How Quarterlifers Can Get The Vacation They Need This Summer

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It’s summertime, which means you were likely looking forward to a big vacation to unwind and recharge. While COVID-19 has rendered the traditional “vacation” unsafe, there are still ways that you can get away from your Zoom-fatigue. Here’s how you can get that much-needed vacation.

Take a road trip.
Driving (instead of flying) is one of the best ways to control a variety of unknown factors that come with COVID-19. If you’re dying to get out of the house on your week of PTO, then a road trip to a new or known destination can be the perfect remedy. You’ll still need to navigate shared spaces, but you can do so safely with lots of planning.

When you select a destination, make sure you look for travel restrictions and quarantine rules for that location. Some locations are more optimal than others for short trips. You can read about the state by state restrictions here.

You can also take precautions while on the road. You should touch as little as possible, pack disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, and always wear a mask in public spaces. You should also avoid unnecessary stops if possible (every 2-3 hours is okay). If you’re going somewhere relatively nearby, you can also bring food to reduce the need to enter grocery stores in a new location.

Go to the beach (if you must).
Is vacation synonymous with the beach for you? A lot of people feel this way. They’re used to seeing the water and feeling the sand beneath their toes at least once a season. Now, this isn’t license to go to a crowded beach in a state where cases are spiking. However, if you happen to live in a state that has beaches, and you can go to one that isn’t crowded, then it can be a safe summer activity. While you’re there, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your household
Skip the crowded boardwalk or food vendors
Minimize time in gathering areas (parking lots, public restrooms, etc.)
Avoid crowded outdoor and indoor spaces
Disinfect rented equipment
Observe local guidelines and recommendations

If you can’t visit a beach safely and being near water is an important part of vacation for you, consider vacationing near a river or lake this summer instead.

Do a “remote week.”
Many quarterlifers have experienced job changes or loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, you may not be able to take vacation time right now. However, if you’re working remotely, you can change your scenery for a reprieve from your day-to-day. Head to a rental home either nearby or in a different spot entirely (take all the precautions recommended in the above section regarding road trips). You can select a place that aligns well with your home office needs and also helps shake things up a bit. The beauty of remote work is that you don’t have to work exclusively from home. You could work somewhere close to family, somewhere with a lake or pool, or somewhere else creative. Work from 9 to 5, and then engage in vacation activities otherwise. It’s a happy solution for those who may not get the time off from work they’re craving this year.

Final Thoughts
Sometimes you have to create your own vacation in life – regardless of the circumstances. Check back at The Quarterlife Center for more about life as a young adult, especially during the craziness of COVID-19.