How has the pandemic changed your summer plans?

[Todayscoolfacts]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!

[Mleeja]

Florida-Back-Roads Travel.com has a lot of interesting trips. Most are day trips, but there some which might require an overnight stay. I think we might head up to the big bend area for a mini-vacation. This area is relatively unaffected by the COVID-19 and interesting places to visit.

[retiredguy123]

I hate to say it, but my original plan was to go nowhere. Fortunately, I haven't had to change my plan at all.

[600th Photo Sq]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!

Take a drive to Palm Coast, 2 hours from Cane Garden. The beach is practically deserted. Bings landing BBQ Ribs. Getting to the beach take road directly across from A1A about 3/4 mile and you will be on the beach.

The Hammock Beach hotel is close by very nice various package deals.

Palm Coast Parkway excellent shops and restaurants

Steer clear of the Cinnamon Beach Air BnB you will be eaten alive.

[Stu from NYC]

We had several nice cruises planned and all cancelled.

Thought of road trip out west but afraid to stay at hotels now.

As a result we are staying home for now

[manaboutown]

Some people are planning RV road trips in lieu of flying or floating anywhere, staying in hotels and being dependent on eating at restaurants.

[sandybill2]

Had three cruises cancelled---March on Celebrity Edge--taking our son and daughter-in-law---April Carnival with my Aunt and uncle----NCL Alaska Cruise in August with my hubby. Still trying to make sure I get credits,refunds, etc., for these---not as easy as you think---cruise lines so backed up Missed our usual May trip to Kentucky visiting my 84 year old Aunt. Still planning on Virginia Trip middle of June---our son's birthday---have never missed being with him----just think we all have to decide for ourselves what we are willing to do---what we are willing to risk----just don't know where this virus is going to go---tomorrow-next week-next month-next year. We wear masks-to protect others, etc. and will take them with us because from what I have heard Virginia Governor is going to require these when in public---

[Nucky]

We had a simple trip to New Jersey for about a month planned in an RV. It's still too risky to give it a shot. We were going to take the grandchildren camping to several family campgrounds from the Poconos and then-unknown points west.

A small disappointment. There will be other better years to pull this off. We just miss the Grandkids a little bit. Thank God for Facetime.

[Stu from NYC]

We had a simple trip to New Jersey for about a month planned in an RV. It's still too risky to give it a shot. We were going to take the grandchildren camping to several family campgrounds from the Poconos and then-unknown points west.

A small disappointment. There will be other better years to pull this off. We just miss the Grandkids a little bit. Thank God for Facetime.

and zoom

[ColdNoMore]

Had three cruises cancelled---March on Celebrity Edge--taking our son and daughter-in-law---April Carnival with my Aunt and uncle----NCL Alaska Cruise in August with my hubby. Still trying to make sure I get credits,refunds, etc., for these---not as easy as you think---cruise lines so backed up Missed our usual May trip to Kentucky visiting my 84 year old Aunt. Still planning on Virginia Trip middle of June---our son's birthday---have never missed being with him----just think we all have to decide for ourselves what we are willing to do---what we are willing to risk----just don't know where this virus is going to go---tomorrow-next week-next month-next year. We wear masks-to protect others, etc. and will take them with us because from what I have heard Virginia Governor is going to require these when in public---

Thank you for being decent human beings and thinking of others...and not just yourself. :ho:


I do the same.


Safe travels. :thumbup:

[FenneyGuy]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!

My 15 day river cruise in Europe was cancelled. I rescheduled for 2021.

[La lamy]

I was hoping to start a vegetable garden in my new city where I just moved, but was put on a long wait list at a Community Garden. Thanks to COVID (kinda hate saying that), people got scared and I got an 8' x 8' plot to putter with! There's strict COVID guidelines and no compost available this year, but it's such a treat to have a project outside of the home to stay busy and happy with. And it's beside tennis courts that we love to play at. 2 in 1 bliss!!

[Clarinet]

We would be in Ireland right now had it not been for this event. Hope to reschedule in the future. Meanwhile we are in our home in Vermont and doing a lot of gardening, hiking, and social distancing.

[DIver0258]

We planned to retire to a new home in The Villages. Some how we were able to pull it off. My last day at work is June 30th. Our home in Georgia sold even with COVID 19 happening. We purchased our dream home. So our plans really haven’t changed. We feel fortunate that everything fell into place. We will spend the majority of the summer setting up our home and selling our villa.

[Leadbone1]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!

