In addition to seeing new things and relaxing, the opportunity to travel is also the ideal way to break out of the rut you may have in your everyday life. In recent months, that opportunity may have felt far away; difficult, if not near impossible.
However, while there are certainly still restrictions and social distancing rules to keep in mind, being able to travel and get the break you need is very much a possibility. And it does not have to be a daunting thing to plan.
Here are a few ideas that can help you get away while still keeping yourself and your family safe:
Travel Close to Home
Technically, you don’t have to go far to get away from home. You may be surprised to find all of the unique attractions that could exist within just an hour or two of your house: parks, fun shops, hiking trails, bodies of water, etc.
A really great thing about the day trip option is that you and your family can get out of the house and see something new, but you don’t have to pack or need to make hotel reservations anywhere. Given the relatively short travel time–and the possible variety of destinations available–you could technically plan a “vacation” every weekend if you wanted.
Take a Road Trip
While related to the day trip, a full-blown road trip can allow you to venture a bit further, for longer. Road trips are a great way to enjoy the scenery and discover places you might otherwise just fly over. And you get to do so at your own pace. Given current social distancing requirements, it’s also a good way to see and do things safely.
To prepare, you should make sure your vehicle is in good shape for a long trip. Depending on where you want to go, check out available overnight accommodations and convenient places along the way where you can fuel up. And, of course, plenty of good tunes and good snacks are essential to help everyone enjoy the ride.
Feel Free to Fly
If you really want to get some distance in on your trip, go for it. You just have to be prepared for certain restrictions during your travels. Airlines, for example, currently require you to wear a mask for the duration of a flight. And keep in mind that restaurant occupancy limits and other social distancing measures can be pretty strict in many places all across the country.
You also need to be mindful of quarantine requirements and other travel restrictions at your desired destination, not to mention what you may face when you get back home. So, be sure to do plenty of research to see what those requirements are and if they’re acceptable to you. If you find the possible inconveniences getting to your dream vacation spot to be worth it, then there’s really nothing stopping you from going.
Choose Outdoor Destinations
A camping trip can be a great way to some fresh air and explore new places while also still maintaining adequate social distancing from others. Many outdoor activities — hiking , kayaking, rock climbing—tend toward social distancing naturally. And the perspective you can get from being out in nature can be just the break you need from the constant barrage of bad news and angry social media posts.
You can combine your outdoor getaway with a road trip, or grab a flight to visit a national park across the country. In either case, just be sure to check availability, campground amenities, and reservation requirements before you head out.
After so many months stuck at home, don’t you deserve a break? Whether it’s just a day away or a flight to somewhere completely new, you have options to get away and stay healthy.
