Planning the perfect Spring Break getaway that’s suitable for yourself or an extended family can be a huge undertaking. Now that Covid-19 that has infected much of the world both Domestically and Internationally, you’re probably wondering if a spring break getaway is even possible at a time like this? Made simply, the answer is YES! While only essential travel is recommended, I find that it is important to provide information for those who continue to have the desire to travel in a safe manner. Although travel is much different than Spring Break of last year, it is still very much possible to plan a low hassle and last minute Spring Break vacation for your family even during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In you’ve checked out my guide on how to plan your first socially distant vacation, then you’ve gathered some useful tips regarding the best practices for planning a vacation (If not, go ahead and click HERE for those tips). However, if you still feel largely uncomfortable about the idea of traveling far from home this spring (and many people DO), no worries! In this short guide, you will get 8 LAST MINUTE Spring Break ideas for families that will allow you to stay close to home yet gain a meaningful travel experience. In addition, scroll to the bottom of this article for CDC Travel recommendations as of January 2021.
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Covid Conscious Spring Break Ideas for Families
Visit National and State Parks
The National Parks system is made up of 63 Amazing sites and locations across all 50 states and US Territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, USVI and American Samoa. In addition, there are over 6,600 State Parks in the United States. Both National and State Parks are spread vastly across the United States in an array of diverse terrain. Visiting these preserved parks are a great way to explore the beauty and nature that the country has to offer.
National and State parks offer a variety of ways to explore from hiking to tours and on site camping experiences. All of which are a cost- effective way to travel and provide onsite learning opportunities for children while out of school. Both National and State parks across the US have implemented safety requirements such as sanitizing stations, mask mandates, time slot limitations with advanced registrations and trail closures for trails that do not allow proper social distancing measures. For more information about National Parks, click HERE. For more information about State Parks, click HERE.
Choose A City with Plenty of Outdoor Spaces
If you choose to travel during Covid, you will quickly find that the best way to protect yourself from transmission is being able to social distance from others and keep open air flow between yourself and other guests. Our best tip for traveling during this time is choosing a city with plenty of outdoor spaces or activities. Prior to traveling, consider whether there are plentiful options for outdoor dining? Ask yourself if the city is walkable or easy accessible by bike? are there green space for picnics? Or do attractions exist outdoors like mural tours, bike tours Etc.? These are all great things to consider for any future trip. For more information on how to plan your First socially distant vacation, click HERE.
Road Trip to Discover Something Local
How much do you really know about the state that you live in? Chances are that much of your state is undiscovered by you and Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself to find out what makes your state great. Hiking trails, scenic drives and historic attractions are great ways to explore the state that you call home. Chances are, the state tourism bureau has a round up list of the best things in your state and is a great starting place to create your hometown bucket list. Next time someone asks you about your state, you’ll be able to share some of the highlights from your road trip.
Staycation in a Hotel or Resort Near You
Have you ever wanted to live a life of luxury in the city that you live in? Staycations are a great way to experience your city in luxury and take a short Get Away from your everyday life without breaking the bank. Many hotels offer deals for locals that may include no tax, dining credits or a lower nightly rate that many never take advantage of. In addition, the money that you save by not renting a vehicle can be used for upgrading to a suite or including a spa experience at your resort. A staycation not only gives you a unique experience in your town but you’ll be able to share valuable information about where to stay, play and eat in your city the next time guests come to town.
Try New Cuisine and Learn About the Associated Culture
If you’re missing International Travel and tired of eating the same meals, Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to try new cuisines and learn about their associated cultures and origins. Choosing a theme for each night of the week is an engaging way to get an at home travel experience and give your family an opportunity to learn about a new cuisine and culture. Some tips on how to accomplish trying new cuisines and incorporating heritage lessons include: Cooking classes with Airbnb Experiences Online, Using Pinterest Recipes and reading a book about the culture, a shopping experience at a local cultural market, International Snack subscription boxes and more.
Support Local Businesses and Attractions
During the Pandemic, thousands of businesses Nation Wide have suffered the consequences of travel restrictions and shut downs. These small businesses play a major role in your state and city’s travel and tourism and its imperative to keep them open until the world returns to normal. There is no better time than Spring Break to try something new in your town and support these local businesses and attractions. It can be as simple as visiting a mom and pop restaurant each day in the week or booking tickets for locally owned tours or small amusement parks. The options (depending on where you live) are endless and your small purchase means securing the livelihood of the families who own these businesses and their staff. For recommendations in your town, ask around for ideas on social media or google search “Family owned Businesses or Attractions near me”.
Try Camping or Glamping in A Park or Your Backyard
If Camping hasn’t been on your travel and adventure radar before, now may be the best time to trying your hand at staying in the great outdoors. Not only does it make for a great socially distant travel activity but it can be an inexpensive form of exploration and you can choose how you will camp based on your skill level and comfortability. Many National and State Parks offer camping for a nominal fee affordable for most families. If Glamping is more of your style, more and more options have become available over the years such as staying in a covered wagon, a wine barrel and more. Plenty of those unique Glamping experiences can be found on Airbnb and/or VRBO (Click HERE to get up to $65 off your FIRST Airbnb Stay and Experience). If you’ve never experienced camping and you’re unsure if it’s something you want to spend the money or effort on, renting a tent for your backyard is a great option as well. It allows you to have all the comforts of home and the opportunity to change your mind at any time if camping is not something you enjoy.
Play Tourist in Your City
Some of the absolute best discoveries are often in your Backyard. You may have lived in your city for years but never explored it as much as tourist can in a day. Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to play tourist in your own city and discover all of the untouched corners of what makes your city great. Not only is it a great low cost option for travel because you will save costs on accommodations but local discounts are also often offered for guests who have a local address. Exploring your own city instead of another is also a great way to keep transmission down as far as state lines are concerned in lieu of traveling to another city or state. Try a new restaurant, rent an Airbnb in a swanky part of town, drive a backroad or try a new park. The itinerary can be flexible and challenge you to explore something new every day.
Quick CDC Current Recommendations for Travel (Updated 1/26/2021)
-For Domestic travel in the United States, the CDC is currently recommending first and foremost that travelers research travel restrictions prior to going. Click HERE to find out about travel restrictions for each state and US territory. If you plan to travel within your state, then you probably have some idea of mandates and expectations. However, if you’re traveling to the next state over; conditions may vary and its imperative to know the requirements of the state. For quick information, consider calling your hotel or the tourism bureau for accurate information.
-The CDC also recommends considering getting tested in advance. Although not required, a test prior to your travel experience can help you to minimize the spread of the illness as you travel.
–Hands| Mask| Distance: As in any other case, the CDC recommends washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Mask wearing is highly recommended and under the Biden Administration, required on planes, trains, buses and all federal property. Mask mandates are heavily depended on the local state and city level. Finally, social distancing at 6 feet apart is always recommended for both indoor and outdoor activities.
For more detailed and up to date information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Source: (2021, January 24). Retrieved January 27, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
