3 V’s to Consider When Planning a 2020 Vacation

The COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to relax around the nation and many “stay-at-home” people are raring to hit the road. There are 3 V’s to consider when planning a 2020 vacation.

Government, medical, and even travel websites post rules and guidelines for vacationers’ health and safety. This blog post addresses our views (not political), our vigilance, and our versions of 2020 vacations.

*NOTE: This post was written during the first week of May 2020. The content may not pertain to the current and everchanging health and safety mandates.

Most likely, family getaways will look different this year.

National and state restrictions are mandatory. But there are some options in which we have control.

Voluntary Options

There are several voluntary options to consider when planning a successful 2020 vacation. Sure, we want to be mindful of COVID-19 “hotspots,” but choosing a vacation attitude is just as important as selecting a vacation destination.

Choosing a Vacation Viewpoint

Picking a vacation spot with lovely views won’t mean anything if our attitudes are ugly. Choosing the right vacation viewpoint can be a struggle.

Sometimes, family members associate the idea of a vacation with the freedom to do whatever each idividual wants to do.

Each person may focus on how badly he or she needs a sabbatical, how they particularly deserve a getaway.

The circumstances may differ, but, stress is stress. And that applies to all ages, ninety-three to three. Everyone vacates for a reason. Their needs may be physical, mental, emotional, relational, spiritual, or all of the above.

We need to remember, not only is this my vacation, but also it is a much needed break for those who are traveling alongside me—family, friends, and strangers.

Kindness means considering the needs of others.

Moms, I hear your sighs. Many times we don’t feel like we’re “on vacation” because we’re constantly taking care of our families’ needs no matter where we go. We often return home from a “vacation” more tired than when we left! I get it. Truly, I do.

I think of all the women who had to suddenly learn how to work from home during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, many had to learn how to assist their children with distance-learning. Even those who were already SAHM (stay-at-home-moms) before COVID-19–we’re all ready for a break!

Is it possible to relax and care for others? It’s not about allowing others to take advantage of you. Moms, dads, and children should all practice serving one another. The challenge is doing it with the right attitude.

Looking to the needs of others is often a battle between flesh and spirit. It takes wisdom and discernment in knowing when and how to serve in the best way. To maintain the right attitude, prayer precedes practice!

Another voluntary option we have is our approach concerning face masks.

Selecting a Face Mask View

To wear, or not to wear, that is not the question here.

Neither should we allow it to be an issue when people are trying to enjoy a much-needed vacation.

We all have our personal views about wearing a face mask during a health crisis. Surely, we can learn to live peaceably whether we are standing behind a face mask or in front of one.

Those who do not wear face masks, be respectful of those who do. And vice versa.

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceable with all men.”

Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

Be considerate. Whether or not you choose to wear a mask, if you’re not feeling well—even if you think it’s a seasonal allergy—keep a healthy distance from others, especially from those who are wearing masks. Many folks have underlying health issues.

Recently, I heard someone comment, “Well, those folks need to stay home, anyway.” We tend to forget everyone needs to get out of the house on occasion. A vacation, for those who are normally homebound, is the biggest breath of fresh, lifegiving air for their minds as well as their bodies.

Politeness goes two ways. If someone is not wearing a mask, we can still show respect, even if our views differ. As Bambi’s friend, Thumper, says, “…if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Life is too short to live in fear, or in resentment. And vacations are definitely too short for arguments.

Some folks will live their lives as close as possible to the way they lived them before the COVID-19 crisis occurred. Others will make major changes in their lifestyles at work, at home, and when they’re on vacation.

In most places, wearing a face mask is on a voluntary basis. But, let’s definitely choose to treat others with kindness.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, my family’s vacation plans will include kindness and due vigilance.

Due Vigilance When Planning a 2020 Vacation

In the legal world, “due diligence” means taking reasonable steps to avoid harm to someone or their property.

Planning a vacation during a health crisis, requires due vigilance. Most vacationers will be cautious in their choices and attentive to the details. They may refer to the CDC website which offers information for travelers to consider when making their plans.

Our family has varying viewpoints and levels of comfort after the COVID-19 crisis. To accomodate them all, we have decided to sequester at a beach house later this year. Because we long to be together, we’re making adjustments so everyone feels comfortable.

Making Careful Choices

We can’t control everything when planning a vacation, but we can make careful choices.

Research vacation destinations—resorts, hotels, campgrounds. What steps are they taking to ensure a clean environment? What guidelines are in place for guests and how will they be enforced?  Will you need to take extra precautions when using the amenities such as the pool, and when you go out to acquire food and supplies? Find out what is open and what remains closed.

