Have you ever heard of a toe-dip trip? These are trips, usually a vacation, that aren’t as long as the regular one- and two-week vacations we’re used to, but they’re just long enough for you to get a handle on traveling once again. The term was originally coined by Travelocity, and it involves going to a new destination, dipping your toe in to try it out, and then going back home.
Hence the name.
If you are still on the fence to travel, we think a toe-dip trip is a safer way to explore a new city while still taking the appropriate measures. You can take a short 3-day/2-night vacation, exercise the right amount of safety, and minimize your and your family’s risks.
Here are some ideas for short mini-vacations that you could take this year.
Orlando, Florida: The “House of the Mouse” is one of the best cities for a toe-dip trip, according to Travelocity. Disney World is back open and the theme park has placed safety protocols for all who enter the happy place, including reducing the number of guests. You can book a one-night or two-night stay at one of its great hotels, and have fun while you are there. (Alternative: If you don’t want to go to Disney World, or you want something quieter, head about an hour east to Melbourne Beach, Florida, for a quiet beach town. It’s about 30 minutes south of Cocoa Beach.)
Lake Tahoe, California: Another place on Travelocity’s list for a quick getaway. A beautiful piece of land located between Nevada and California; it is known to be great for family connection. During s short stay, you can ski the slopes or canoe the large lake just before you enjoy fine dining in a nice restaurant.
Louisville, Kentucky: A quiet big city, there’s plenty to do and see, whether it’s the great restaurants and coffee shops on Bardstown Road (where the locals eat), or all along Fourth Avenue (where the tourists eat), you can visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory right in the middle of downtown, or the Speed Art Museum near the University of Louisville.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Located in Arizona, this place has a lot of options for a nice getaway. You can enjoy local events in the area, boat across the large lake, ride hot air balloons, and get some great dining and entertainment options.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: This city is filled with fun things to do for an overnight stay. You can choose from visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, go to Scissortail Park, visit the Conestoga Wagons and Teepees at the Orr Family Farm, or walk around the Oklahoma City National Art Museum. Again, be sure to check out the great food scene, as a lot of Southwestern foodies have set up shop in the city.
Columbia, South Carolina: This wonderful city in South Carolina is a great spot if you live nearby. From the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens to the Columbia Canal and Riverbank Park, families can enjoy nature at its finest in a day or two. The Columbia Museum of Art also has a diverse collection of art, and there are plenty of historic sites for you history buffs. And don’t miss the Soda City Street Market on Saturdays in downtown Columbia.
Of course, any place can be a toe-dip trip if you want to give it a try. Mackinac Island, Michigan; Savannah, Georgia; Reno, Nevada; Augusta, Georgia. All you need is a hotel, a few sites, and attractions, or even a campground and a large lake. Whatever you want to do, just take a few days, follow proper precautions, and you’ll have a nice getaway.
Best of all, you could do three, four, or even five of these in a year without using up all your vacation time.
Where have you gone on your toe-dip trips? Where do you want to go? Share your favorites with us on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter stream. You can also find us on our Instagram page at @TravelproIntl.
