Are you tired of working from home and doing mundane household chores? Are you craving the tranquility of a sun-kissed beach? Or are you longing to listen to the melodious chirping of birds amidst a dense forest? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above questions, it’s high time you start planning your next vacation. But making travel plans in the middle of an ongoing pandemic is easier said than done.
The COVID-19 pandemic has managed to bring the world to a standstill. Even something as simple as a regular grocery run has become a distant dream. As we continue to retreat into our homes, people have been forced to cancel all kinds of plans, from higher studies to family celebrations. Likewise, many people have had to change their vacation plans or cancel them altogether.
Sadly, the pandemic is going to be here for a while. But that shouldn’t stop you from taking a small break and enjoying a quiet getaway with your friends, partner, or family members. The key is to choose a secluded destination and plan your trip in advance. Of course, you also need to follow the recommended safety precautions to ensure your wellbeing.
So, how is it possible to plan a trip and turn it into a reality during a pandemic? Here are a few awesome ideas you should try:
1. Go on a Road Trip
There’s nothing more exciting than going on a road trip with your closest friends or family members. The joy of unfolding the journey at your own pace is both comforting and thrilling. The best part is that going on a road trip limits your interaction with strangers and gives you complete control of the journey. This makes it ideal for planning a vacation during the pandemic.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, you could consider traveling to a nearby city or the countryside. Or you could squeeze a couple of weeks out from your hectic schedule and embark on a road trip. Make sure you check the route and find out the safety protocols and travel restrictions in various places.
2. Start Traveling in Your Backyard
Is there a museum in your city that you’ve always wanted to visit? Perhaps, there’s a winery just on the outskirts that offers a private wine tasting tour? Or maybe there’s a gorgeous state park a few miles away from your workplace? The pandemic has given you the perfect opportunity to find joy in exploring things closer to home.
The city or town you live in likely has a treasure trove of travel gems hiding in plain sight. You just have to look at the place from a tourist’s point of view. From cherishing food tasting at a local restaurant to going on a walking tour across a heritage site – you’ll find plenty of options. If you fall short of ideas, you can always check out Instagram hashtags related to your city for more travel inspiration.
3. Enjoy a Staycation
Are you one of those people who prefer to stay in during a holiday? A staycation is just what you need to recharge your batteries and relax your mind for a couple of days. It’s ideal for a quiet weekend getaway after an exceptionally hectic work-week.
The best thing is that you don’t have to go too far to enjoy a memorable staycation. Just look for a luxury property in your city or on its outskirts. Even if you don’t find anyone to accompany you, use a staycation to get some much-needed alone time.
4. Try Glamping
Are you someone who loves the outdoors but doesn’t want to compromise on luxury and comfort? It’s high time you give glamping a shot. Most glamping facilities provide you with world-class amenities while you enjoy the thrill of living amidst nature. You just have to look for glamping destinations that don’t attract huge crowds.
5. Go Car Camping
Car camping is another way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying away from the hustle-bustle of your regular life. Pick a destination, fill the gas tank, pack your sleeping bag, and that’s it. You’re ready to go on your first car camping trip.
6. Enjoy a Virtual Tour
For some people, venturing outdoors may not be an option at all. Or you might still be skeptical about traveling to a new place. But that shouldn’t stop you from exploring new places. All you have to do is book yourself a virtual tour. From the stellar museums of Paris to the vast savannahs of Kenya – you can visit just about any place from the comfort of your couch.
Have you gone on any vacations during the pandemic? Share your experience in the comments section below.