If you had travel plans that were cancelled due to COVID, sis you’re not alone. This year was supposed to be MY year. I had big plans for my dirty 30, E’s 40th, our 5-year wedding anniversary, and Ayla’s Golden Birthday. Alas, COVID hit and we’ve all been stuck inside sheltering in place while a global pandemic rocks our world and turns all our plans upside down. But I’m here to tell you that even with COVID, it’s possible to travel if you do it safely, so here are five tips for traveling safely and responsibly during uncertain times!
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2020 travel looks a bit different
Jet setting to foreign lands and boujee cruises may not be possible right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel. I unfortunately had to cancel travel plans (we were thinking SE Asia or a roadtrip through Spain and France, how bout you?) and was honestly super nervous to do ANY traveling of ANY kind this year. I work in healthcare and certainly do not want to be responsible for causing anyone to get sick. But I also don’t want to halt my life and live out of fear, you know?
So traveling this year started out small. A weekend trip to see my parents in Southern Oregon. Then a week-long trip to Eastern Washington to see E’s family. Then a birthday trip to Ashland, Oregon (where we stayed in an AirBnB!) and finally, backpacking with my bestie. I learned something new about conscious travel during each trip, and I’m going to share them below. I’d love it if you could share any travel experiences you’ve had during COVID with us as well! Drop any stories or tips you have in the comments, I can’t wait to read them!
Tips for Safe & Conscious Travel
- Plan ahead. Public restrooms are closed as are a lot of stores, so making sure you know where you can stop to grab gas, use the bathroom, and eat along the way is primo right now.
- Pack extra masks and hand sanitizer. Don’t assume where you’re going will have masks and hand sanitizer for you to use! Bringing extras will ensure you can get in anywhere you need while traveling safely.
- Research hotels & AirBnBs in advance. Don’t be caught off guard when you arrive at your AirBnB and they’re not providing linens or dishes or asking that you clean up. A lot of hotels and rental units have limited services right now, so make sure you come prepared. And don’t be surprised if some of the amenities aren’t available (like the pool, room service, etc.) as a lot of hotels are functioning with limited staff and aren’t able to offer the same level of service as normal. Be aware, be prepared, and be kind <3 And if you’re looking to visit Oregon, here is the AirBnB I stayed at and some of my favorite boutique hotels!
- Practice Social Distancing! Just because you’re traveling and getting away from it all doesn’t mean COVID precautions aren’t still important! Anticipate longer lines and wait times, and try and maintain a six foot distance from others whenever possible!
- Practice patience. These are stressful times for everyone. Kick any entitlement you may have to the curb, and try to put yourself in others shoes. Your wait staff may not provide 5-star service, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a tip. Your hotel might not have all the amenities as usual, but that doesn’t mean staff aren’t working as hard (or even harder) as usual.
Pics from my fave travel experience this year
Last year my favorite trip was NYFW (see the post, here!). One of my favorite travel experiences so far in 2020 has been an overnight backpacking trip. My bestie from high school (we’re going on 15 years of friendship!) invited me on a 17-mile backpacking trip through part of the Pacific Crest Trail, and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. We hiked the Scott Trail to Obsidian Loop hike, which is about a three and a half hour drive southeast of Portland. It was beautiful, tough, fun, crazy insane, and we had a great time! Backpacking is a great way to get outside and experience something new while still traveling safely during COVID!
Honestly if it weren’t for COVID, I wouldn’t have had some of the amazing experiences I’ve gotten to do this year. E and I stayed in a little cottage in Ashland for my birthday and it was SO much fun! We got to swim in the pool and sunbathe, and if COVID hadn’t happened I can guarantee we would never have stayed there. Maybe taking this time as an opportunity to explore the local beauty near where you live can give you some amazing memories to your 2020 year as well 🙂 I know it has for me! Drop me a comment if you’ve discovered some local beauty or some tips for traveling safely during the pandemic! And I hope you enjoyed these photos from my backpacking trip (above) 🙂
xo,
B
These tips are actually really helpful! I’ve never been on a backpacking trip but it sounds like a lot of fun.
I’m so glad they were helpful! And you’ve definitely got to give it a try if you like hiking and camping!