Planning Your Next (Socially Distant) Outdoor Vacation

June 13, 2022

With summer on the horizon, many people are setting their sights on a vacation. However, some people aren’t quite ready to return to the activities of years past. Instead, their goal is to remain socially distant, designing an outdoor vacation that focuses on safety first.

Mask mandates are getting lifted in many states, even though a new wave is potentially on the horizon. Plus, while 77.4 percent of eligible Americans have had at least one dose of the vaccine, 23.2 percent haven’t begun the vaccination process. Even if you’ve had three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine – making you 94 percent less likely to end up on a ventilator or die from the disease – social distancing may still be a priority for you. After all, you’re safest if you don’t get sick.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to have a socially distant outdoor vacation. If you want to plan one, here are some tips from My Freeloader.

How to Handle Overnight Accommodations

Generally speaking, hotels are less safe than many alternatives. Hotels typically function as gathering places, with many points being frequently reused by numerous guests and staff members. Since that’s the case, going with another option may be best if you want to focus on social distancing.

Instead of a hotel, make every part of your outdoor vacation an outside adventure by camping. If you want to keep the cost down, you can opt for tent camping. However, if you have access to one or can afford the price of a rental, consider an RV. RVs give you hotel-like amenities along with privacy. Plus, many campgrounds have hookups, giving you access to power, water, and potentially even Wi-Fi.

For something more traditional, you could also look for cabin rentals on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. While you might want to give everything a quick once over when you arrive, the space will be solely yours during your stay, making it safer.

How to Design a Fun Itinerary Full of Activities

Plenty of outdoor activities allows for social distancing. Hiking and biking are classic options if you’re near a large state or national park. You could pack up a picnic for a lovely lunch and hit the trails to find a beautiful spot for a midday break. Even if you happen to cross paths with other visitors, you can give each other a wide berth as you do.

Another excellent outdoor activity for those focused on social distancing is boating. Many recreational areas have rentals, allowing you to have a relatively private space while you’re out on the water. Generally, you won’t get approached by strangers unless there’s an incredibly good reason, so you probably won’t have to concern yourself with unexpected visitors.

You could also explore options at dude ranch resorts. Many of the activities occur outdoors, making it easy to remain socially distant. Plus, if accommodations are included, they’re usually far more private than a traditional hotel.

If your traveling group is all adults, a trip to a vineyard could let you have some fun while remaining socially distant. Even if you intend to sample some of the wine, you can find vineyards that offer outdoor wine tastings or dining.

Making the Most of Your Vacation

If you want to make the most of your vacation, set boundaries with your employer. Let them know that you’re unavailable, ensuring you aren’t disrupted while you’re away.

Along with taking time off, it’s wise to embrace other options for maintaining work-life balance. Learning to say “no,” prioritizing tasks, and delegating can all make a difference, so give them a try whenever your stress levels get high.

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