With the COVID-19 pandemic still going strong, many of us are facing down a summer with no travel, no vacations, and no large gatherings. This is particularly challenging for those of us with wanderlust who are left feeling frustrated, trapped, and unfulfilled. But look on the bright side...spending a few months at home is a small price to pay for health and safety, and it opens up a lot of space to plan for happier times ahead! Below are some tips for scratching that travel itch during the pandemic. Remember that your top priority should be to stay safe and socially responsible, so be open to the idea that upcoming family vacations may look a little different than they have in the past. 

How to Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Tip #1: Wait until 2021. We are pretty much halfway through 2020, so 2021 is not actually as far away as you may think. Do some research now into vacations you may want to take next year, and definitely capitalize on deals that struggling travel companies are offering for advanced bookings. For example, Hawaiian airlines is offering incredible roundtrip pricing to Australia in early 2021 for parents who are fearless of long flights with the kids! You may not be able to travel the way you want to during this pandemic, but remember that vacation planning can be just as much fun as the vacation itself! There is just something so delicious about anticipation...
• Tip #2: Drive instead. If the thought of boarding an airplane with potentially asymptomatic people makes you nervous, then forgo plane travel and plan a vacation that is closer to home! Road trips are classic for a reason, so use this road trip planner to capitalize on your journey. Their map function points out noteworthy stops along your route to keep the kids from getting bored and gives you turn-by-turn instructions. 
• Tip #3: Consider camping. If you are not confident in the sanitation skills of hotels or air bnb hosts, then bring your own lodging by taking your family on a camping trip! Use this camping checklist from REI to make sure you don’t forget anything essential. 
• Tip #4: Go Remote. Did you know that you can explore some fantastic world destinations without even leaving your couch? Remote tours are gaining popularity as they are a great way to bring some culture and history to your family without actually having to make the journey. Find some of the best virtual tours available here. 
• Tip #5: Try A Day Trip. Almost everyone lives within a few hours drive of something interesting or new. Take this opportunity to check out things that are so close to home that they don’t necesitate an overnight stay. Here is a great guide to planning a successful day trip, just make sure you wake up early to capitalize on your time! 

Remember that travel is an adaptable hobby. Don’t let the fact that cruises and resort vacations are cancelled at the moment, instead, get creative!