The excitement of planning new, achievable summer escapes
The past few months have brought an unfathomable level of loss. Countless lives have been affected, with tens of thousands of fatalities from the coronavirus in our country alone. Millions have also lost their jobs, income, and livelihoods as the world came to a sudden standstill.
While nothing can compare to the loss of life, health, or home, many smaller losses have also impacted our lives. Canceled graduations, proms, missed final preschool moments, time with classmates, spring recitals, end-of-year performances, weddings, competitions, business deals, and more have all been lost. Additionally, spring break trips, family vacations, and postponed honeymoons have left us wondering about the future of summer vacations.
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Is Summer Cancelled?
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Like many families, our most anticipated trips are planned for the summer. Although we try to sneak in mini getaways throughout the year, our larger adventures, especially those that take us far and wide, are typically reserved for the summer months when the kids are off from school. This year, we had scheduled an exciting multigenerational journey to discover the great outdoors—along with some luxurious stays at Fairmont properties—in Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise in early June.
Following some time at home, we intended to wrap up the summer with another multigenerational adventure through Scotland and Ireland. Unfortunately, neither of these trips will materialize this summer.
While missing these experiences isn't life-altering, it still feels like a genuine loss that adds to the weight of everything else happening around us.
Usually, I navigate through tougher times by anticipating something special or exciting. Although it may not always involve travel, having that anticipation serves as a guiding light, often linked to a trip I'm eagerly awaiting. The impact of the coronavirus on our lives has been challenging, but not having any changes in routine or scenery to look forward to has made things even harder.
About a week ago, this started to shift. We found ourselves facing a summer that, instead of being bustling with activities, felt utterly empty. No camps, no significant family vacations, and no assurance of being able to enjoy our usual local pools. Our calendar was blank, reflecting what will likely be a sweltering summer. Prioritizing safety is essential this season, but after months of staying indoors, we longed for something to look forward to.
After canceling trips that no longer fit our current reality, we have planned two new summer trips to destinations we typically wouldn’t consider for summer vacations. These new plans reflect the unexpected travel trends emerging for summer 2020.
These getaways aren’t extensive, international excursions. There are no flights or hotel bookings involved, and the locations are just a few hours from home. What once felt mundane about these short trips now seems like the ideal post-quarantine escape.
Instead of using our miles for international trips to Scotland, Ireland, and Banff this summer, we’ve opted for two road trips throughout Texas.
Our first booking was a beach house rental in Galveston, less than two hours from home. I admit I’ve always preferred the beaches of Hawaii, Caribbean, Bora Bora, and the Maldives over Galveston. Typically, my mom takes my oldest daughter there for a day or two each summer, as she adores the Texas Gulf Coast. They have a blast, come back with a sunburn, and I get to enjoy their stories when they return.
This brings me to my 10-year-old daughter, who inspired this fresh itinerary. When Galveston came up in conversation, her face lit up like a Christmas tree as she eagerly asked if we were going there. Initially, the answer was "no," but it quickly turned to "maybe," as it became clear that this destination could offer the uplifting experience we all needed.
(Image courtesy of Cavan Images/Getty Images)
We quickly established three guidelines to accommodate our socially distanced needs: we wanted a rental home, it had to include a private pool (in case the beach was crowded), and it needed a flexible cancellation policy. What we discovered was astonishing. While Galveston's waters may not rival Bora Bora's, the area boasts absolutely stunning rental homes just steps from the beach. Although not all have easy cancellation options or private pools, some do. Plus, the sound of the ocean waves is universally soothing, no matter the location.
Our (new) July vacation plans were confirmed. However, as Texas has started to lift restrictions, I've noticed some enticing locations showcased by friends on social media as they venture out. With July still some time away, I began to think about June. If all goes well as Texas gradually reopens, we hope to escape for a few days next month ... adhering to the same guidelines of being able to rent our own space, selecting a destination within a reasonable drive, and focusing heavily on outdoor activities.
Jacobs Well located in Texas Hill Country. (Image courtesy of Wells/Getty Images)
Our second reservation, now set for a few weeks prior to the first, will lead us to the Texas Hill Country. Once again, we utilized VRBO to secure a long weekend in our own cabin, this time right by a river perfect for daytime splashes and cozy campfires at night.
Currently, our newly planned Texas summer road trips are brief, enjoyable, and straightforward. There are no flights, passports, theme parks, upgrades, room service breakfasts, concierge lounges, or kids' clubs on the itinerary.
In a pre-COVID19 era, our originally intended international journeys would have been remarkable in their own right. I hope to visit those places soon. However, with our refreshed priorities and plans, I am 4,000% thrilled about our new, back-to-basics adventures in my home state.
While the nearby destinations may differ from these, there’s a high probability that captivating spots are waiting within a two- to four-hour drive from your home. Not every area will be prepared for these types of trips simultaneously, but now is an excellent time to start looking ahead and discovering the drivable locales near you that are likely just as enchanting as those you might usually travel further to reach. The state parks, national parks, campsites, creeks, streams, hills, views, lakes, mountains, plains, forests, fields, and more are all out there, waiting for the right moment for you to come and enjoy.
The allure of that passport stamp, the exotic locale, the points-driven overwater bungalow, and the thrill of the unknown can be quite tempting. However, for now, loading up our cooler with snacks at home, bringing along some Lysol wipes, filling the car with gas, picking up firewood en route, and soaking in the natural beauty close to home feels like a perfect summertime escape. Regardless of how these trips pan out, just having something to anticipate brightens our spirits and offers a welcome break from the routine.
Organizing these new summer getaways may seem minor, but it's a gesture that fills us with a significant sense of hope.
