As summer starts to wind down, are you realizing it’s almost back to school time and while vacationing looks very different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic – you’d still like to plan a road trip or local getaway? Here are a few tips to preparing for an end of summer localized vacation or road trip.

Know Before You Go

If you choose to hit the road and travel out of state, make sure you check current state guidelines first. There is a list of over 30 other states that are under a NJ travel advisory and when you return, you’ll need to do a 14 day self quarantine. This might require you to re-think your travel plans, so be sure to check https://covid19.nj.gov/index.html for the most up to date information before you get on the road. It is also recommended that if you or any members of your travel party are feeling sick, or any of you have been around someone who has tested positive within the last 14 days – that you don’t travel. Keeping all that in mind, if you do still plan to embark on your out of state road trip – remember that NJ rest stops require a face covering, and most likely you will not be able to eat indoors.

RV Getaways

You may opt to take your end of summer road trip by renting an RV (recreational vehicle). Traveling by RV is comfortable, avoids having to sleep outdoors or set up a tent because you’ll be able to sleep inside the RV within an RV park, and makes social distancing overall more convenient for traveling this year. All you have to do is plan your destination by researching national or state parks, and you’ll even stay safer by being able to bring your own food to prepare meals, your own bedding and towels, and the like. Find out more about RV rentals at https://gorving.com/

Hotels and Resorts

Most major resorts in the tri-state area are open. Have you looked into Pocono, PA waterpark resorts like Kalahari, Camelback Mountain Resort and Great Wolf Lodge to book your stay? Spa resorts like Crystal Springs in Hamburg, NJ and Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY are also open, however you might find that some spa services and steam rooms still remain closed. Mohonk Mountain has 85 miles of hiking trails for all ability levels, which makes it possible to be socially distant while also enjoying the outdoors. Crystal Springs is a popular golf destination, so if you’re a golfer – bring your clubs and prepare for a nice day out on the course.

Private Rentals

Airbnb and VRBO have been popular private rental services as of late, where you’ll get to stay in a private rental house with your group. You’ll get to choose your destination and also bring your own food. You’ll also have control over who comes into your space during your stay. Many private rentals have required vacancies between clients and deep cleaning rules in place, and some are only renting for longer stays – to minimize the number of guests in spaces.

Camping

You might choose to check out a local campground this summer, and sleep outdoors in a tent. Many campgrounds also have RV parking sites, so if you are traveling by RV – you may very well find yourself staying within a campground. Jellystone Park Camp Resorts has multiple locations in Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania – this might be a great place to check out if you are considering going somewhat locally. Many campgrounds also have pools, sporting activities and hiking – so this might be a great way to plan an end of summer family trip that has a little something for everyone.

The moral of the story is that as we all know, it’s been an unprecedented year. Wherever you travel – you’ll need to be patient and expect the unexpected. Keep reading up on state and local guidelines for wherever you are planning to go, and try to always make a reservation whenever possible. Though your family summer vacation probably looks a lot different this year, you can still find ways to have a great time and by traveling locally – save money in the process!

Article Source: njfamily.com