Between months of being isolated from people and the hectic hullabaloo of the holidays, people are tired of feeling pent-up and are ready to explore what is outside their home’s four walls. 

Before you click reserve, know how to travel safe with these tips, hints, and suggestions. 

 

Basic Safety – Anywhere and Everywhere 

Do you part and stay apart. One of the clearest and easiest steps to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic is by maintaining six feet of distance between members of your party and other groups of people. If you are joining friends and family members who live outside of your primary residence, consider self-isolating and being tested a few days before you travel. There is no guarantee regarding this illness, but taking precautions to limit the spread of infection is always a good idea. 

Although hotels, restaurants and businesses have increased cleaning and sanitation, it is best to avoid touching high traffic areas like door handles, elevator buttons, and touch screen pads. Try using your elbow or forearm to push doors open instead of your hand. If you must handle high touch-point areas and items, wash your hands, or use a hand sanitizer immediately following.  

In public areas, wear a comfortable cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, and wash your hands, thoroughly and often.  

Avoid traveling in and through areas with large outbreaks. Although you might feel fine on the trip, you could still become ill, thereby unwittingly exposing your family, friends, and local community.  

 

Location, Location, Location 

Find a destination close to home. Limit possible exposure from far away strangers by visiting nearby towns and attractions. Staying close to home also means limited gas stations and rest stops, and bringing travel snacks with you from home. And with gas prices staying relatively low, this is a great time to discover what’s just beyond your backyard.  

National and State Parks are a great option to maintain the six-foot separation recommendation while uncovering the beauty of Mother Nature. Lesser known parks, like Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Kentucky offers exciting paleontological displays, Ordovician geology, and Native American history, as well as hiking, biking, and camping near the historic salt/sulphur springs. The Jimmy Carter Boyhood Home, part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, in Plains, GA is a heartfelt glimpse into the childhood, upbringing and pre-public life of the US President, Nobel Peace Prize winner and esteemed philanthropist. Although the larger museum portion of the site has been closed, the historic boyhood home of the exemplary President is inspiring a new generation and proof that hard work and compassion for others can lead to great things.  

 

All in the Timing 

Weekends have always been the peak time for traveling and a pandemic is not going to change that – but it might make it a little easier to sneak off during the week and begin your vacation before the rush.  

Botanical gardens, arboretums, and zoos are great small trips best suited for an early weekday morning. Going around this time means less people, making it easier maintain a six-foot distance from others. 

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville are all great places to spend the day and avoid the weekend crowds. They often have traveling exhibits and installations spread throughout the grounds – like Cheekwood’s recent Chihuly exhibit or Atlanta’s “Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined.” Convenient to several major cities, they provide guests the opportunity to reconnect with nature, to stretch their legs, and to be inspired by the beautiful flora around them.  

 

Hints for Dining 

Opt for al fresco. Limit potential exposure by enjoying the fresh air. Many restaurants have created warm and welcoming outdoor dining options – letting diners savor a relaxing dinner under the wide-open skies.  

Avoid extremely crowded bars and restaurants. If there is a line to get in, you do not want to be there. Choose a quiet, locally owned restaurant that adheres to a reduced capacity seating plan. Not only will you decrease your potential exposure, you will be supporting the local economy during a difficult period.  

For something delicious but different, why not have a picnic? Whether renting a beach house for the holidays, camping in the highlands, or sleeping in a lavish guest room at a world class hotel – there is something familiar and fun about spreading out a blanket and sharing a meal with those that truly mean the most: your family and friends.  

 

Keep Checking In 

Stay up to date with your destination’s Covid-19 safety requirements. Many regions and state have mandates requiring recent travelers to isolate for 14 days or to stay home, while other require masks in all public settings. With Coronavirus transmission statistics rapidly changing, make sure you check your destination’s policies and regulations, especially as your trip approaches.  

Several counties, states and municipalities have even created specific websites, pages, and banners to help travelers and locals stay in the loop.  Communities like the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce in Alabama, Morristown, Tennessee, and Lebanon, Kentucky are updating their sites regularly and offering suggestions about where to stay, open attractions, and community events. Be sure to check out the local government Facebook and Twitter accounts for additional updates.  

 

Suggested Stays  

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

In the heart of Murrell’s Inlet, along the Carolinian coast just south of Myrtle Beach, is Murrell’s Inlet Marshwalk, a half-mile wooden boardwalk that borders the natural salt-water estuary. The Marshwalk offers outdoor dining of fresh seafood, fine steaks, and mouthwatering delights, accentuated with spectacular ocean views. The nightly live music is a treat after a day spent sightseeing and shopping. Waccamaw River Tours escort guests down the cypress lined Waccamaw River. Running along the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, the mossy river is home to a diverse biological ecosystem, like alligators and Ospreys. Brookgreen Gardens, a little further down the road, is a wonderful way to spend the day. Containing one of the nation’s largest collections of sculpture, Brookgreen Gardens is incomparable in size and seamlessly interweaves sculpture with the stunning, verdant beauty of the grounds. Also located within the Brookgreen Gardens, the Lowcountry Zoo has taken extra steps to protect visitors and staff. One-way walkways and mask requirements assist in keeping parties spaced out, and with no food allowed in the park, it’s easy to keep your mask on at all times. And if you need a little sustenance, picnicking in designated areas outside the Zoo is allowed.  

Texas Hill Country Towns 

In the center of the Austin, Houston, San Antonio triangle, picturesque towns like La Grange, Brenham, and Columbus offer respite for road weary drivers. This year, instead of driving through, make the Hills of Texas your destination. In Brenham, the whole family can enjoy a day at Horseshoe Junction Family Park. With safety precautions like limiting the number of bumper cars, boats, and rock climbers per ride and ensuring a hole separates groups while playing miniature golf, Horseshoe Junction takes public health and safety importantly. Celebrating its 25th year as a Main Street City, La Grange is rich in old world charm and Texas pride. Learn the history of the Czech people who settled the area in 1800s at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. Be sure to stop at Weikel’s Bakery afterwards to try a traditional Czech kolache filled with fruits and cheeses like prune, poppy seed, apricot and cream cheese. Grab a bottle of wine and some charcuterie at Swede and Lewis Art Bar. Offering patio seating and to go ordering, the Texas Tapas paired with a bottle of wine from Blue Mule Winery grown in nearby Fayetteville makes for a romantic evening picnic under the big, bright Texas stars.  

 

Whatever plans you settle on, make sure that you feel comfortable. Remember, any interaction with the general public poses a potential risk. If you are feeling ill or unwell, stay at home. A vacation should be fun, not stressful. And, as always, be respectful and mindful local, state, and individual businesses requests. 

And when in doubt, wear a mask.