Traveling in 2021

February 17, 2021 / Source: The Bizz USA
By Haarika Kalahasti; Edited by Pallavi Vemuri

It’s been nearly 11 months since the world shut down, destroying the variety of our routine. I’m sure we all want a change, to travel the world and go to Europe, but this global pandemic has shown us otherwise. Our safety is of utmost importance, and traveling, specifically across the country or internationally, may not be the best option with the recent spike in cases. However, if you really want to travel and are willing to take that risk, then try to stay in the U.S. Consider taking a day trip or a weekend trip to a nearby national park, an isolated scenic beach. In doing so though, make sure you try to go on days that are less crowded and take plenty of masks and hand sanitizer! If you do decide to travel, make sure you thoroughly read the CDC Domestic Travel Guidelines to see their tips for traveling during a pandemic.

Here are some ways and some places that are safe (as of now) to travel in 2021:

• Visit National Parks!
  • If you live somewhat near a national park, take a day trip or a weekend trip to one! With COVID-19, some parts of these camps are closed and there are significant restrictions in place, so be sure to check out the national park’s website for more information. 
  • If you live in the west, consider going to Yosemite, Yellowstone,  Zion, or see redwoods in northern California! If you live in the south, maybe the Rocky Mountains or Shenandoah! There are over 400 national parks, which means there is at least one national park in every state, with the exception of Delaware. 
• Camping & RVs!
  • If you’re outdoorsy and love a good adventure, camping is for you! This is one of the safest options, as winter and the pandemic means camps will be mostly empty. If you are fine with these conditions, then start planning your next camping trip! Check out the CDC Camping Guidelines here.
  • Here are some great places to camp: 
    • Zion 
    • The Grand Canyon
    • Smoky Mountains
  • If you or your family members are big road trippers or want to become one, consider investing in an RV. These vehicles, although old, are the ticket to comfort and safety if you want to travel across the country. After spending the day outside, you could return to your RV to spend the night. 
• By the water
  • It’s not recommended that you go near big, popular beaches because they may be overcrowded. Try to find a new scenic, remote area by the lake or a sea.
  • If you live on the east coast and are wanting to get on the beach ASAP, check out Sullivan’s Island (SC), Sarasota (FL), Charleston (SC), Virginia Beach (VA), Martha’s Vineyard (MA), and Nantucket (MA)!
  • If you live on the west coast, consider visiting Lake Tahoe or a remote California beach! With COVID cases increasing rapidly in California, it may not be the safest option to travel to commonly crowded places. 
• Your personal Europe 
  • Missing your canceled Europe plans last summer? Check out these locations:
    • Cape Cod, MA
      • Cape Cod looks pretty similar to Cornwall, England. Cape Cod is just a more artsy, down-to-earth (literally), and safer option for all of us in the United States. 
    • Aspen, CO
      • Missing your vacation to Switzerland? Check out, Aspen! It’s just as good, except a little smaller. But, it’s a beautiful and cozy area! 
    • Montpelier, Vermont
      • This city looks like England, France, and Italy all in one single location! Its beautiful scenery and architecture really are worth seeing! Check it out!
    • Holland, Michigan
      • In the spring, this town is literally identical to the Netherlands. Tulips are constantly growing and it’s utterly beautiful. Why go to Europe when you can see it in Michigan? 
    • Healdsburg, California
      • Missing your vacation to Tuscany, Italy to see a bunch of scenic vineyards? Well, Healdsburg, California (northern California) is pretty similar to that!

All in all, it’s up to you if you want to travel during a pandemic. If you do plan on traveling, make sure you do it safely and get tested before you go. I know we all want to travel the world (more than ever) right now, but the number one priority should be to stay safe. Travel responsibly!