Traveling looks different these days, but it was time to pack a bag and try an overnight trip. I took another trip to Charleston, y’all. More importantly, I practiced social distancing every step of the way.
The last time I went to Charleston, I was dining inside, making quick stops into stores, and walking through crowds. It’s hard to imagine, but I was doing this all without a mask and without an emphasis on staying six feet away from others. This time, we intentionally chose a room on the lower level of our hotel to avoid the elevator. Things have certainly changed.
I still want to travel, and I love a change of scenery. Here are my suggestions for hitting the road while still focusing on safety:
1. Follow the rules
Yes, masks make things a little bit trickier — and the humidity doesn’t make things fun either. However, follow the guidance from the CDC. Wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid large crowds, and more. When outside of our hotel room, I only removed my mask to eat or take photos while far away from others.
As you’re planning your trip, map out a schedule based on these guidelines. If you know one of your favorite restaurants is still only offering delivery or takeout, roll with the new change. If you think a popular tourist attraction will be crowded, search out a less frequented spot.
2. Try to make it a short drive
If possible, avoid taking long trips that require multiple stops. Each place has different standards of how they’re approaching COVID-19. We’re still in this, y’all. Keeping it close to home or within a day’s drive is one of my recommendations.
There are so many things to do within a few hours of your home. If you decide on a longer trip, do research beforehand. Learn more about how hotels or restaurants are working to protect you and their staff.
3. Don’t focus on what you’re missing
It can be really easy to see how different travel has become right now. I understand that we don’t want to ignore what’s right in front of us. However, we also don’t want to stay down about a situation that may be here a while longer.
Instead, look around. There are people who are trying to enjoy the rest of their summer, too. They’ve got their sanitizer, their masks, and they’re keeping their distance. They’re still snapping photos, enjoying a delicious meal (even if it’s pick-up), and making memories.
One of the people I met was kind of enough to let me use her car in my photo shoot. What a great reminder of a simple act of generosity.
This is a wonderful post. Im happy tvat you have shared safe ways to enjoy summer. Im taking a stay in my home next week to celebrate my husbands birthday, and planned to write about it. With travel limited these days its a fun alternative.
My Best,
Nancy
Thank you Nancy! I can’t wait to read all about your husband’s birthday celebration. I know it will be amazing! Take care and be well.
These are such difficult times to adjust to! MakEs me so sad and longing for what we ised to have…but teying to make the best of it all. You always look terrific! Xx
Lucy I feel the same longing for what we used to have. I am hopeful that we will return to amazing destination soon and put this horrible COVID-19 behind us. Be well and stay safe!
I loved this so much Stephanie. So mAny great tips for safe traveling. We just got back from a week vacation at the beach and it felt great to getaway. The beat part is it was only an hour drive away.
Hi Stephanie
What a great post! I love Charleston and would love to go very soon! Your photography is great and what a cute car…not to mention your beautiful dress! Also great tips for travel – things certainly have changed!
Thanks so much Suzanne! Yes things have changed so much since this time last year–with a little planning and preparation we managed to travel safely. Hope you are able to plan some safe travels this season.
Stephanie,
What lovely photos my friend!
Charleston is a great city to visit.
Yes, traveling during the coronavirus has changed how we travel.
We did a 3-day road trip from Atlanta to Park City which we enjoyed because of the lack of cars on the road .
I miss traveling to Europe but hopefully we can fly in 2021!
HUgs,
Robin
This is such a beautiful Post!
I too miss traveling this summer, but we are all doing our best to make the needed adjustments.
And better brighter days are ahead of us.
Rosemary