Thriving During a Pandemic in the Winter Months

Would it be okay to say 2020 has been a doozy? As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, we wonder: will we face yet another lockdown in winter? What will 2021 look like? When will we be able to travel?

Cabin fever is real, and it looks as if no respite is in sight with the colder months approaching. It’s easy to ruminate on the negative and all the things we can’t do right now, but I say we focus on the positive and fill our cups with things we can do.

For starters, self-care is more critical than ever. After all, there’s probably not a person among us who couldn’t use a little love and antidote to the humdrum of life in quarantine (or whatever variant of it your state has enacted). It’s also essential to find small ways to infuse our lives with the joys of vacation anticipation, even if upcoming adventures are a way off.

Here’s a list of creative ideas to make thriving during a pandemic in the winter months a little easier. I hope it inspires you and your family to stay positive, engaged and connected as we move into winter.

Nourish Your Body & Soul

What does self-care look like right now? Eating well and indulging in the abundance of wonderful vegetables and fruits made available by the fall harvest. It also means sipping warm teas and evenings spent in front of the fire. Scandinavians have long fostered feelings of coziness or hygge in their homes, and we can learn a thing or two from their approach to the colder months.

Scandinavians have a saying worth our consideration this year, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Living in Michigan, I have to admit they may be onto something. What does this mean for your family? Don’t let dropping temperatures stand between you and new adventures. Bundle up the kids (and yourself) and get out there! From snowshoeing to ice skating and skiing, make this season magical.

Make Informed Decisions

The same question has been on all of our minds. When will it be safe to start traveling again? There’s no simple answer to this question. What’s more, the answer is different for each individual and family. You must consider various factors, including your family members’ health, your risk tolerance, and your comfort level.

Researchers now know much more about how the virus spreads. Based on this increase in knowledge, we have guidelines founded in concrete scientific research. There are many great resources out there to help you make better travel decisions in terms of destinations, transportation, and more.

When you do decide to travel again, we recommend careful research. Check out the US State Department’s travel site. Understand where travel bans and restrictions apply, too. Working with a family-focused travel agency that makes your safety paramount means more than ever these days.

Go on a Local Vacation or Staycation

How do you alleviate cabin fever until you’re ready for your next international family vacation? Consider a local family vacation or staycation. Countless fun ways of taking some time for yourself and your family exist. They include everything from a couple of night’s stay at a hotel to camping and RVing.

The RV market has boomed in recent months, suggesting a rebound in camping of all types. And it makes sense considering camping is a safe and accessible way to get outside while adhering to social distancing standards. No matter how you decide to get out and see something new, a change of scenery will do your family good.

Explore the World from Home

We all need little escapes right now, even if they’re home-based. Fortunately, there are countless ways to embrace the travel spirit, even from the comfort of our homes. They include:

• Undertaking new culinary adventures
• Reading fantastic books about travel
• Indulging in hands-on activities and crafts
• Engaging the world through television shows and movies

Whether you structure these activities into a regularly scheduled family night, or sprinkle these activities throughout your monthly routine, they’ll help your family stay excited about the possibilities of travel.

Thriving During a Pandemic

Despite the unprecedented nature of our current situation, fun and exhilarating ways to stay excited about your travel future abound. These include dreaming, planning, and getting excited about where the future will take you.

Are you ready to make the most of fall and winter 2020/2021 with virtual travel experiences? We all need a healthy dose of optimism and something to anticipate as we keep thriving during a pandemic. Let us put some travel-inspired excitement back into your family life. Join us for one of our upcoming virtual travel and wine events. Reach out if you have any questions or to discuss safe travel options for 2021 and beyond.