Cross-Country Adventuring During a Global Pandemic

We visited 20 states in 58 days and logged over 7,500 miles in our RV this summer. Many have said, “You must be crazy to travel during a pandemic!” As I love to camp and had a BLAST this summer, I’m happy to explain why we felt safe.

#1 – Road trips in an RV are one of the most popular and safest ways to travel this summer! We could tell that was true on day one as we passed many other campers heading into Florida as we were heading out! Camping is the definition of social distanced vacation. You can enjoy the great outdoors with little to no human contact. Many times, we booked the campgrounds via phone or online. When we arrived, they had our check-in information ready for pickup outside of the office, or it was an easy hand-off with masks on in the office. Onsite, we were able to eat, sleep, cook, shower, etc., in the friendly confines of our personal space. When and if we were within six feet of other humans, it was purposeful and planned. It was typically outdoors and with masks on.

#2 – Family time. Okay, when we started planning this trip over a year ago, it sounded like heaven to be living in a small place with those I love most. Who knew we’d have a “practice run” in our house during March, April, and May, as the world went into hibernation! I have to say, I’m the odd one out and enjoyed the spring pause from the frantic pace we had all accepted as “normal.” So, the trip was just a continuation of the closeness we had in the spring. Although we all had moments of “leave me alone” on the trip, I knew this chapter of spending so much time with my teenage daughter would be closing very soon. With that in mind, I couldn’t get enough quality time with my hubby, daughter, and dog. I’m a strong believer in every day being a gift. The only constant in this world is change, so I like to follow the mantra, “Take time before time takes you!”

#3 – Many of the stops were repeats for my husband and me. We had done similar trips with our families when we were young. It was a treat to experience those places again with our own family. I was surprised as to how many memories it conjured up. Many might argue that we could’ve waited until next year. Perhaps you are correct. We could go through the hassle and risk of trying to reschedule some of the hard-to-book reservations (Yellowstone, Devils Tower on July 4), but what you can’t stop is time. We would all be a year older, so my daughter would be so much closer to college. And honestly, who knows what will happen in the next year – will travel be an option next summer? Will our family still be in good physical and financial health, being able to travel? We were not willing to wait and take that chance.

#4 – Many of the places we visited were so thankful and excited to have the business. Yes, the virus can be debilitating and sometimes life-threatening. But another terrible toll the virus takes is on tourism and local economies. The campgrounds and businesses we did visit depend on the summer tourists for their livelihood. Not only did we get to see some of the natural wonders of our great nation, we also helped keep the local economies humming.

#5 – 2020 was the summer of no or small crowds. With everyone afraid of illness, the summer was a great time to visit popular destinations like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon (North Rim), and Devils Tower. Based on the volume of cars we saw in a few parking lots at Yellowstone, I was thankful we were able to visit in an “off” year.