A Change of Scenery
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| © El Cid Resorts |
Although many people have used their time in lockdown to turn their home into a personal oasis, months spent staring at the same four walls can drag on anyone.
Those feeling stir crazy and wanting to get out and about before the summer ends are not alone. Many resort towns are brimming with visitors looking for a change of scenery in a safe and secure way.
“I actually have a lot of people asking us about trips leaving in the next couple weeks and returning by the end of August,” said Tammy Levent, CEO of Elite Travel.
For travelers wondering what to expect and where to go, here are some tips for late summer travels.
Safety First
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Pack your mask, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Whether you are going taking a road trip or traveling by plane, these items are key to keeping you safe.
Health Check
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Feeling sick? Stay at home. This is definitely not the time to be traveling if you feel ill. If there is a way that you can get tested before you go, it’s never a bad idea. Some international destinations will also require you to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test—which leads to the next tip.
Travel Restrictions
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The pandemic is nowhere near over and even some U.S. destinations, such as Hawaii, require a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from other places.
Check that you are allowed entry to the destination that you are going to be traveling to and what the restrictions are when you are there.
Road Trips Are Popular
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Traveling by car is by far the most popular summer activity this year. Many people are hitting the road to go visit family or to escape to popular summer resorts.
With so many people on the road and with new safety protocols at hotels, it’s important to plan in advance. Many properties are not booking to full capacity to protect their guests so any time you can book in advance, it is a good idea.
Summer Camp
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Many kids are missing out on summer camp this year so why not recreate your own. In a time when social distancing is required to fight the virus, heading out into the wilderness is an ideal activity. Pitch a tent in your favorite state or national park, grab a backpack and hit the trail or rent an RV and drive into the wilderness.
Make sure campgrounds and trails are open before you go and that you make necessary reservations. RV rentals have skyrocketed so it may be necessary to plan well in advance.
Island Life
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Hawaii may be closed, but many islands in the Caribbean are welcoming visitors from the U.S. Many popular all-inclusive resorts have updated health and safety protocols and made adjustments for social distancing, making them an ideal destination for a secluded late summer escape.
Domestic island destinations are also proving popular. Levent noted that among her top destinations for clients are Pink Shell Beach in Fort Myers, Captiva Island and Amelia Island in Florida.
Book a Villa
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Travelers have taken social distancing to heart this summer and are looking for fun places where they can get away safely.
“People are going to smaller properties or villa-type properties with efficiencies and staying three to four days,” said Levent.
Be a Responsible Traveler
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If you are heading out on a summer trip, be a responsible traveler. Follow the rules in the destinations that you are traveling to, wear a mask and stay safe and healthy on the road.
