As more of us get vaccinated in the US, we are hoping we can reach some level of herd immunity by the summer. Recognizing it may take much longer, many of us are tired of being cooped up and are planning to travel, anyway. As more vacation destinations are opening, and restrictions are being lifted, there is a growing desire to book that flight soon. Here are some facts and tips to consider as we both make travel plans for 2021……
By now, many of us, especially those living in the north, are running out of steam being cooped up during the cold winter months, continuing to shelter and use masks, wanting to be on some far away exotic beach. The pandemic continues to rage on and is now mutating, becoming more contagious. I, for one, am being cautious as I am plotting how to escape from the daily boredom of working at home and not being able to socialize and be outdoors.
I recently came across a quote that both horrify and sadden me. The quote was by Sir David Attenborough, a naturalist and well-known BBC broadcaster and environmentalist, which states the following “The question is are we happy to suppose that our children may never see an elephant except in a picture book?” Pretty devastating when you think of how much destruction we as human beings continue to extract on this planet…
As the world experience a second wave of this insidious virus that manages to outwit any efforts to clamp it down, many of us yearn to travel and connect with family and friends, especially as the holidays are before us. Is it safe to travel? How can I protect or reduce my chances of catching this disease or spreading it to others? While there are some precautions you can take to reduce (not eliminate) catching this infection, there are no guarantees. But if you must… here is some advice on what to do….
During my last trip to Miami before the recent peaks in COVID cases, I took a flight on a seaplane with a couple of friends to explore the wonders of Miami’s spectacular coastline. Emerald waters with sandy beaches and luxury high rises side by side offers the most captivating panorama landscape that will fill your eyes. The wow factor of taking off from the water into the sky where you can still smell the ocean as you are climbing up towards the clouds is indescribable. My memories and photos will have me yearn to do this again…..
I recently was offered an opportunity to fly to Miami to combine business with a bit of leisure, happily freeing myself from months of being sheltered. As we enter the cooling month of October, what better time than to be on the coast of Miami except that you have to fly in the middle of a pandemic.
The October foliage is a wonderful time of the year to get out and explore the beauty of this annual splendor, thanks to a bit of chill in the air and a little something called chlorophyll (remembering earth science class). The Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York offers both the opportunity to enjoy the foliage, its famous wineries and harvest.
As the weather begins to get cooler in October and November, there is no better time to enjoy the fall foliage than traveling North toward the Delaware River between the New York and Pennsylvania border. Super happy to visit a friend for the weekend in the town of Milanville, Pennsylvania, adjacent to Narrowsburg, New York. These charming communities are nestled between the Catskill and the Pocono Mountains and have become a getaway for urban dwellers seeking to escape or retire.
If you are living in New Jersey, a significant portion of the state’s boundaries are touched by the Atlantic Ocean, where one can quickly arrive at the closest shore within an hour’s reach. The only issue is that the New Jersey coast is just not that attractive…. long strips of sandy beaches with not so blue waters. There are several coastal communities that have a wonderful historic vibe or scenery worthy of visiting throughout most of the year (Atlantic City is not one of them unless you like to gamble). One that I love is the historic town of Cape May….
During these uncertain times, we are all feeling the frustrations and sadness of not being able to travel. The month of August has been excruciating for me as it is the time that I tend to travel internationally, and it ain’t happening. So what is the solution?
As I forge through this pandemic, I want to share some tips on how to explore places closer to home and my own local travel experiences with the hope that you will be inspired to do the same. I am fortunate to live in New Jersey close to quite a bit of unique possibilities from New York to Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut. I will be featuring on my blog a BackYard Series of possibilities until it gradually becomes safer to travel. You don’t have to travel far to experience something cool!
