Although you may not be setting sail on a Caribbean cruise or taking that African safari this year, you do not have to give up vacations entirely during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a little creativity and a dose of compromise, you can still safely enjoy shorter trips with your loved ones during the health crisis. Here are five of the best mini vacations you can take with your family right now. And of course, you can always check the CDC guidelines to ensure the safest possible travel.
Hit the Road in an RV
There has never been a better time to rent an RV. Many of the national parks in the United States are now open, making these treasures a great destination during the time of COVID-19. And you can check the National Park Service ahead of time to see if there are any limitations on the facilities.
You do not have to make this a long trip. Even renting an RV for a long weekend and heading to your closest national park is enough to make memories to last a lifetime.
An RV gives you the convenience of not having to check in and out of hotel rooms. You also will not have to stop and visit rest stops if you have your own bathroom in your RV. All of these features will help to reduce your risk of coming down with COVID-19. It is no wonder that so many families are hitting the road in an RV this summer when you learn about all of the advantages this mode of travel provides.
Camp Under the Stars
Kids of all ages will delight in a camping trip. Not only is there the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife, but there is also the thrill of sleeping under the stars. What kid does not love exploring the wilderness all day and sitting around a campfire making s’mores at night?
Camping in state parks, such as Maine, is a great mini-vacation idea for when you are short on time, you want an affordable experience, and you want to do your part to mitigate the spread of the virus by keeping your distance from crowded areas. You will not regret going off the grid and immersing yourself in these beautiful state parks.
Rent a Beach House
If you choose your beachfront carefully, it is easy to socially distance on a beach trip. You can reduce your risk even further by choosing to rent a cottage or condo instead of going with a traditional hotel room. This will also provide you with the option of a kitchen so you do not have to risk eating out at restaurants.
Although some beaches are now open, some have restrictions about how long can you sit or stay in one place. Be sure to check with your destination of choice prior to booking your trip.
Plan a Staycation
If you live in a place that has not been hit particularly hard by the virus, this may be a good time to consider planning a staycation. Not only does this give you a good opportunity to see some of your area’s best sites, but it is also a good way to support your local economy.
Because of the economic downturn, many local businesses could use your tourism dollars pumped back into your own community. A staycation is also a good choice for a mini vacation because you will spend less time traveling and more time actually relaxing.
If you have young kids, it could also be fun to camp right in your backyard. Pitch a tent, start a fire, and roast some s’mores and hot dogs. Play outdoor games like corn hole or bocce ball, ride bikes, or visit a local walking trail or nature center. Or if that isn’t your family’s idea of fun, try some outdoor crafts like chalk art, paint twister, or fun camping-themed activities.
Find a Spacious Resort
It will be easier to socially distance if you choose a resort that is open and airy with plenty of space to spread out. Good ideas include a mountain resort, a dude ranch, or any other type of destination that is located off the beaten path. Be sure to note that not all resorts will be operating with all of their usual amenities. For example, some resorts are operating their swimming pools at a limited capacity, requiring that guests make reservations for designated time slots.
While your vacation may look a lot different this year, there is still ample opportunity to spend time with your loved ones bonding over this unique period of time. All that you need to do is to think outside of the box while taking the proper precautions needed to protect yourself and others.
About the Author
Amy Sloane is an alum from Oregon State University and spends her free time as a freelance writer and knitting enthusiast. Amy loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Molly.
LifeAsMama
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