While many of us might still be staying home and avoiding crowded places, cabin fever is probably pushing you out the door just to see something new. Just because we need to stay safe, however, does not mean we need to stay home all the time. As it turns out, these changing times allow for a different sort of vacation. Travel Pulse recently wrote about several social distancing vacations you can take this summer and fall to get out of the house but still keep safe. We wanted to highlight our favorites.
STATE PARKS
Most people know about our national parks, but when was the last time you visited a state park? These beautiful areas of the country tend to be skipped over in favor of more famous locations. However, that could be to your advantage, as less popular locations seem to miss the big crowds. There are 10,234 state parks in the United States, so there’s bound to be one or two close to your hometown.
Many state parks offer services such as hiking, kayaking, climbing, and animal watching. If you want to stay the night, you’ll also be far enough away from the big cities’ light pollution that you can actually see the stars too. Check out places like Wekiwa State Park in Florida, Turkey Run State Park in Indiana, or Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa just to name a very few.
LUXURY STAYCATIONS
Have you ever wanted to stay at a five-star hotel? Why not spend a couple days in a nearby upscale location right in your backyard? Booking a couple days at these wonderful resorts is easier than ever. Prices have dropped as hotels and resorts are trying to attract people back to their properties.
Share your magical experiences, like toasting the sunset on your balcony, or get some much-needed R&R with an in-room massage or sit outside in the evening shade for a gourmet meal.
GOLF RETREATS
If you like golf, you probably already know it’s the perfect game for social distancing. Ride around in a cart, play with no more than three friends, and spend some time outside without being around big crowds.
After being trapped at home for so long, why not catch some rays while the weather is warm? Golf is after all, a solo or small group experience. Explore these beautiful resorts while staying safe. Also, many golf retreats are also luxury resorts, so combine two experiences in one vacation.
REMOTE AIRBNB
If you really want to get away from everything, why not go the distance and book a remote Airbnb? While most people think of standard housing and apartments when you mention Airbnb, the room-sharing site also offer stays in far more exotic locations.
Have you ever dreamed of staying in a pod on the side of a mountain? How about staying in the desert and experiencing a more nomadic lifestyle? You can even stay in a treehouse.
BOATING ADVENTURES
Did you know that you can rent boats that have sleeping quarters? You do now. Take to the water and stay safe while on a luxury boat or a houseboat. It’s like a cruise with you in control of the fun.
Take a swim in some crystal clear water, or feel like a celebrity while riding a yacht. For those of you who want to be back out in the elements, how about sailing? There are options for every sort of adventure, every size of boat, and whether you want to be on the ocean, lake, or river.
DAY TRIPS
Want to get away but return home in the evening? How about a day trip? The United States has so much to explore and sometimes just finding a new location is rewarding in itself. Go discover a new place, like a small town or a local park.
Be sure to stop at the local restaurants and shops when you visit so you can help out the local economy. You can travel 100 miles in roughly two hours or less, visit a new city or attraction, and still be home before bedtime.
THE ALL-AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
Is a day trip just not enough to sate your wanderlust? How about taking an All-American Road Trip? You can stay isolated in your car, using self-service gas, visiting drive-through and curbside-service restaurants on your way, and avoiding crowds until you reach your destination. And if you stay at Airbnbs, you can avoid them completely.
These upscale adventures can help you create many fun and fond memories, even while keeping yourself safe. There are so many different options available to you that you’ll find something fun for you and your family, no matter where you go or how you get there.
What are some of your favorite social distancing vacation ideas? Do you have any favorites that helped you stay safe during the pandemic? Share them with us on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter stream. You can also find us on our Instagram page at @TravelproIntl.
Photo credit: David Wilson (Flickr, Creative Commons 2.0)