It all depends on your fear level! My plans have not changed at all because I will not allow them to! Heading to Hilton Head Island shortly for about a day and a half, and then a drive up to Ocean Isle North Carolina for a week long beachfront vacation with my entire family. 23 of us. Can’t wait!
Won’t let a virus hold me hostage!
Never did it for any other virus and won’t do it for this one.

[Cranford61]

Had three cruises cancelled---March on Celebrity Edge--taking our son and daughter-in-law---April Carnival with my Aunt and uncle----NCL Alaska Cruise in August with my hubby. Still trying to make sure I get credits,refunds, etc., for these---not as easy as you think---cruise lines so backed up Missed our usual May trip to Kentucky visiting my 84 year old Aunt. Still planning on Virginia Trip middle of June---our son's birthday---have never missed being with him----just think we all have to decide for ourselves what we are willing to do---what we are willing to risk----just don't know where this virus is going to go---tomorrow-next week-next month-next year. We wear masks-to protect others, etc. and will take them with us because from what I have heard Virginia Governor is going to require these when in public---

Too many cruises are bad for your liver..and your girth.

[Bay Kid]

Bought a new outboard motor for my Whaler, a couple new crab pots for those great Chesapeake Bay crabs, an extra oyster float and spat, new fishing line on my old reels, new dock chairs. Now I am ready to enjoy the quiet life on the bay.

[Davelinda91]

My plans haven’t changed I’m here in The Villages! Not much happening, squares are empty except for the line dancers in LSL. Restaurants have no lines, that’s always a good thing. Will be venturing out to the pools today.

[JC and John]

Our 33 day RV caravan trip to Yellowstone etc., scheduled for July was rescheduled to 2021. Still planning a couple of close to home RV trips. Booked at a lovely place in Panama City Beach for a week in July and a couple of days at a working farm that hosts RVs overnight. It will be good to get on the road again but of course safely.

[Joe C.]

No changes for me. Heading up to Traverse City Mi. ….renting a house on the lake. Then later on to Branson, Mo.
Will be driving instead of flying because I enjoy driving. Will fly later this year.

[Stu from NYC]

Too many cruises are bad for your liver..and your girth.

A great way to see the world though. I am good about drinking moderately, eating is kind of another story.

[kendi]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!

Canceled a September cruise in the Baltic Sea. But that’s okay, since we’re new to TV I feel like I’m on vacation everyday. Also run up North occasionally.

[luannsphillips]

So you bought a villa first to enjoy part-time, then built a full time home and sold your primary residence? That is the pathway we are considering. Any advice to share?

[Villagesgal]

Missed a month in Turkey in April, will not be able to visit and stay with family on Manitulin Island in Canada, borders closed that was planned for June, won't be visiting family in Seattle in August either. Oh well. Better safe than sorry, hopefully God willing, there's always next year. Honestly, can't complain much, the Villages is such a great place to live.

[DeanFL]

dramatically. We had air tickets to go coast<>coast to visit our kids(4)&grandkids(8).

Was to be Orlando>LA>Seatttle>St Louis>NH>Orlando over almost 3 weeks. Would have left June 4th. Had to cancel all, and good news - airline gave us total refund.

Perhaps will rebook for Fall, dependent on you-know-what. May have to postpone to next Spring - Fall may be too soon re air travel and young kids could be asymptomatic, we would not have to wear masks inside their homes... we'll see.

Will probably be a lot of 'staycations' in The Villages, which is AOK with us.

[fdpaq0580]

Reminder to self, check on the RV.
Since our spring and summer trips got cancelled we have been hanging around the house. Not boring since we have pool, books, tv, dvd's and other diversions. But, one day kind of slips into the next until here we are and summer is just around the corner.
Once we get the RV ready we may make a few short trips to Fla destinations (ie: Cedar Key, Jetty Park, Fort Myers, etc.). Kind of ease back into the swing of things.
And, yes, our masks will go with us along with our updated opinion of "personal space" because we don't know what we might encounter.
Enjoy your travels or your "stay-cation".

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Not sure I’ll spend my usual 2 months in Boston, I’ll wait and see how things open there

[willbush]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!
We cancelled our yearly 3-month travel in our motorhome & tow car visiting friends, family & sightseeing (including family campground(Waddington, NY) in Northern NY for 2 months) and will spend time visiting campgrounds in Florida along with some other summer projects

[GoodLife]

I was planning on getting my butt kicked all summer on this links course near Aberdeen Scotland.

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Maybe next year.

