It’s not too early to make travel plan
Whether it’s the result of record snow storms, wild temperature swings or a solid case of COVID-19 fatigue, many of us are ready for a change of scenery. Even if it’s too soon for your family to travel, putting a plan in place can raise spirits all around.
Here are five ideas to consider:
1. Make a plan.
It’s been a while. And uncertainty, paired with topsy turvy work and school schedules, can fray the steadiest of nerves. So picture yourself on a sandy beach, in cozy mountain cabin or a vast desert landscape. Ponder future family commitments and schedules and consider your options. Browse the websites of your favorite resorts, mountain towns or desert destinations to review deals, protocols and possibilities. Discuss the options with your family. Dream a little. And craft a plan. Knowing good times are on the horizon will help wash the blues away.
2. Bucket lists.
If it’s too soon to board a plane or take that epic road trip, perhaps now is the time to create a thoughtful bucket list for the long term. Doing so now can make it easier to plan for meaningful future vacations, those that are a deliberate reflection of your updated values, hopes and dreams. So before you begin listing desired destinations, ask yourself what aspects of the world — geographically, spiritually and culturally — you want to share with your children, grandchildren and perhaps other friends and family members. As your ideas take shape, know your list will evolve over the years. Therefore, think about which destinations you hope to visit while your children are in the nest and which might best be saved for later. And, when it comes time to involve the children in creating the bucket list, remember that kids don’t know what they don’t know. Certain theme parks and resorts will likely be on their radar screens. But they may not be aware of the glories of Yellowstone or Yosemite or the historical significance of Gettysburg or Montpelier. Inspire them!
3. Embrace a new winter sport.
While winter is still with us, perhaps this is the year to push beyond the local sledding hill and expand your winter sports experiences. Lace up the skates, strap on the snowshoes, learn how mushers round up their sled dogs or consider an ice climb. Go downhill, cross-country, into the back-country and then warm up in a steaming hot spring. Skate ski to dinner served in a yurt or ride aboard a horse-drawn sleigh headed to a cozy cabin where you and your family can savor supper served fireside.
Contact: www.SunValley.com; www.Vail.com; www.BeaverCreek.com
4. Connect with family and friends.
Is it too soon to expand your pod or reconnect with those family members and friends with whom you’ve only visited via video chat?
Consider checking in with your clan and craft a plan to celebrate an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or to honor a family member’s special achievement. We’ve missed the chance to acknowledge many of the touchstones that are a meaningful part of a family’s legacy. But is it ever too late to celebrate those milestone moments? At the same time, who needs an official event to enjoy the company and support of your loved ones?
5. Seek the sun.
If you are ready for a longer haul adventure, consider a visit to Curtain Bluff, a laid back, but luxurious, family-owned resort in Antigua. It’s an all-inclusive experience that offers extensive water sports including water skiing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, paddle-boating, tennis, yoga, and sailing. As the kids burn off energy post another delicious meal, relax in a hammock you’ll find tucked within the palm trees. Spend an afternoon at the spa where open air massages provide a perfect end to sports-filled day.
Or consider Southern California’s iconic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, nestled on a wide stretch of sand with easy access to the water and a host of sea side activities. Get out your boogie board, take surfing lessons or watch Navy seamen from the nearby Coronado Island base train along the beach. Contact: www.CurtainBluff.com ; www.HotelDel.com (Resource: It’s prudent to review CDC and U.S., State Department guidelines when considering travel.)
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com ) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com.