Had you asked me in March if I’d be traveling again in 2020, the answer would have been a hard no. The world was closing down and travel didn’t seem like a possibility. But then my wanderlust began kicking in. The concept of social distancing wasn’t going away anytime soon, and I knew I had to learn how to travel in this current reality. And if I was going to travel, I needed to plan a socially distant vacation.
Gone are the days of being squished in a tiny airplane seat and your only worry being your lack of leg space. Gone are the days of maneuvering through a crowded tourism destination, chatting with people who are an inch away from you in line. Gone are the days of pilling into a metro and only worrying that someone may try to pickpocket you. Gone are the days of the tingle of excitement when you are at a bustling Christmas Market. I know one day (hopefully sooner than later) that crowds will fuel me with excitement once again. But for now, planning a socially distant vacation is the smartest and safest way to travel. P.S you should still be aware of pickpockets even when crowds are sparse.
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How to Plan a Socially Distant Vacation
Now you may be wondering how to actually plan a socially distant vacation. It’s actually not as hard as it may seem. Over the summer and fall, I had the opportunity to go on various socially distant trips including road trips through the Finger Lakes, a beach getaway to Newport, Rhode Island, and even a trip to New York City. And now, I must say, I feel like I’m a professional social distancer. Here are some tips for planning your trip:
Do Your Research
Before you even think about booking a trip, you must do your research. B.C. (Before Covid), I planned many trips last minute or spontaneously booked a flight and did my research later. Yet, this isn’t very possible right now. You need to be aware of various things when traveling now, including travel restrictions, testing, and quarantining requirements. Restrictions seem to change daily, so you need to continuously check in on the destination you’re planning to visit to see if there are any new restrictions. Not only do countries have specific guidelines, but individual states and even regions have their own restrictions.
Be Flexible
Given the ever-changing regulations and travel restrictions, you need to be flexible when planning a socially distanced vacation. You may need to postpone your trip due to increased restrictions in the destination you are traveling to. Additionally, when visiting a destination, there may be limits on the number of people who can visit an attraction or even a park each day. Or restaurants may be closed, offer takeout only or have limited seating. For example, in the Finger Lakes region, many of the State Parks had to close their gates during the peak weekends in Fall because they reached their capacity. Always have alternative options when it comes to activities and dining.
Find a Destination Within Driving Distance
One of the best ways to social distance when traveling is to avoid flying. So when in doubt, plan a road trip. Find somewhere that you can drive to in one day, preferably anything that is under a 10-hour drive to avoid unnecessary hotel stops along the way. If you are reading this and thinking there is nowhere interesting within driving distance from you, well, you may need to do more investigating. Get out a map, ask friends, and search the internet for ideas. There are probably tons of road trip destinations from your hometown.
While you can still fly during this time and social distance to the best of your ability (I actually flew to Mexico recently), in order to ensure you can maintain social distancing, driving is the best option.
Consider the Type of Travel Destination
While social distancing, I’ve immersed myself in nature, relaxed on the beach, stopped by charming small towns, and wandered the city streets. Each of these trips offered something different and I felt like I was truly able to social distance in each type of destination. I don’t believe that I was able to social distance any more or less when I was hiking in the Finger Lakes versus when I was strolling through the streets of NYC. Ultimately choose the type of travel that you are most comfortable with. Be aware that no matter what type of destination you visit, there may be instances where social distancing is hard. In those situations, always wear a mask.
Stay at an Accommodation with a Kitchen
I’ve stayed at a few hotels during this time without a kitchenette. And honestly, I’ve faired pretty well with either outdoor dining or takeout where I’ve traveled to. But with how rapidly restrictions change, you cannot rely on being able to go out for meals when traveling. If you want to be able to sit down and have a hot meal, you may need to cook for yourself. And if you don’t want to cook for yourself, extra space in your accommodation to enjoy your takeout food is helpful. I would look for hotels that offer suites or a private Airbnb.
Maintain Social Distancing
This one may seem redundant, however, it is so important to continually remind yourself that you are social distancing on your trip. Your excitement of being in a new destination may cloud your judgment. Use your common sense by avoiding large crowds, skipping overcrowded tourist attractions, and keeping your distance from other people on the street or trails. Sometimes you may need to cross a street, step aside to let a group pass by, or walk in the street when it is safe to do so.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
In many destinations, it is mandated to wear a mask when you can not social distance and some places require you to wear a mask at all times. Be mindful of the mask requirements and follow those guidelines. However, even if you are not required to wear a mask, it is best practice to wear a mask anywhere where you won’t be able to social distance from others. I always have my mask readily available so I can easily put it on if I see someone approaching.