[BS Beef]

Plans changed dramatically. We are putting the final touches together with another couple friend for a Italy and Greece trip in the fall. Don’t want to miss out on the great deals out there right now. Love Italy and Greece has been a bucket list visit for sure. Can’t wait!!!

Scheduled for an Alaskan cruise early September (the last cruise of the season for Oceania). No changes to that.

[BS Beef]

I was planning on getting my butt kicked all summer on this links course near Aberdeen Scotland.

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Maybe next year.

Wow, that’s a bummer to miss on that :doh:

[runkcrun]

Our Son was supposed to get married in upstate New York this past weekend. Needless to say, wedding was postponed. We had planned to do some traveling to Maine, etc. afterward. No go. Not planning any other trips this summer.

[fdpaq0580]

I was planning on getting my butt kicked all summer on this links course near Aberdeen Scotland.

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Maybe next year.

(Envy. Envy. Envy)
Your photos remind me of a course I played in Portugal back in the early 70s. Getting your "butt kicked" is possibly quite correct. I know my Portuguese experience left me feeling proud of breaking 200 ... on the front 9. (I wasn't any good then, and I can't play at all now.)
I sincerely hope you get the opportunity to play there in the future.

[dougawhite]

Were scheduled to return today from 2 weeks in Hawaii at Disney's Aulani resort with our adult kids :-(
Was to celebrate daughter_in-law's cancer survival. Maybe in 2021.

[GoodLife]

(Envy. Envy. Envy)
Your photos remind me of a course I played in Portugal back in the early 70s. Getting your "butt kicked" is possibly quite correct. I know my Portuguese experience left me feeling proud of breaking 200 ... on the front 9. (I wasn't any good then, and I can't play at all now.)
I sincerely hope you get the opportunity to play there in the future.

I first played that course (owned by Trump) last year on a trip to Scotland. I have played most of the Open courses and most of the best courses in the UK. Trump International is truly a standout amongst many world ranked courses. It feels as if you are on another planet. From the tips it is over 7400 yards with a slope rating of 149 and it would make tour pros cry. If you miss the fairway it's not likely you will find your ball.

I know what you're thinking...of course he likes a Trump course. Actually I'd have the same opinion if Al Gore built it. When I played it last summer it was 280 GBP, over $300 for a game.

After my round I asked the Head Pro what a yearly membership costs, he said $2500 USD gets you unlimited golf. I said see you next year. :) This is the caliber of golf course that would cost $250,000 to join plus yearly fees of $25,000 in the USA

[PugMom]

We planned to retire to a new home in The Villages. Some how we were able to pull it off. My last day at work is June 30th. Our home in Georgia sold even with COVID 19 happening. We purchased our dream home. So our plans really haven’t changed. We feel fortunate that everything fell into place. We will spend the majority of the summer setting up our home and selling our villa.omg, how exciting~! Welcome to Paradise :coolsmiley: let us know how you get on. thx!

[Stu from NYC]

I was planning on getting my butt kicked all summer on this links course near Aberdeen Scotland.

84267

84266

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Maybe next year.
Wow how does one find room for enough balls in their bag. Might even have to sacrifice bringing all the beer we would want.

[karostay]

Too many cruises are bad for your liver..and your girth.

That's why they build mega ships not for the amount of passengers in mind

[karostay]

Plans changed dramatically. We are putting the final touches together with another couple friend for a Italy and Greece trip in the fall. Don’t want to miss out on the great deals out there right now. Love Italy and Greece has been a bucket list visit for sure. Can’t wait!!!

Scheduled for an Alaskan cruise early September (the last cruise of the season for Oceania). No changes to that.

I wouldn't change that either ....You'll be amazed !

[Barefoot]

...

[Barefoot]

We plan to retire to a new home in The Villages. :welcome:

[Velvet]

This pandemic taught me the importance of golf! Hubby and I plan to take this sport quite seriously. I also paint more than usual.

[Curtisbwp]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!

My wife and i had our yearly vacation all booked. We were going to go to Seaul korea for two weeks. Everything was booked and paid for.

[Barborv]

Had to cancel visiting my grandkids and kids in ND in April, Was planning to go down to TV This past week, that was a no go, and had to cancel my Globus trip this summer to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Will be driving down in July to TV and I'm really hoping it will be safer to fly in September b/c it's my granddaughters 1st b-day. Hope by July things will be better. PRAYING!!!!!!!

[Stu from NYC]

This pandemic taught me the importance of golf! Hubby and I plan to take this sport quite seriously. I also paint more than usual.

Enjoy the game but not a good thing to take golf too seriously.

