My family loves to travel. Heck, if we could, we would be on the road all year long, exploring and taking in all of what the world (or perhaps, just our area) has to offer. But, we relegate ourselves to one trip every few months or so, depending on both our regular family schedule and the needs of the military. When COVID hit, our travel plans went out the window when my husband’s permission to go anywhere was basically revoked. This has been the norm since after he came back from his last deployment in early 2020.
Now that some of his restrictions have lifted, we can travel again! WOO HOO! Since we are still looking to stay safe amid the pandemic, we have opted for trips that we can remain socially distant. This means that most of our trips involve the outdoors. Here are some socially distant trips we plan to take this year:
- Go on a day trip. Try to find a destination near you that is scenic and you can take a drive through – a forest, somewhere with some interesting rock formations, etc. – and go see it! You can also find a cute downtown area to go visit during the week when everyone is at work. Or, have a picnic in an open park! The possibilities are endless with a day trip.
- Go on a hike! If you’re really outdoorsy and don’t want to just see the sights from your car, go on a hike! Find a local trail, pack some snacks, water, and hike it with your family. This is a great activity that gets everyone out of the house and limits your contact with people.
- Rent a cabin/house. This is the vacation that my family and I are taking next! We found a beautiful cabin in the mountains with a creek nearby, and we are going to spend some quality time together with our phones off and tucked away somewhere. Most cabins come with all of the amenities, including a full kitchen, outdoor areas and trails, screened in porches with scenic views, game rooms, and even hot tubs! Go hiking, fishing, kayaking, and do whatever else your heart desires in the great outdoors. If you are looking for quality time together sans distractions, this is the trip for you! We rented ours through an agency we found on a quick Google search. Most cabins will require a deposit upon booking, so make sure you take a look at the requirements of the agency/owner of the rental.
- Go to the beach. This one is probably at the top of everyone’s summer getaway list. Beaches are great because people generally do not want to pick a spot that is too close to another family, and so social distancing is second nature. Whether or not your family decides on a game of volleyball with others is totally up to you – however, the beach offers the opportunity to take a walk, play, lay out, and just relax while staying socially distanced. Looking to make this an overnight trip? Try scouting out a local AirBNB so you can have your own space to rest, too!
- Rent an RV and hit the road. As I mentioned above, our family LOVES being on the road. We love driving and seeing the sights as much as we love getting to our destination. Plus, travelling in our own vehicle limits our contact with people. An RV is like an all-inclusive vehicle and temporary home. You can stop anywhere you can hook up an RV to and enjoy some social distanced fun. You can visit practically anywhere in an RV, such as our next suggestion:
- Visit a national park. Most national parks have remained open during the pandemic. National parks offer a wide array of activities that will allow your family to have some socially distanced fun. Hike, see the sights, go on a nature scavenger hunt, and sit around a campfire at night talking about your day. The list of possibilities is endless. To avoid crowds, you should consider visiting during the week.
- Book a private tour at your local museum and/or aquarium. If you’re looking for an indoor activity that is fun, educational, AND socially distanced, booking a private tour at a museum or aquarium is a must! You can avoid the crowds and have an amazing behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite exhibits and/or animals! Make sure to adhere to facial covering regulations at these facilities when you go!
- Book the fanciest hotel room in town. Looking for a couples getaway, but don’t want to go too far? Book a suite in the fanciest hotel room in town. You can order room service, take a long bath in a huge tub with jets, and have drinks on the balcony. Whatever you decide to do, it will feel like you’re vacationing far away from home.