Yosemite in the past, I can tell you what a unique time it was to be able to hike trails, see sites and enjoy the beauty with far fewer people.
Pandemic Travel Tip #4 – Visit Family
With many other vacation destinations closed and options limited due to the pandemic, maybe it’s time to make an overdue trip to visit family members. Of course you need to check that the family is healthy and comfortable accepting visitors, but then it becomes a very open and affordable travel option.
Earlier this spring I had a girls weekend planned with some family members to a destination spa. That spa was, of course, closed due to the pandemic and our vacation plans were cancelled. Then we had the idea to visit family out of state instead and take our girls weekend there! It was such a great time together and something that would not have happened if not for the current circumstances.
I urge you to think through your options. Do you have friends or family that you’ve been meaning to visit but just haven’t found the time to see? Do you often prioritize time away from work and vacation money for bigger and more elaborate trips instead? A trip to visit family is a great way to enjoy travel during the pandemic.
Pandemic Travel Tip #5 – Support Local Businesses
When all of this passes and life returns to more of a normal and recognizable pace (and it will!), we’ll still need our favorite destination restaurants, hotels and venues to be open for us. We should do our part as avid travelers to support these businesses during such a hard time. While many people are fearful of travel or are cutting back due to financial reasons, the businesses we rely on are trying to do their best to somehow survive.
If you have favorite restaurants, hotels, inns, vendors or hosts, check to see if they are open and how you can help. They may have abnormal hours or restrictions in place, but one thing you can be sure of is that they need your business. Most tourism businesses are challenged financially right now and could use the support and patronage to stay afloat. There are entire industries, cities and areas that rely on tourism and visiting them is an active way to help. Luckily for us travelers, we can show our support and enjoy what we love all at the same time!
However you decide to satisfy your desire for travel during these strange and uncertain times, I hope you find joy in your adventures and see all the good that traveling can bring to your life. Make the most of the circumstances we find ourselves in and the unique opportunities that they bring. I hope these tips help show you how to enjoy traveling during the pandemic.
Happy, and safe, travels!