By: Amber Hubenschmidt
While 2020 is coming to an end, the Coronavirus Pandemic is still going. With many places still closed, going on vacation right now may seem difficult. Luckily, there are still some socially distant vacation spots that are open for a quick getaway.
Before You Go, Use This Check List:
- Bring Supplies
Although the vacation stop may be socially distant, you still may need to go into an area that isn’t. You never know if you’ll need to make an emergency trip to the hospital, a trip to the grocery store, or even a bathroom break on the way there. It’s better to be prepared than not. Here’s what you should bring just in case:
- Masks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Gloves
- First Aid Kit
2. Get Tested
Before going on trip, it’s important to make sure you’re COVID-19 free. Especially if you’re vacationing with people outside your household. You don’t want to be the reason you got everyone sick.
3.Check the Rates in the Area
With Coronavirus cases being unpredictable, there could be a sudden spike in the area you’re planning on traveling to. Even if it’s a secluded location, its safest to check the rates before you leave.
4. Transportation
Sometimes flying is the easiest way to travel when vacationing, but it can also be the riskiest when trying to avoid COIVID-19. No matter how far away your destination is in the United States, people drive across the country all the time by car so it’s not impossible to do.
When considering driving over flying, make a detailed plan before hand of which route you’ll take, what time you’re leaving, when you’ll take bathroom breaks, and whose driving. This can help make your road trip more enjoyable.
Which Destination to Pick
After deciding how far you’re willing to travel and what your price budget is, next is choosing the location.
West Coast Vacation
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
This national park is perfect for you if you like nature, hiking, stargazing, rock-climbing, horseback riding, and more. There are 9 campgrounds available for a socially distant stay. There are also hotels & Airbnb’s that are available nearby.
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
If you’re looking for a somewhere to go fishing, biking, hiking, and camping then this destination is the one for you. Crater lake was created by a volcanic eruption, and is now the deepest lake in the United States. If this interest you, then check out their campsite or private cabins for your next Coronavirus-free vacation.
- Sequoia National Forest, California
For a plentiful nature getaway, this national forest is it. There’s cabin rentals and campground sites for staying overnight and staying socially distant. During the day there’s activities like fishing, hiking, exploring beaches and rivers, horseback riding, bicycling, and more!
- The Olympic Peninsula, Washington
If you can decide between a land or water-based vacation, this destination has both! With waterfalls, hiking, bicycling, golfing, snowboarding, skiing, and so much more to do, there’s activities for anytime of the year. There’s an RV park, tiny homes, cabins, resorts, camping, and lodges for all your sleeping needs.
East Coast Vacation
- Poconos, Pennsylvania
This destination is open year-round, and offers plenty of COVID-free activities no matter the weather. There’s fishing, golfing, water rafting, a shooting range, zip lining, horseback riding, and more. There’s also a variety of places to stay, like campgrounds, condos, cottages, bed & breakfasts, and more.
- Shenandoah, Virginia
If you enjoy canoeing, kayaking, tubing, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, and exploring caverns then this destination is the one for you. There’s also vineyards and a waterpark. If you’re looking to vacation here, there are plenty of cabin rentals and Airbnb’s in and around the Shenandoah Mountains. Some even have hot tubs & wi-fi!
- Letchworth State Park, New York
New York isn’t just all city, there’s some nature getaways too. This state park has activities for any time of the year. From skiing and snowmobiling to whitewater rafting and hot air ballooning, this park has got it all. There are cabins and campsites available for reservation.
- Acadia National Park, Maine
At this destination you can go puffin & whale watching or take a hike through the mountains, either way there’s tons of activates. In the colder weather there’s snowshoes, skiing, and snowmobiling. In the warmer weather there’s golfing, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and rock climbing. Aside from activities, there’s also a variety of lodging options like cabins, cottages, camping, RV’s, condos, resorts, and hotels.
Southern Vacation
- Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
This nature getaway has all kinds of activates like disc golf, geocaching, cave exploring, horseback riding, and more. At this state park you can pick from multiple lodging choices, like cottages, campsites, lodge, and yurts.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi
Missing the beach? Then this destination is the one for you. There’s boating, bike trails, fishing, hiking, snorkeling, and more! You can camp on the beach or at their campgrounds.
- Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
Fully immerse yourself into nature at this national forest. There’s hiking, fishing, swimming, bicycling, boating, and even shooting. There are recreation sites for overnight camping via tent, camper, or RV.
Northern Vacation
- Walhalla, North Dakota
For a scenic and historic getaway, then this is the destination you’re looking for. Not only is there lots of history and photo worthy views, there’s also a lot of activates to do and places to go. There’s a ski resort, amphitheater, hiking trails, river canoeing, horseback riding, and more. There are multiple locations that are available for overnight stay, like at the ski resort, hotels, and a campground.
- Glacier National Park, Montana
If you’re into backpack camping, then a vacation here might be the right destination for you. There are also 13 campgrounds available with 1009 socially distant sites to choose from. You can also get a hotel near by the park if camping isn’t your style. While you’re there, you can go fishing, hiking, boating, skiing, and more.
- Pine Terrace Resort, Minnesota
This resort is great for staying socially distant while also enjoying lots of activities. You can go fishing, canoeing, water biking, hiking, play volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and more. The lodging for this resort only offers cabins, but there are different kinds to choose from and they’re all secluded. You’ll get your own dock, grill, picnic table, and fire pit.
Last but Not Least, Check for Updates
Once you’ve chosen the destination that’s right for you, make sure to check online or call ahead to see if there’s any COVID-19 restrictions, changes, or closures.
Amber Hubenschmidt 