I get it. Like me, you've been sequestered for what seems like an eternity. Are you longing to do a bit of wandering? Visit old favorite places or some new ones? Are you wondering what your travel options are now as stay-at-home orders are lifted? We're going to be in a new normal for a while, so it's not going to look like your memories of vacations past. If you want to travel again, it's time to -
- Imagine new possibilities.
- Think outside your travel box.
- Get outside your comfort zone.
Here are some ways to satisfy your wanderlust and still be mindful of social distancing and health guidelines.
Get Off The Well-Trodden Track
We all tend to get stuck in what's familiar. Or popular. But no matter where you are in the world, there are endless beautiful, fascinating, and inspiring places that are lesser-known treasures.
Adopt the curious spirit of a child, and let yourself explore.
If you insist on "having a plan," zoom in on a smaller geographical area and do some research. Google all the placenames. Whatever shows up on a local map. Check out local newspapers and regional publications. Then, search again on Facebook and Instagram. I guarantee you will find far more than you imagined.
My preferred alternative to that is to just go. With no destination in mind, pick a general direction and just wander. Let your curiosity guide you. Pay attention to historical markers, roadside information kiosks - all those things you always zoomed right by. Create your own adventure.
Do Something Totally New
You don't have to be part of a crowd to have a spectacular, memorable adventure. If one of your favorite travel options was a cruise, why not yacht charter Greece island tours? Typically, you'll be with a small group, maybe six or eight, not the two or three thousand on a cruise ship. No sailing experience is required, because a skilled Skipper will be part of your package. Imagine sailing along beautiful coasts surrounded by nature, enjoying a leisurely cocktail on the deck, with all your senses being lavishly drenched in a tropical ecstasy.
Savor the ancient culture and history dockside, along with moussaka tzatziki feta cheese, frappe coffees, open air cinemas and kiosks - and then wrap up your day to the sounds of the gentle waves lulling you softly off to sleep. Sound heavenly? It is.
Are you more of a landlubber and prefer the likes of a national park experience? While they are each unique in their own way, you can find similar stunning landscapes away from the tourist throngs. The Grand Canyon is one-of-a-kind, but there are equally inspiring canyons sprinkled all over the western United States. And with many of them, it's just you and nature. Again, putting in a little research time (think: "beautiful canyons of Arizona") will pay off with travel jackpots you never expected.
Make This "New Normal" Something Special
We may have to alter the way we travel for a while. But that doesn't mean it has to be less satisfying, less memorable. So get back out there, and embrace a new adventure!
Beach lover. SoCal dweller. Life is never over unless you surrender. Keep going, the prize IS out there.