It will reduce stress if you know ahead of time the status and expectations of the facilities where you plan to vacation.

The place where my family plans to vacation posts extensive information about steps they’re taking to combat germs. Their steps go above and beyond our expectations. Wise choices help everyone in our group look forward to the trip.

Before COVID-19, our family went to the stores on a daily basis for groceries and for fun. This year, we will pack as much of our groceries as we possibly can prior to leaving home. For now, we want to minimize our time in heavily populated areas.

Extra Sanitization

Even when places are diligent in sanitizing regularly, vacationers may want to take steps with extra sanitization.

This year we chose to rent a house that is cleaned by professional cleaners rather the previous renters.

Even so, after the professional cleaners clean the house, we will still disinfect the house ourselves as soon as we arrive. Additionally, our strategies include placing a hand sanitizer outside the front door to use prior to entering, keeping a roll of paper towels in the bathrooms to use rather than sharing a hand towel, and bringing all of our own linens and paper products.   

And of course, we’ll encourage extra hand-washing, and social distancing when we are out and about.

 Social Distancing

You know the drill. Six feet. Many businesses have marked off areas now to help us with social distancing.

My challenge is to become more aware of these areas. I’m not used to looking for arrows on the floor to herd us all in the same direction. I’ve overlooked small (and huge!) signs just because I’m not used to them being there. Either that, or my subconscious associates them with marketing tactics and I’m oblivious of them. I need to pay more attention.

When vacationing, we need to teach our families to be more mindful of social distancing and different forms of signage.

Speaking of different forms, the last of the three V’s to consider when planning a vacation deals with our versions of traditions.

Flexible Versions of Traditions

This is a year like no other, in many ways. Just as we’ve adapted to changes in public spaces like work, school, and church, so too, will we need to be flexible in our family vacations. This includes our vacation traditions.

For years, my family’s vacation destination hosted free, family bingo nights. They gave away prizes such as candy bars, tee-shirts, and coupons to their local snack bar. It was a tradition we greatly enjoyed. Currently, many group activities like this have been cancelled. We’ll adapt this tradtion by taking our own games and prizes. It’ll still be fun. Plus, someone in our family is guaranteed to win!

Also, our family vacations always include finding a Krispy Kreme donut shop. We like to linger there over coffee, sugary treats, and conversation. This year, we’ll get donuts to-go and find a more open place to enjoy our sweet fellowship.

Perhaps your family has vacation traditions as well. Maybe you’ve always gone to a certain location, but you’re uncomfortable staying there this year due to COVID-19. Remember what’s most important and adapt your plans.

You might consider other location options or maybe a staycation isn’t such a bad idea, after all.

The key to a successful staycation is to do something FUN! Perhaps mix one of those vacation traditions with something out of the ordinary.

Swinging Staycation Ideas

Here are a few suggestions to get your staycation swinging:

Participate in a progressive take-out dinner.

Create your own splash pad, water slide, or hay bale “swimming pool” (the key here is “go big” in creativity/ size).

View a drive-in movie.

Tackle an outdoor adventure you’ve never done before.

Host an Extravagant Night- Splurge by going to an upscale restaurant, buying an expensive family game you’ve been wanting, or buying novelty sheets for everyone (but plush sheets for Mom!)

Attend or perform an outdoor drama.

Create a scavenger hunt for unusual things and for fantastic prizes.

Rent a boat, jet ski, kayak, or inner tubes and hit the water.

Tour a city on a two-wheeled personal transporter .

Research for nearby attractions. Choose a few places you’ve never visited before and which your family feels comfortable with and go. Many places are planning special activities–especially for the folks who are a bit nervous getting out after the COVID-19 crisis.

Try a new outdoor obstacle course or create one of your own.

Go camping/glamping in the backyard–even if it’s only for a few hours.

Rent a fun vehicle for a day trip.

Search Pinterest for more creative staycation ideas.

Whatever version of a vacation you have this year–enjoy it. Your family can relax and have fun no matter what you choose to do.

Be vigilant in caring for your family and for yourself.

Remember what is mandatory and what is voluntary. We have the freedom to choose our attitude.

Quite often our words and actions will set the tone in our families. They can make or break precious moments.

Planning and adapting to a 2020 vacation may be a little more challenging. But in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, I think we can all agree, that doing anything together is a magnificent blessing.

What plans are you making for this summer?