Top 5 Takeaways from a Summer of Social-Distanced Traveling

Did your summer travel plans get cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis? Were you able to change course and travel locally? I graduated from Central Michigan University in May of this year. I, like many other graduates, was in the middle of planning my post-graduation trip when all Michigan colleges got sent home in March. My travel planning came to a halt, I moved back in with my parents, and I received my diploma from home. After the Michigan lockdown lifted, my travel planning commenced, but with a new twist—I was now traveling locally. As you begin to plan your local trips for the fall and winter, keep these five takeaways in mind.

1. You don’t have to go far to experience new destinations.
Is there a place in your state you’ve always wanted to visit, but just kept pushing off to travel to a further destination? I am guilty of doing this frequently. I used to think the most rewarding trips were the ones you travel the furthest to reach. This summer taught me to throw this mentality out the window! Little did I know, some of the most beautiful locations were sitting right in my backyard, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Saugatuck, Port Austin, Port Crescent, and Traverse City.

2. Don’t be afraid to travel to a small town.
My favorite trips usually involve spending a long weekend in a city such as Detroit or Chicago, but this summer I was reminded of the quaint, relaxing nature of small-town travels. Many of my summer travels were to towns with only one street; with a blink of an eye, you were in the next town. The advantage of traveling to small towns include spending time doing your hobbies, whether they be fishing, cycling, photography, or reading, you are in a place with little distractions. Also, it provided a break from my constant doom scrolling on social media and a mental break from the constant anxiety the pandemic is causing many of us. I do recommend traveling with a car to a small town, as grocery stores and other attractions you are interested in seeing may be 30-50 miles from where you are staying.

3. Support local businesses.
It’s no secret, the pandemic is impacting the bottom line of businesses of all sizes. Also, many small towns rely on tourism in the summer to keep their doors open. When traveling, I encourage you to support the local businesses in the area. Do more than just spend your money at the business, share their products and services on social media, leave reviews, and tell your friends.

4. Play it safe, spend time outdoors.
My summer travels consisted of hiking, relaxing at the beach, spending time at outdoor wineries, and trying new food by ordering take out to our Airbnb or hotel. While winter is around the corner, that doesn’t mean you can’t still spend time outdoors. Winter offers opportunities for snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, and tubing.

5. Plan, plan, plan.
I love a spontaneous trip as much as the next, but many businesses have limited services due to the COVID-19 crisis. Some restaurants may only offer takeout, some businesses may have reduced hours, and some may be closed all together. Do your research. Read reviews. Check Google, Facebook, Instagram, and websites for business information. How are they handling their COVID response? Are they wearing masks? How do their services differ? Some businesses don’t update their Google My Business and website frequently, so it’s key to also check out their social media for updates or pick up a phone and call.

I hope my takeaways from a summer of social-distanced traveling help you plan your next trip. If you’re travel plans changed due to COVID-19, leave a comment and tell me how you regrouped.