If you had plans to take a trip this summer, chances are excellent that they were hijacked by the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be discouraging, especially if it’s a trip you’ve been planning for some time. Fortunately there are ways you can modify your travel plans. Your trip probably won’t look quite the same as it did when you first planned it, but you can still make a good time of it.
Avoid High-Risk Activities
Most people plan activities to do when they travel, regardless of whether it’s for business or pleasure. With COVID-19 running rampant in many areas, however, there are certain activities that have been classified as being high risk and should therefore be avoided. Bars are considered high risk areas, as are any venue that hosts large gatherings of people, as is what happens at concerts and sporting events. Theaters and amusement parks are also considered risky. Eating at buffets and dining in restaurants is unwise as well. Outdoor activities that allow for greater distances between people and eating outside are much safer options.
Alternate Experiences
It can be a bit discouraging to think about all the things you probably shouldn’t do because of the risk they present. There is a bright side, though. You can experience various locations and activities without actually being there. Virtual experiences are becoming increasingly popular. 150 million people use Airbnb Experiences worldwide. And because of the worldwide nature of the internet, you are able to go on adventures in a wide variety of global locations from virtually anywhere you want – provided you have internet access. You don’t have to worry about the cost of airline tickets or whether or not you’re in good enough shape to go trekking across the landscape. Just join the experience and have fun!
Make It Private
Since one of the big concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus is how close people are in relation to one another, the best solution might be to make your travels a private affair. Traveling by plane is risky, especially compared to more private alternatives such as driving. This limits where you can travel to, but with many countries issuing travel bans, that may be a necessary adjustment anyway. If you want to avoid the risks associated with staying at a hotel, consider using or renting an RV or travel trailer. Limit your travel companions to those in your household to further reduce your risk.
Traveling during a pandemic can be tricky. It definitely requires a level of flexibility and a willingness to adapt plans when needed. Fortunately, there are ways you can still have a good experience, even if your trip ends up looking quite a bit different from how you initially envisioned it.
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