There is no doubt that 2020 is shaping up to be a year we will not soon forget. Between stay at home orders and social distancing recommendations, many of us have been spending a lot more time at home this summer. If the seemingly endless Zoom calls and home project lists are starting to get to you, don’t fret. Getaways are still possible.
Here are five less risky vacation ideas if the travel bug has hit:
Vacation Rentals
Staying in a single location for the duration of your trip can keep you more insulated, especially if you select a less populated area. Renting an entire property from places like Airbnb and VRBO also means that you will encounter fewer guests or staff during your stay. Look for rentals that offer amenities that align with your getaway goals. Wanting to spend some time in the great outdoors? Seek out rentals that come furnished with bicycles. Looking to occupy kids? Find a house with a pool. Working while away? Be sure to look for rentals with high-speed internet. From a seaside cottage to a mountainside retreat, there are endless vacation rental possibilities.
RV & Road Trips
If you don’t want to be tied down to one location, a road trip might be the answer. It is a great way to see the sites from the safety of your own vehicle. You can control the stops and duration of the trip, which creates added safety, but also requires added planning. Looking to take your road trip to the next level? Think about renting an RV or camper so it can serve as both transportation and lodging. It doesn’t require a special license so wanderlust away.
Houseboats
Similar to an RV, a houseboat checks off transportation and lodging all at once. Think of it as a personal cruise of sorts where you can enjoy both water sports and shore activities. You can seek private coves for sun, swimming, and fishing right—all right off your back deck. You can also find houseboats with the same level of amenities as a non-floating vacation rental. Many are equipped with full kitchens, big-screen TV’s, and even hot tubs.
Camping
There is a growing consensus among medical professionals that COVID-19 transmission risks are lower outdoors. So, camping could be a good option for those that would love to get some fresh air and sleep under the stars. Of course, a camping trip is only as fun as the activities you plan on doing when you’re there so be sure to plan ahead. Our Selling Partner, Rachel, is the resident camping pro in our office. She and her family have made camping an art form that rivals any resort. Their most recent trip involved a swim under a secluded waterfall and lemon ricotta pancakes cooked over an open fire. Sign us up!
Staycations
Not ready to stray too far from home yet? You can still enjoy a staycation! The trick to a good staycation is to break your normal routine because nothing ruins a vacation quicker than vacuuming your living room. You could take a self-care day, try your hand at a new hobby, or do a movie marathon. You can be a tourist in your own city by venturing to a few new places nearby or take virtual tours of faraway attractions. Many museums, zoos, national parks and aquariums, are currently offering free online tours.
Keep in mind that traveling this year will present some unique challenges. Restrictions vary by state and select businesses remain closed or have limited hours. Be sure to research and do some advanced planning to ensure you have thought through potential pitfalls, and have contingency plans in place.
