Travel
A Virtual Vacation How to see the sights even while social distancing
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STORY BY KAREN THORNTON
ou all know traveling is my husband’s and my passion. We barely return from one trip and are planning the next adventure. The thought is, do it while we can. Well this year has thrown a little kink in the planning. When we travel we usually build up excitement from the research and planning. We always try to add a short stop on the way to our destination to extend the trip. It truly is the enjoyment of “where can we go?” With the hospitality industry struggling right now and some travel restrictions in place, you may be wondering how you are going to salvage your summer vacation. Luckily, there are many options online. Just about any place you want to go can be pulled up right on your screen. If you are wanting to see more or are planning an actual visit once attractions open back up, you can always request a brochure or more information be sent to you. The Corona Virus has limited travel for many of us, and some people are leery of traveling at all. This makes it a good time to take a look at a virtual vacation. Join me as we explore our options.
Get ready.
No passport, no flight arrangements, no suitcase needed … just a little cheese and wine. There is no admission and you can stay in your PJ’s. You don’t
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LAKE LIFESTYLES // JULY/AUGUST 2020
even have to maintain social distancing. Decide how long you want to be gone — 20 minutes or all day.
Develop a plan. Since we are just planning from our living room, we don’t have to think about cost. Pick a destination or two. Are you interested in history? What about taking a cooking class or want to attend an event? Pinterest (isn’t just for crafts) they have amazing travel tips. People sharing pictures of where to go and how to get there. Once your list is made, you will be ready to check out travel blogs and websites.
Let’s plan a trip. If you don’t have a clue about where to go, ask your friends where they have been and if they would recommend a great destination. You might also ask where they have been and would never go again. Make a list of where you have always wanted to go. I remember watching the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” and immediately put it on my list of places to visit. Seeing the pyramids in Egypt, Buckingham Palace in London, the Lourve in Paris, the Vatican — all vacations of a lifetime. You can dream big and see all the sights you may not be able to see up close and personal.
