Can I safely take my family on vacation during the COVID crisis?

By Extension Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor of Health & Wellness, Maren Voss

Response:

With COVID shutting down state and national parks, airline travel restricted, and the threat of quarantine hanging overhead, most of us have been staying at home.  It may be hard to remember the last time your family took a road trip or headed out on a weekend getaway.  But vacations have proven benefits for family cohesion and togetherness, along with a host of other benefits.

A 2011 study found that children who traveled over summer break scored higher in math, reading, and general knowledge than kids who didn't travel. It’s been proven that taking time away from work may have both psychological and physical benefits. People who vacation actually take fewer anti-depressants!  They also experience lowered risk for heart disease, lower stress levels, and a more positive outlook on life—as if you needed any more reasons to make time for that much needed and well-deserved R and R.

You may be asking yourself, “How can we possibly vacation during COVID-19?”. Valid question! Allow me to explain. Assuming that your home is not in a location deemed high or moderate risk phase, you have options you can enjoy while safely social distancing and maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness. For example, Airbnb allows you to stay in one location that has been properly sanitized, so as not to encounter hotel staff and other guests during your “safecation”. Getting outdoors is another perfect get-away, where wide open spaces are the norm.  Beaches may also be okay with social distancing, assuming that they are not over-crowded.

Embracing new adventures and experiences with your family while vacationing can help alleviate sibling rivalries and bickering. The intense together time allows individuals to work through and improve communication patterns.  Creating shared memories and experiences forms foundations of bonding and shared trust.  Road trips are a perfect way to social distance.  You can choose dining options with take-out facilities and camping over hotel rooms.  A road trip let’s your family see the sites, get outdoors, and take your together time somewhere outside our homes where we have been cooped up for months.

If you are in a high-risk situation, perhaps choose a virtual vacation! Google Earth is a great way to safely enjoy the sites without even having to leave your living room. Select a destination of your choice and share the virtual trip with your loved ones.  Order food to match your destination, try out activities from your virtual locale, and explore new cultures from the comfort of your home.

The heart of the matter is maintaining close family bonds and making sure you make time for your loved ones.  You can plan a COVID va- or stay-cation.  This is vital to mental health and couple and family relationships. Wherever you decide to go, or whatever you decide to do, make sure you follow recommended safety precautions according to state and county guidelines. Most importantly have fun and enjoy this time with your loved ones!

References

• Hartig, T., Catalano, R., Ong, M., & Syme, S. L. (2013). Vacation, collective restoration,  and mental health in a population. Society and Mental Health, 3(3), 221-236.
• Lehto, X. Y., Lin, Y. C., Chen, Y., & Choi, S. (2012). Family vacation activities and family cohesion. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 29(8), 835-850.