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Family Vacation Ideas for School Holidays (Pandemic Friendly)
Guest post featuring inspiring ideas on where to travel during school holidays! Don’t knock a staycation until you’ve tried it! #traveltips
Image from Unsplash
Best Family Vacation Getaways for School Holidays (Pandemic Friendly)
Written by Emma Grace Brown
School holidays are a welcome respite from the ongoing burden of everyday life and routine. But while your kids may be thrilled by the idea of days off from school, the prospect of summer break or winter holidays isn’t quite as appealing to parents. There are activities to book, laziness to nip in the bud, and vacations to plan. And as we emerge from the pandemic, travel options may be more restricted than before.
But it’s nothing a little planning and foresight can’t fix! According to Travel Agent Central, 85% of Americans plan to travel this upcoming year. There are lots of options - and contrary to popular belief, vacations can be pandemic-friendly. Here, we share some ideas and activities for the whole family.
Get Out of the House
Embarking on a new adventure after years of being stuck at home will be a special memory for your children. Pandemic guidelines are constantly changing, so your best bet is to remain within the country rather than exploring other worldwide destinations. An all-inclusive resort in a beach town may be the move for you and your family to experience the healing benefits of water. Or else, book a unique and exciting property near you for a more intimate, peaceful stay. You’d be surprised at how much fun you can have exploring the woods with your kids or setting off on daily hikes by foregoing the typical amusement park staples.
Home Is Where the Fun Is
In our opinion, you don’t even need to step outside your home to enjoy the calming and relaxing benefits of vacationing. Opt for fun activities that get the whole family involved if you’re not quite ready to venture out into the world. The sky is the limit here: you could do family movie night with all the snack fixings or go camping - in your backyard. Pick a hobby for the whole family to work on together - be it painting, sewing, or pottery, and stay comfortable in some new clothing like a pair of leggings or a loose but flattering T-shirt. According to Zapier, learning a new skill together is one of the best ways to create unique bonding moments.
Just be sure to put up a boundary between fun time and chore time, as kids may find it difficult to differentiate different activities taking place in the same environment. Setting up a physical limit around your property will also be beneficial to ensure safety when the kids are out and about. If your property needs a fence, it’s best to get that sorted prior to embarking on your home vacation. Before meeting with a fencing contractor, evaluate companies by reading online testimonials, recommendations, and reviews. The average homeowner spends around $4,500 to install a new fence, but the total cost will depend on your area, materials, and size. When looking up “fence contractors near me,” be sure to check your contractor is licensed, insured, and updated on underground utility lines.
A Happy Medium
Are you looking for the perfect balance between staying in and going out? A staycation is the ideal solution for your family! Book in at a hotel or Airbnb in your city, and take the struggle out of traveling and commuting. Remember to pack some games, lots of snacks and enjoy luxuriating in a new setting that’s not too far from home. It will be a welcome treat for your kids, but without the commitment of planning travel in these changing times.
We’ve all been stuck in an endless cycle of work from home, virtual school, zoom workouts, and online shopping. All that digital presence may have you (and your kids) craving some good old-fashioned vacation time. While it may not yet be safe to take off on a far-flung, exotic vacation, there are many options closer to home that are pandemic-friendly. Whether you opt for that staycation or book a stay in secluded woods or a ski slope, we hope this time is a memorable bonding experience for your family. Happy vacationing!
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Planning and Packing for Travel in 2021
2020 was the year for canceled travel plans, but 2021 has made it possible for plans to start being made again. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a travel planning guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.
Image via Unsplash
Planning and Packing for Pandemic Travel
The virus canceled countless travel plans over the course of 2020, but progress has made it possible for plans to start being made again. That said, it’s important to plan responsibly so that your travel during the pandemic is as problem-free as possible. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.
Choosing a Destination
Consider potential destinations in terms of how they have handled the coronavirus crisis. For instance, Everyday Health suggests looking for places that have an established trend of cases decreasing, allow free movement into and out of the area, and have easy access to treatment.
Whenever possible, always plan different outdoor activities. The virus is highly unlikely to transmit when people are outside, so choose fun activities like going to the beach or hiking that allow you to keep a comfortable and safe distance in the open air. It’s a wonderful time to visit any natural wonders you've been dreaming of visiting, as they are the perfect excuse to stay in the sunshine and under the stars.
International Travel
With vaccination efforts fully underway in many places and infections on the decline, countries are beginning to open back up their borders to international guests. While many aspects of transcontinental travel remain the same, some countries are requiring international travelers to provide proof of vaccination before they can enter, while others have changed their stances on dual citizenship passports. Always do research before planning your trip.
Consider this list of questions before deciding on a destination:
● Do I need to be vaccinated?
● What kind of proof is required?
● Will my passport still work?
● If not, can I get a new one in time for travel?
● Do they have a mandatory quarantine period upon entrance?
