It might only be the start of the new year, but after the mayhem 2020 left behind, it’s only natural to hope for better days. With the first batches of approved COVID-19 vaccines making their way around the nation, citizens are optimistic about the warmer months ahead. Believe it or not, some people have gone as far as to start making vacation plans for spring break. If you happen to be one of them, here are some things to keep in mind.
Health And Safety
At the top of the list of considerations is your health and safety. Though by Spring of 2021, many people will have received the vaccine, it won’t be enough to declare everything safe. There will be individuals who aren’t interested in the vaccine, not to mention those who will have difficulty gaining access. As such, contracting the coronavirus will still be a threat.
While this doesn’t have to deter you from making travel arrangements, you should proceed with caution. Even if you’ve had the vaccine, ensure that you pack enough PPE and continue to practice wearing your mask, washing your hands frequently, and social distancing to be on the safe side. You should also reconsider inviting relatives that are high-risk to avoid any mishaps.
Travel Destinations
Another thing to consider when making plans for spring break is your travel destination. At the moment, many countries have issued travel bans and restrictions to contain the virus. Depending on how things have progressed by spring, these bans may still be in place. When it comes to domestic travel, some regions may still be labeled hotspots.
So, when selecting a place to travel for spring break, try to pick a place where things are relatively safe. Continue checking the latest news reports on the destination to ensure things don’t get worse. If there are health and safety alerts for your chosen travel site, it may be best to cancel or postpone your trip until things have calmed down.
Finances
Not to burst your bubble, but finances are a significant part of planning a trip. While you may have a job right now, this may not be the case in a few months. As some businesses continue to fall to the pandemic’s financial pressures, hundreds of thousands of citizens become unemployed. Not to mention, the cost of living continues to rise.
So, when planning your spring break getaway, do so on a small budget. Try to find ways to save on vacation like package deals, coupons, and online discounts to make the trip more affordable on any budget. You should also avoid, if possible, prepaying for certain travel accommodations. This way, if things get out of hand for you financially, you can back out of the trip without losing any deposits.
Activities
It’s not uncommon to center your spring break vacation around a popular event. It is during this time of year when some of the most prolific seasonal events take place. There’s so much to do in the US that time of year, from outdoor concerts and beach parties to festivals and parades. While you might be anxious to participate, it may not be the safest. Believe it or not, some organizations are already canceling or postponing major events this spring. There’s also the added risk that everyone will be there, which only puts you and your travel companions in harm’s way.
It’s best to find activities where you can control the level of safety. For example, if you’re into antiques, you might plan a trip to scout for antiques in New Orleans. You won’t find large crowds in these quaint shops, but you can still have fun doing something you enjoy. If you’d like to lounge around the pool or head to the beach, you might be better off planning a staycation in Venice Beach.
If the start of the new year and news of the COVID-19 vaccines have you dreaming of better days, you’re not alone. As Spring of 2021 is just a few months away, everyone is ready to leave the comforts of their home, the everyday stresses, and simply enjoy themselves. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming and planning for spring break, just be sure you do so with the above considerations in mind.
