If there was a year that we’d want a do-over. 2020 is definitely it.

COVID-19 has changed our lives in so many ways. People don’t like change. But to survive, we have to adapt. have to change.

In light of the pandemic, summer travel looks so much different. Most out of necessity. Americans can’t travel any where out of the country. Countries have locked down their borders to non-resident travel, or only opening it up to citizens of countries that are re-bounding.

Now, plane travel is out. Well, you can travel domestically. But air travel freaks me out as it is. I tend to always get a cold after flying. Not sure if it is the stress of getting ready. Getting everyone ready. Wrapping up everything at work. Packing. Then all the recycled air in the airplane. Germy seats, trays, blankets (ewww).

So get ready for a good old fashion ROAD TRIP!!

So, get out the maps and look for sites that are a drivable distance for you and your family. We’re kind of crazy travelers. We once DROVE from Phoenix to Calgary Canada. yea. 24 hours. with kids. Thank you.

Three destinations to consider:

• Camping. Find a campground near you or not so near to you. There is something so unique about cooking in the outdoors. Kids can go exploring. Go for hikes. Play in a creek. Good old fashioned fun.
• Hit the road for a State or National Park. Hint…choose the less-visited ones. Now is really not the time to battle the throngs at Yellowstone or Yosemite or even the Grand Canyon. Or you can combine these two (camping and national parks). You can go on a hike. take part in a tour with a park ranger.
• Head for the water. Go to either coast, or even head to a lake. A beach vacation is definitely fun no matter what age your kids are. Build sandcastles, jump in the waves, swim, boogie board. Or try other water sports. SUP, surfing, kayaking, canoeing. The options are really endless.

Tips for surviving your own Pandemic Travels:

• Take to the great outdoors. Find less-visited campgrounds, beaches, and state parks.
• Mask up. Really its not so hard. Especially if you are somewhere where you are not running into other people. You only need to wear a mask when you are within 6 feet of other people. Going into stores.
• Social distance. Pick less-visited sites. Less popular (but just as fun) hikes.
• Reconnect as a family. Use this time to reconnect. Sit by the campfire, roasting S’mores telling stories. Play board games. Do a puzzle together. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt.

Above all else, be thankful for your time together and your health.

Where are you going this summer?

C’mon let’s go!