[fdpaq0580]

I first played that course (owned by Trump) last year on a trip to Scotland. I have played most of the Open courses and most of the best courses in the UK. Trump International is truly a standout amongst many world ranked courses. It feels as if you are on another planet. From the tips it is over 7400 yards with a slope rating of 149 and it would make tour pros cry. If you miss the fairway it's not likely you will find your ball.

I know what you're thinking...of course he likes a Trump course. Actually I'd have the same opinion if Al Gore built it. When I played it last summer it was 280 GBP, over $300 for a game.

After my round I asked the Head Pro what a yearly membership costs, he said $2500 USD gets you unlimited golf. I said see you next year. :) This is the caliber of golf course that would cost $250,000 to join plus yearly fees of $25,000 in the USA

Hey! A great course is a great course, regardless of who builds or owns it. A rose by any other name... There are somethings, IMHO, that transcend politics. Golf is (or should be) one of them.

[GoodLife]

Wow how does one find room for enough balls in their bag. Might even have to sacrifice bringing all the beer we would want.

I hit the ball pretty straight, but had two errant tee shots. The first one I hiked up the dune in 3 foot gorse, found my ball and then took two mighty hacks to get it back in the fairway. The second time I just hit a provisional off the tee. :icon_wink:

If I took a 20 handicapper there I'd advise him to bring at least one dozen balls, maybe two dozen just to be safe.

[rondvu2]

We were planning on coming to the The Villages with my mother who owns there, however no guest passes meant no access onto the golf courses for us, so we decided to wait. My mother is there now with her BF soaking up the sun, joy riding on her newly purchased golf cart, getting to know some of her neighbors a little better from a safe distance, since she is a snowbird. Sounds like she is having a great time even with Covid restrictions.

[bern916]

We were to be down in our home in TV right now for 2 weeks, we canceled due to everything not being fully open yet (town squares ... etc). We have a trip to Riviera Maya scheduled the last week of September, fingers crossed that doesn't get canceled.

[davem4616]

At the start of this year, I had a trip planned at the end of the month to venture out west a bit. I imagine a lot of people have had their summer travels altered because of the pandemic, but I'm curious what you're doing instead of your original plans. Any local vacation spots that are worth checking out (and easy to practice social distancing)?Thanks!


You might want to consider a picnic at the beach. But don't venture too far into the water if you go to New Smyna Beach, it boasts the most shark attacks along the eastern sea board (and I doubt that the sharks pay attention to town line markers...so I'd be careful at any beach around here)

There are various local city and state parks that also offer picnic tables

If the Lake Ridge Winery resumes their outdoor concerts that's another option...you bring your own chairs, sit outside and can easily do the social distancing thing

currently our biggest adventure seems to be going to fetch the mail and going to the grocery store....although we have dentist appointments next week so that will add some
well needed variety to our lives lol

We pretty much have an open 'dance card' after backing away from an Alaskan cruise, scuttling a visit north to see family and scrubbing a late summer trip to Ireland/Scotland...

[Queens]

Can you post the information on the community garden? I would like to grow my own veggies.

[Stu from NYC]

You might want to consider a picnic at the beach. But don't venture too far into the water if you go to New Smyna Beach, it boasts the most shark attacks along the eastern sea board (and I doubt that the sharks pay attention to town line markers...so I'd be careful at any beach around here)

T

Guess it is hard to convince sharks to do social distancing when they see us as food.

[trekker954]

We had several nice cruises planned and all cancelled.

Thought of road trip out west but afraid to stay at hotels now.

As a result we are staying home for now

Good idea. And as still current since late March, most hotels let a lot of staff go. As an avid traveler, on many sites I am still reading that those who have returned to travelling for work are still finding hotels without the services we are use to including daily room cleaning. Marriott and Hiltons for example you can request towels and linens which will be put outside your door. You can put your trash outside your door. If you have status with any of these hotels, they are not offering lounge access. You might get a go bag for breakfast with an apple and muffin or extra points. But of course you are paying the same.

Anyone planning a hotel stay, just call the hotel first to understand what to expect so there will be on whinning.

[Stu from NYC]

Good idea. And as still current since late March, most hotels let a lot of staff go. As an avid traveler, on many sites I am still reading that those who have returned to travelling for work are still finding hotels without the services we are use to including daily room cleaning. Marriott and Hiltons for example you can request towels and linens which will be put outside your door. You can put your trash outside your door. If you have status with any of these hotels, they are not offering lounge access. You might get a go bag for breakfast with an apple and muffin or extra points. But of course you are paying the same.

