Ah, travel. You sweet, sweet tease. As we wrap one year of the pandemic under our belts, I am starting to really feel some travel fever. I know my husband and I had hoped to take our daughter to Spain this summer (we had been planning this since May 2019). International travel just doesn’t seem to be on the radar this year. Additionally, I really had wanted to take my family to Boston this past Autumn; yet another trip left on the road of pandemic despair. SO. What are my hopes for travel this year? Well, that’s a little tough.
What I really want is a trip to Las Vegas with my husband. I want to go to the spa, I want to eat good food, I want to drink some drinks, and I want to see a show. AND I want to do this all without my kiddo because I need some connective time with my husband to make up for all the date nights out that we haven’t had the opportunity to have! If you know me, you know that Vegas is NEVER on my list of places to go; the fact that I want to go speaks to my desire for some fun!
On the family side of things, I really want to do something most east coast centric. What better place to visit than Boston? My husband has never been and I know he would love it! Rosemary would love all the sites and walking. It’s an easy drive from Vermont to Mass and would be ideal for a long weekend trip.
Another place I was hoping to get away to this summer was Portland, Maine. I was lucky enough to meet my bestie, Kate, there in the fall of 2019- before the world stopped. Rosemary accompanied me and was a champ on the five hour car ride. Portland had such a fun vibe, great food, and friendly people. I know that would be a great spot to journey to as a family. Issy and I would totally eat our way through the trip- with zero regret.
And finally, we currently have plans to visit some close friends in the greater Sacramento area for Thanksgiving. Not only would Issy be able to travel the short distance from there to Tahoe to ski, but I could spend some good quality time with our friends that are basically family. And I know Rosemary would relish in playing with her Auntie Aillene. But alas…
What’s going to be realistic, safe, and practical? We don’t want to travel anywhere in the thick of the pandemic and be “those” travellers. I also realize that life goes on and we have to figure out ways to adapt and “get back out there.” As a family, we also need to prioritize our finances to start planning for a big international trip to Spain in 2022 (come on, 2022!). The truth is that we want to see people, places, and things. We want to be responsible. Some people say you are stupid if you travel. Others say to follow the rules, be aware, plan, and you will be fine. I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. Yeah, follow the rules of the place you are going to in terms of safety (think masks, quarantine, etc.). And yeah, think critically. Look at the realities of the travel destination’s numbers, policies for the pandemic, and any reviews from others who have traveled.
I can tell you that IF we do decide to travel and need to purchase plane tickets, we will not be using third party platforms to buy them. We have heard some horror stories from our family and our friends about not being able to get their money back/even rebook their tickets. While airlines can also be challenging, it’s one less “person” to work around if something happens. One less fee too!
We can’t stay locked in our homes forever. Well, actually, we can. And I have no problem following the guidance of my state lawmakers and of course, the federal government. I look to these people to light the way for all of us. I also expect that if someone is coming here to Vermont, they have to follow the rules. At present, you have to quarantine. And you bet your butt I expect all friends and family who hope to travel to check on that information before they travel and then be able to comply. Because #rulesarecool.
Anyways, where do you want to go? What is your ideal travel schedule? What have you learned from traveling? Give me all the advice!
The Salty Exchange 