Right now, traveling long-distance or even out-of-state isn’t ideal for your health and safety. Between new strains of COVID-19 and the slowed distribution of vaccines, things are still risky. Medical experts and political leaders urge everyone to remain vigilant and take precautions. While this limits your travel options, there are still several places you can visit for some much-needed rest, relaxation, and fun. Take San Diego, for instance. Just two hours away from Venice, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Why Visit San Diego
Besides being a short drive from Venice, San Diego has a lot to offer. There’s something for everyone. There’s beautiful weather year-round, several beaches, delicious cuisine, lots of history, and diverse culture. Whether you’re taking the family, taking a trip with friends, or flying solo, you’re sure to have a fantastic time without compromising your health and safety.
Planning Your Trip
While you’ve probably planned a trip or two in your lifetime, things are a bit different amid a pandemic. Here are a few factors to keep in mind for a safe yet fun trip.
Transportation – The safest way to travel from Venice to San Diego right now is in a car. Using public transportation or rideshare services increases potential exposure to the coronavirus. Ensure that you have your vehicle inspected before you depart. If you plan on taking a rental, ensure that you sanitize the car for protection.
Hotel Accommodations – When searching for hotels in San Diego, do your due diligence to ensure they’re safe. Believe it or not, not all establishments are complying with federal and local guidelines to protect guests. Review their cleaning policies to see how frequently they sanitize the rooms. Also, read a few consumer reviews to see if other guests were satisfied with the service.
While traditionally, cheaper might be the preferred option, low-budget hotels and motels may not be ideal. It may be worth it to pay a bit more for quality service and peace of mind. In fact, staying at an Airbnb may be best as you won’t have to share the space with others.
Activities – The great thing about a city like San Diego is that there are plenty of things to do. However, in the middle of a pandemic, try to stick to outdoor activities for your protection. Thankfully, the weather is decent, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding things. You find a jet ski rental, lounge on the beach, walk the boardwalk, or attend outdoor events like festivals, fairs, and concerts.
Before deciding on an itinerary, do some exploring to ensure the activities you’ve chosen are safe. Check venues to ensure they’re open. Also, review any instructions required to participate. For example, you may be able to visit a museum or theme park, but you may have to wear a mask. If you’re going to try things indoors, try to visit during slow periods, so there aren’t crowds or long lines.
Since you’re taking a road trip from Venice to San Diego, you might want to plan a few things along the way. Look up cities along your route like Carlsbad to see what they have to offer. Whether you stop at the beach for a minute or grab a bite to eat, it’s a nice change of pace and gives you a break from the road.
PPE – Don’t forget to pack plenty of PPE for your trip. You never know when you’ll need to throw on a face mask, some gloves, or sanitize your hands. Bringing household cleaning products like disinfectant sprays and wipes is ideal for cleaning the car and hotel room.
Going out-of-state or out of the country right now may be risky in the middle of a pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. If you need a mini-vacation to deal with the stress, a weekend trip to San Diego will suffice. It’s a short distance from Venice, the weather is perfect, and there are plenty of things to try. As long as you remember the tips listed above, you can have an amazing time without putting your health at risk.