Anyone planning a hotel stay, just call the hotel first to understand what to expect so there will be on whinning.

When we travel to a specific point that takes over a day by car we usually have no idea where we will stop so typically go to first rest stop in state we will stop at and get discount hotel books and pick a nice chain at a convenient exit.

Since hotels are desperate for business how can we trust what they tell us and have a relaxing nights sleep? As a result we are staying home. Too old to sleep in our car.

[Sheldon5663]

My plans haven’t changed for the summer😎❤️

[ColdNoMore]

I had been planning on coming out of Grandma's TV basement for about 30 minutes, one day in May...but I changed my mind.




:D

[Ladygolfer93]

Where to you live that they have garden plots may I ask ?

[Ladygolfer93]

Totally agree ! Hotels, really high end too, are so dirty (in "unseen" ways, sometimes behind headboard, sometimes where the walls meet the floors are so filthy because they only run vacuum in middle of room, no one ever cleans this area like we do our homes, behind drapes, blinds, and have you ever checked the AC filter in a really high end motel like Radisson, Marriott, etc..... if not, DON'T ! I am now so "paranoid", I can't stand to think about how many people have hacked and coughed all night on my pillow (with the nice new case), so I TAKE MY OWN.... now that's paranoia right ?

[Stu from NYC]

Totally agree ! Hotels, really high end too, are so dirty (in "unseen" ways, sometimes behind headboard, sometimes where the walls meet the floors are so filthy because they only run vacuum in middle of room, no one ever cleans this area like we do our homes, behind drapes, blinds, and have you ever checked the AC filter in a really high end motel like Radisson, Marriott, etc..... if not, DON'T ! I am now so "paranoid", I can't stand to think about how many people have hacked and coughed all night on my pillow (with the nice new case), so I TAKE MY OWN.... now that's paranoia right ?

Hmm that does not give me a warm happy feeling of going to a hotel anytime soon

[BRK1939]

Yes we used to take photos of the disgusting areas of our Hotel/Motel rooms and forward, with civilised comment, to both the Manager and to the CEO of the organisation. Never achieved very much and certainly never in the appearance of those same rooms on future trips.

Anyway we have always driven (for fifteen years) out to Colorado/New Mexico to miss what we hoped were going to be be the most humid months here in TV. Not sure if we will do so this year. Certainly have not planned for any "out of North America" trips for 2020.

For the last month we have made Thursdays our weekly "get out of TV day", limiting it to a 100 mile driving radius. This mode of sanity keeping might see us thru this year ! Just a comment: we went to Cedar Key today -- not a single mask was seen on public or professional persons ! Stopped in Dunellon to eat, again not a single mask seen. Seems TV has one of the few diligent populations (in our view).

[Nucky]

Bought a new outboard motor for my Whaler, a couple new crab pots for those great Chesapeake Bay crabs, an extra oyster float and spat, new fishing line on my old reels, new dock chairs. Now I am ready to enjoy the quiet life on the bay.

I had the chance several times to buy a Center Drive Boston Whaler and instead of just doing it I figured out the time I would spend in it VS the money it would cost. Another regret.

Life is for living. If any of our kids move close enough to us I'll buy one for them and let them do the work and I'll just have the fun. :a040:

[BogeyBoy]

Let's see - changed our summer plans? How about changed a lot of plans? We were supposed to be in Dubai for a while this spring. Then in Africa. Cancelled those plans. Booked a cruise just to get out of dodge. Cancelled that cruise. Had a "election avoidance" trip planned for all of October; Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Cyprus, Spain, and more, plus a transatlantic cruise back to the USA. Cancelled. Having been RV'ers for many years we decided to buy a new motorhome and hit the road in the USA, and get to see the kids in California without flying. If anything goes crazy with Covid-19 we have our own bed, kitchen, and bath.

[Bay Kid]

I had the chance several times to buy a Center Drive Boston Whaler and instead of just doing it I figured out the time I would spend in it VS the money it would cost. Another regret.

Life is for living. If any of our kids move close enough to us I'll buy one for them and let them do the work and I'll just have the fun. :a040:

I am training my grandchildren safe boating with this great little boat. Bay life!

[mkarba]

Thanks for this site. I’ve marked it as a favorite and will be using it often.

[mkarba]

Florida-Back-Roads Travel.com has a lot of interesting trips. Most are day trips, but there some which might require an overnight stay. I think we might head up to the big bend area for a mini-vacation. This area is relatively unaffected by the COVID-19 and interesting places to visit.
Thanks so much for this local Florida travel site. I’ve now marked it as a favorite.