By Stephanie Haywood
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, travel spending in the United States declined by 42% in 2020 — with domestic travel falling by 34% and international travel declining by 76%. But now that restrictions are being lifted in many areas of the U.S. and the world, pent-up demand is on the rise. In fact, online searches for travel in May 2021 were up 270% compared to May 2020, and Google predicts that figure will likely rise, according to TravelPulse. Yet, it’s hard to say if or when travel will once again feel safe or normal.
The good news is, there’s no need to put all travel plans on hold for the next year or two. It’s very possible to travel safely in the post-pandemic world, and these tips from Austin Bike Tours & Rentals will tell you how.
Take a Road Trip
Road trips are probably the safest way to travel in this age, especially if you’re traveling with your immediate household. However, you’ll still need to take safety precautions against COVID-19, like wearing face masks in public or around non-household members; keeping hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes readily available; and distancing yourself from others while pumping gas, checking into hotels, and stopping for food or restroom breaks.
You’ll also need to find a few safe places to stay along the way, whether it’s hotels, vacation rentals, or bed-and-breakfasts. But if you’re still not comfortable staying in a hotel or vacation property during the post-pandemic, you can try hammock or tent camping, or you could travel in a sleep-friendly vehicle such as the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 2020 Subaru Outback, or 2020 Honda Ridgeline, though that might be a little less comfortable for some.
Hop in an RV
As another pandemic-friendly travel option, you might choose to plan an RV road trip with your family or other household members. You can park your recreational vehicle at RV parks and campgrounds, and many truck stops, casinos, schools, and Walmart parking lots allow for overnight RV parking as well. A few things you can do on your RV vacation include:
● Visit a local brewery or winery.
● Enjoy a hike, bike ride, walk, or another nature activity.
● Purchase a movie projector and watch an outdoor film.
● Pick your own produce at a local farm or orchard.
● Lounge on a sandy beach.
● Pack a picnic lunch or dine on a restaurant patio.
If you’re planning your first-ever RV vacation, Madeline Diamond of Travel + Leisure shares five mistakes you’ll want to avoid when traveling by recreational vehicle. Additionally, it’s important to keep your distance from campground staff and other campers — and bring your own portable shower and toilet to avoid using shared facilities.
Enjoy a Staycation
If you’d prefer to stay in your own city or town, staycations are another safe option. You could rent a private vacation property for a few days of exploring your city or town, allowing you to get away from it all without wandering too far from home. Vacation rentals are professionally cleaned and sanitized after each guest, and they limit face-to-face interactions between you and other travelers.
If you live in or near Austin, for instance, you could rent a vacation home that’s close to all your desired attractions. like the 351-acre Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, or Mount Bonnell for a little hiking. You just never know what hidden gems you may find in your very own city or state!
Traveling by train, bus or airplane may be out of the question for now, but you can still satisfy your wanderlust by planning a road trip or staycation. There are so many different things to see and do in the world, and many are within a day’s drive of your home. You just need to pack up your car, truck or RV and set off to find them!
Looking to rent a bike from a shop at the heart of Austin, or take a bike tour? Just pick your custom fitted hybrid/gravel bike from Austin Bike Tours & Rentals and you’re off! Tours include several different unforgettable rides in downtown Austin. Each adventure is unique from one another and our talented tour guides will show you the city in a different light. Contact us today at 512-277-0609.