● What are the country’s restrictions for moving about within and outside of its borders?
If you do travel outside the United States, make sure to bring a universal plug adapter and smart suitcase to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Domestic Travel
If you’d prefer to travel closer to home, state and national parks are excellent options for outdoor activities, the features of which can have a powerful impact on those who visit. Ask anyone who has hiked the Grand Canyon about it, and they will reply with an almost mystical look in their eyes, remembering the breadth and beauty of it. The same could be said for many of the stunningly gorgeous sites of the natural world these parks host. National parks have made a move toward integrating Wi-Fi and establishing cell towers nearby, so it is easier than ever to stay connected even when in the wild.
What to Pack
Pandemic traveling calls for a few extras in your travel bags. Sanitizing wipes, face masks and a digital thermometer are all good investments. Packing food and drinks can help keep you from having to enter too many places, and bringing your own toilet paper and wipes can save you if travel stops along the way have their bathrooms closed to the public due to the pandemic.
Selfie sticks are a great way to get the photos you want of you and your travel companions without having to ask strangers to touch your camera or phone. Solar chargers are perfect for time spent in the great outdoors, and with a mobile hotspot, you can get service wherever you may be. Also, if you plan to use your smartphone for navigation during your road trips, purchase a reliable mount for your car that will allow you to use your device hands-free.
The virus doesn't have to keep you from making memories of exploring new places. Choose your destination wisely, research extensively to make smart plans, and pack with safety and connectivity in mind. Your sweet escape is waiting for you.
Flying in 2019: Travel Tips and Tricks for the Airport and Flight
Flying in 2019: Airport and Flight tips and tricks for an easy, headache free travel day. Check out how to get through the airport, TSA, and what to pack in your carry-on for your next flight! #travel #flying
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As jet setters, we fly often and have gone through many airports and sat on many flights. It’s hard to make the time go by fast when you’re flying, but here are some tips that will get you from airport arrival to landing:
Check-in to your flight in advance and get your mobile boarding pass!
Check-in for your flight 24 hours in advance so you don’t have to wait in those long lines at the airport. This can also be a great way to get your mobile boarding pass and get a good seat assignment if you weren’t able to select your seat when you booked your flight.
Bring Snacks and Stay Hydrated
Airport prices are usually pretty high, save money by bringing your own snacks with you. Most airports have installed water bottle refill stations, I always bring an empty water bottle with me in my carry-on luggage so I can fill it up once I get through security. If I forget my water bottle, I’ll always buy one at a store after security. Amazon sells a great compact water bottle perfect for traveling with!
Travel Outfit
I love to wear a long flowy top (shirt or sweater, depending on the weather) and leggings. When you’re cramped in that middle seat for 5 hours, at least you’re comfortable! I always wear socks since most airports make you take your shoes off when going through security. Although I have TSA Pre and I don’t have to take off my shoes, I try to avoid boots or heels so the sensors don’t go off. Sneakers usually work best! Airports and airplanes can either be extremely cold or too hot, so always pack a sweater or hoodie and wear layers to peel on and off. Also, try wearing compression socks to avoid fatigue and bloating.
TOP TRAVEL ELECTRONICS
Bring a Portable Charger
Not all airports have convenient outlets or charging stations or sometimes they are all occupied! Make sure you bring a portable charger, my favorite is the Mophie Powerstation that already has a cord built in!
Load up your iPad or Laptop with entertainment!
24 hours prior to my flight, I download movies, TV shows from Amazon and Netflix and a few games to my iPad. You must refresh any downloads within 24 hours you plan to view them or the app will require internet. You will have to take your laptop and any other large electronics out of your bag when going through security, so make sure to pack your laptop or any other electronics with easy access to them. If flying international, you’ll have to take out all electronics in most countries.
Checked Luggage Tips
Secure your luggage!
Whether you’re checking luggage or not, you should get TSA approved locks. In the event your luggage gets into the wrong hands, your belongings will be safe. They are also useful when you check in or out of the hotel and leave your bag with the bell desk. You can never be too careful. Take a picture of your luggage in case your checked luggage gets lost, having a photo of it in addition to your checked luggage tag can make it easier to find.
Beautiful Bag Tags
Also, if you are checking your luggage, get a bright luggage tag or tie a colorful ribbon on the handle of your suitcase so you can find it in the sea of luggage look a-likes.
The BEST Carry-on Bag
Looking for a great carry-on? From a weekend in Vegas to 4 days in Hawaii or 2 weeks in Thailand, this Travel-Pro carries it ALL! You can easily compact everything to maximize your space! Even pilots and flight attendants use this bag!
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OTHER HELPFUL PACKING LISTS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP:
Make an adorable Easter sugar cookie house with jelly bean eggs, piped buttercream grass, and a bunny detail on the back. Easy, kid-friendly spring build!