Travel… Should I? Shouldn’t I? What Will It Be Like?
One of my favorite things to do is travel. Maybe that is an understatement. I feel as if travel is in my DNA! One of the hardest things about this pandemic for me is that we can’t travel, and due to the unknown of the future, we aren’t planning any family vacations. There are so many questions regarding travel during and after COVID-19 and I wanted to share some thoughts with you.
What Type of Travel or Trip to Take
The type of trip may influence whether or not travel is feasible during the pandemic. While travel was temporarily put on hold, the desire and dream of traveling was not. Here are some suggestions for trips that will keep you and others safe while traveling.
Road Trips
If you are leery about boarding a plane or being on a cruise ship due to the close proximity of others, a road trip in your own car may be the answer for you. Road trips allow you to be secluded for the majority of the trip and also allows you to handpick where to stay and the destination.
Now, the unexpected always happens, so a road trip allows for flexibility as well. Prior to setting out, do your homework on the ultimate destination you are heading for. Make certain they are open and read any restrictions or requirements for being there. You will also want to do homework on the trip between home and your final destination. If traveling through different states, look to see what the statistics are for COVID-19 in that state, as well as, places to stay and eat along the way.
Once you have picked your accommodations, call the establishment and ask questions about what they are doing to maintain a clean and sterile environment. Ask how many people are booked for the time you will be there and also for recommendations of places to eat locally. When needing to stretch your legs for a bit, find a place where the required 6 feet rule can apply. Rest areas can be good for this, but it just depends on how many people are there.
RV/Camper Trips
Since road trips are the ultimate way to help ensure not being around a lot of people, consider stepping it up a notch and travel in an RV or camper. Now, this is only an option if you are experienced and/or comfortable with driving something bigger. If you have experience then a motorhome or larger camper, such as a 5th wheel, might be just the thing for you. If you are not comfortable driving something bigger, you can rent a small RV. Consider a Class B or C motorhome. Campers are an option if you have a vehicle large enough to pull them. Campers range from small travel trailers to the largest, already mentioned, 5th wheel. Either an RV or a camper gives the traveler the room necessary for social distancing.
Prior to setting out, find the RV and/or camping parks that are around the destination you ultimately want to be at. Most larger attractions in the U.S. have parks nearby. Keep in mind, though, that if you choose an RV then you must have a vehicle to get around in once you have reached your destination. Often travelers pull their own vehicles, but if you do not want to do that then renting a vehicle once there is always an option.
Rent a Cabin or Go Glamping
Keeping the idea of being secluded and allowing for easy social distancing, consider renting a cabin or go camping in a tent. I love renting cabins and you can find them almost everywhere you wish to go! Having your own cabin helps reduce sharing space with other vacationers as you would if staying in a B&B or hotel. Cabins range from small to large and come as rustic or with as many modern amenities that you want.
Want to camp in a tent? You have two options: regular tents that only provide shelter or tents with a whole lot more! Now, if you are like me, I am not a fan of traditional tents. I need some basic necessities that just aren’t available in a pup tent. My answer to that is glamping. Glamping is glamour camping. Your options of glamping can range from tents, adobes, yurts to treehouses. These structures, depending on where you go, can have regular furniture in them, some have running water and electricity. This is my kind of camping! I haven’t had the chance to go glamping as of yet, but it is on my bucket list.
Trains, Planes and Ships
Due to the social distancing suggestion of six feet or more plus the element of the virus possibly spreading more indoors, traveling by train, plane or cruise ship might be cautioned at this time. Of all the modes of traveling, it seems traveling by plane is the riskiest at this time. Taking a cruise might be an idea but be aware of the destinations traveling to and how they are impacted by COVID-19. Trains can be a better option if you can have a private car with a bathroom. Again, traveling by these modes of transportation are more of a risk.
Most Popular Searched Destinations
So which destinations do seem to be favorable during times such as these? According to an article written by The Street, CLICK HERE, the following were the most searched locations during the height of the shutdown:
- Outer Banks, NC
- Yellowstone National Park
- Fairbanks, AK
- Aspen, CO
- Honolulu, HI
Not surprisingly, each of these locations has open spaces and less chance of crowding. Are any of these on your travel list? Have you traveled recently or plan to? Share with us your ideas for travel during this pandemic.
What traveling looks like, after all of this, no one truly knows at this time. Where, how, and when travel happens depends upon restrictions and your willingness to go. I do hope, however, that you still find ways to travel. I can’t give it up so I will just revamp what traveling looks like and GO!
What are your travel plans? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this page.
Dr. Bethany Johnson is a professor of sociology with 20 years of teaching in the classroom and online. As well, she has a B.S. and a Master’s degree in sociology, as well as, an Ed.D in Workforce Education. Her passion is motivating people towards a positive and self-rising mindset in today’s busy world. Her heart also lies in helping women recognize that one’s age does not define who you are or what you can do.
She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and son. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, as well as, traveling. If you find her on a beach, she is in her happy place! As well, she can be contacted at drbjohnson@email.com.
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I am lucky enough to travel to Ridgway, Colorado to stay with a friend in a couple of weeks. I live in Denver, but the mountains are a draw to me. It will be like a vacation and I can travel there in one day of driving. The scenery of mountains will be totally different than Denver at the base of the Rocky Mountains. A wonderful change! I am a traveler too!!
Last night my ultimate concierge and I drove from the city (Chicago) to the burgs to meet our friends for dinner. I told my husband, “I feel like I am going to Paris! Its been so long since we traveled.” The trip was 30 minutes! But, to me, a world traveler, it was joyful to flee the city for the evening. Know your time will feel exhilarating like my short escapade. Warmly, Honey