This summer, despite the concern of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families will be going on a vacation across the country. One of these families will be mine, as we feel comfortable traveling across the country at this point.
As schools continue to lessen the reigns on COVID-19 protocols and with students and faculty alike both now being admitted to the vaccination process, vacations have officially returned. Although it may not be a typical, free reign vacation, the possibilities of traveling abroad and having fun are now in the realm of possibility. Despite the fact that the United States is one of the most significant contributors to the global death count and infected individuals, many see this upcoming summer as a chance to return to normalcy.
The protocols created have given the option for normalcy to return (in some capacity). With the ability to now test wherever the possibility of carrying the disease becomes much less. In most states, many testing facilities and organizations require some proof of health no matter what, at this current time. Masks, if worn correctly, can mitigate the spread of the vaccine, and with an emphasis on sanitization, these procedures can stop the virus from its very roots. Along with the new vaccines, these factors have created a sense that the worse is finally behind us all.
This summer will be unlike any other. Beaches will be flooded with families, rental properties will experience a spike in business, and party towns will return, despite the global concerns. My family has a plan to combat the pandemic and genuinely enjoy our summer vacation through a road trip. This summer, we plan on road tripping in an RV across the country as a “last hurrah” before I’m shipped off to college. We will be isolating ourselves to just our family within the RV while traveling to historic and beautiful parts of the country to California. Similar to my mom, I love a plan, and oh boy, does she have a plan.
Our journey will begin with visiting Denver to visit family, and then gradually hitting Mount Rushmore. Kansas City will also be on our list as we make our way west, eventually ending up in San Francisco. My mother has been preparing this trip for months and has already rented, researched, and calculated the necessary cost and lifestyle of RV living.
Many would consider a cross-country trip a typical vacation in simpler times, but regardless, a cross-country trip tailors itself to the isolationist world we now inhabit. Our journey is perfect for avoiding people while enjoying the country’s beauty with drive-throughs and remote RV stops.
Luckily for us, most of my family will be vaccinated for this trip (besides my younger brother), so the chances of us catching the virus decrease tremendously. Although I am worried about the virus and its possible effects, I am wholeheartedly looking forward to my summer vacation with my family.
This trip will be the highlight of my summer vacation and will genuinely give me a memory that will last my entire life. My family is very dear to me, and I know I will miss this in college over 700 miles away. Although I will enjoy my time there, I know I will miss them. This trip will allow me to truly connect with my family before I “leave the nest.” Despite our worries about the pandemic, we feel strongly about taking this trip to create a memory for my family and me before I leave.