We had an exciting trip to Hawaii planned for the end of this month, until Coronavirus happened. We anxiously waited for weeks to hear if it was still a possibility. The nail in the coffin was finally placed when the governor of Hawaii extended the 14-day quarantine for all travelers until the end of June. Many have had their trips canceled just like ours. Others are dying to get out of the house they have been quarantined in for months. If you are wanting to travel this summer, but aren’t sure where to go, this information is for you!
This summer is the perfect time to travel:
Many like us have vouchers from hotels/ airlines etc. that have dates that expire by the end of 2020. As we considered when to go, one thing we saw was that if we waited until fall or winter, more restaurants, activities, and locations would be available for us to enjoy. We also might even feel safer, BUT life would much be busier. Right now workloads are lighter, sports and other activities are on hold, and we may be more available now than ever again.
With the airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies ramping up their safety measures, they are making it safe to travel. As we researched our options, we were amazed at the low prices! We were able to get a Tahoe for 7 days for just $120!
Where to Go:
Things to Consider When Looking Where to Vacation This Summer.
- International Travel has been heavily discouraged or shut down.
- Cruise ships have been suspended until August.
- COVID-19 hotspot areas
- States with quarantine rules for incoming/returning travelers.
- Phases of reopening for each state
- Places with activities to do outdoors.
1 & 2 didn’t require further research so we started our research on #3.
3. COVID hotspots
We found this map helpful when looking for places that were not as heavily infected with Covid-19. As much as we want to get away, we don’t want to get the virus.
4. States with Quarantine Rules
We compiled a list of states that still have quarantine rules in effect for travelers. This is important to consider because you may not be allowed into the state without being quarantined or be able to return to work once you are home. These are the most up-to-date state regulations, but they may be lifted any day now.
Alaska: 14-day self-quarantine to any travelers entering the state of Alaska, or the entirety of the trip if less than 14 days.
Arkansas: 14-day self-quarantine for travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans, and all international locations.
Connecticut: Urges all travelers in any form of transportation to quarantine for 14 days.
Delaware: 14-day self-quarantine for all out of state travelers except those passing through the state. The requirement doesn’t apply to health care workers, public safety, or anyone providing essential business or emergency services for COVID-19.
Florida: 14-day self-quarantine for anyone traveling from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or New Orleans.
Hawaii: 14-day self-quarantine for anyone traveling from the continental U.S. or inter-island Hawaii travel.
Idaho: 14-day self-quarantine urged for anyone coming from an area of “substantial community spread.” Nonessential travel should be limited or avoided.
Kansas: 14-day self-quarantine if traveling from New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maryland.
Maine: 14-day self-quarantine for any travelers coming from outside Maine.
Massachusetts: 14-day self-quarantine for all travelers, and visitors urged not to come if they have symptoms. The only exempt from quarantine are healthcare workers, public safety, transportation, or considered essential workers.
Nebraska: 14-day self-quarantine for international travelers or the rest of their trip if less than 14 days. Healthcare workers, commuters, and certain other groups are exempt.
Nevada: 14-day self-quarantine urged for all travelers coming from outside the state. This rule does not apply to healthcare workers, public safety, transportation, and food supply essential employees.
New Mexico: 14-day self-quarantine for anyone traveling to New Mexico.
Oklahoma: 14-day self-quarantine for any travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington state, California, and Louisiana. Airline personnel, military, health care, and emergency workers are exempt.
Rhode Island: 14-day self-quarantine for any travelers from outside of Rhode Island.
South Carolina: 14-day self-quarantine recommended for travelers coming from areas of widespread or ongoing community spread.
Utah: 14-day self-quarantine for travelers from high-risk areas, and recommends limiting out-of-state travel.
Vermont: 14-day self-quarantine for travelers coming to the state.
Virginia: 14-day self-quarantine for those who have traveled internationally, on a cruise ship or riverboat, or any U.S. area with widespread community infection.
Wisconsin: 14 days “limit your exposure to others outside your home as much as possible” is recommended for residents when returning to the state.
5. States Phases of Lockdown
Each state is at a different phase of lockdown. Some will allow restaurants to be opened to 50% capacity while others still haven’t opened state parks yet. The rules of each state will HEAVILY affect your ability to enjoy your vacation if you are not aware of them. This map can give you a place to start. Deep blue is the most open states.
There is more detailed information in the link below.
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/us/states-reopen-coronavirus-trnd/
6. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities:
Many museums, amusement/ theme parks, theaters, and other heavily populated touristy sites are closed until further notice. Consider areas with natural beauty and outdoor activities that would interest your family. Areas near beaches, mountains, waterfalls, Lakes, forests, etc. may be a more realistic option.
States with Beaches open: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia
States with State Parks Open: Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
States with Campgrounds Open: (Varies by state)Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnisota, Missouri, West Virginia, Texas
https://www.google.com/amp/s/thedyrt.com/magazine/local/campground-closures-list-covid-19/amp/
States with Pools open: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska (in certain counties) Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia
Everything in North Dakota is open, but visitors are encouraged to practice safe distancing.
this site can give you further details on museums, theaters, bowling alleys etc.
I hope this information will help you find the perfect spot for your family vacation this summer! Happy Travels!!
The Traveling Six 