As we all know, 2020 has pretty much sucked! Due to the unprecedented recent events the world over, people have been coming up with pretty inventive ways to travel; safely, of course! Justin, with Sublime PR, reached out to me a while back with these six social distance getaway ideas! I’m a fan of them ALL!
1) Rent a Tricked-Out RV:
Bookings of travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes have jumped more than 1,000 percent since early April. Blacksford is a new recreational vehicle rental business offering fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles from Winnebago with an all-inclusive pricing model that includes unlimited miles, no generator fees, bedding, bath and kitchen supplies, free Wi-Fi, a free annual pass to national parks and 24-hour roadside assistance. https://www.blacksford.com/.
My thoughts on this: I was JUST talking to my mother-in-law the other day about her and her hubby getting an RV (eventually), so they could travel the states! I hadn’t thought about RENTING one! It is a great way to escape for a while and test out a type of RV! I’m not sure if you’re aware, but an annual pass to the National Parks is FABULOUS as they are NOT that cheap! See here for deets.
So, now my goal will be to eventually rent an RV and make a trip across the states to visit as many NP’s as possible within the RV confines! Safety first, folks!
2) DIY Bike Tours:
Bike sales have boomed recently – now, where to ride? Plan an epic bike tour of your own that visits small towns, scenic parks, and historic landmarks with resources from Adventure Cycling Association. The organization offers maps, an app, and more for 50,000 miles of routes across North America. Try the TransAmerica Trail, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, or the new Parks, Peaks, and Prairies route from Yellowstone to Minneapolis. If self-guided isn’t your style, Adventure Cycling also leads a variety of tours every year. https://www.adventurecycling.org/
My thoughts on this: I am nowhere near in shape to be able to do this, but what a GREAT idea! I used to adore bike-riding as a kid! I am excited for my kids to learn the thrill too!
The Adventure Cycling link above is incredible! It has detailed maps, a calendar of events, and a way to pick/choose what would work best for you! I think you should check this out!
3) Glamp Near a National Park:
Just minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fireside Resort offers 25 pint-sized, luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus. Each place has its own outdoor fire pit and deck. The resort is located a stone’s throw from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes. It’s a great place to post up for a summer getaway or a ski trip. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com.
My thoughts on this: SIGN ME UP! A few years back, Tyler and I, along with my sister and friend, took a two-week road trip. We went to SEVERAL National Parks, but Grand Teton wasn’t one of them, and it looks absolutely gorgeous! I’d love to go GLAMPING right outside of it!
I would say that now this is going on my bucket list, but aside from the actual tiny homes with Fireside Resort, Grand Teton is already ON said bucket list! 🙂 Is it on YOURS?!
4) Visit a Remote Guest Ranch:
Red Reflet Ranch is a 28,000-acre luxury resort and working ranch on the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains, just minutes from the Bighorn National Forest or a scenic three-hour drive from Yellowstone National Park. The closest sign of civilization is Ten Sleep, Wyoming, with a population of about 260. As a guest, you’ll stay in a private chalet and enjoy family-friendly activities like horseback riding, ATVing, ziplining, swimming, fishing, shooting, and indulging in gourmet farm-to-table cuisine. http://redrefletranch.com/
My thoughts on this: Not to be similar to my last opinion, but again, SIGN ME UP!!! LOL, I need a vacay! This sounds excellent! I haven’t been horseback riding since I was a teenager, and my kids adore horses! Plus, add-in the other amenities, and I’m seriously ready! Now, if only I could get an offer from someone at the RANCH! 🙂 🙂
Also, Yellowstone NP – is a MUST-SEE destination. If you haven’t already been there, I highly recommend it! This was one of the National Parks that we stayed a few years ago, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
5) Bike, Hike & Camp:
Bike touring could be the safest bet for a socially distant vacation. Escape Adventures has been leading cycling and camping vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world since 1992. From road cyclists and mountain bikers to electric bikers, Escape Adventures offers an array of great multiday tours, often with camping options, in iconic destinations like Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon. https://escapeadventures.com/
My thoughts on this: I get newsletters from Escape Adventures quite frequently, but due to my physicality and out-of-shapedness (yes, I know that’s not a word), I just haven’t looked much into it! From what you can see above, and if you visit their site, they have a TON of places to bike and see! They all sound exquisite to me!
6: Yellowstone-Area Adventures:
If spending a day on a trail through shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows or on a clear, cool river is your style, a stay at The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky, Montana, is in order. From this town on the edge of Yellowstone, you’ll find summer adventures like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and national park tours. In winter, average annual snowfall of 400 inches and 5,850 acres of ski terrain on four connected mountains means Big Sky Resort has plenty of powder and space to spread out. https://thewilsonhotel.com/
My thoughts on this: This is also at the top of my to-do list! Along with everything else, this sounds perfect! Not that I could ever convince Tyler (my hubby) to do it with me, but I’ve always wanted to do whitewater rafting! Has anyone reading this done that before? Tips/tricks/takeaways welcome!
By now, you’re either salivating at the thought of SOME kind of vacation; or you’re like, um, no, COVID has ruined my life and if that’s the case, buckle-up buttercup, because COVID isn’t going anywhere. Just like the flu, and every other virus that’s known to man! So, I say, wear your mask, hop in the car or whatever, and GO FOR IT!
I just posted about a GREAT place to go visit on the Texas coastline the other day; and you can check that out here!
Let me know your thoughts on all of this! I’d love to get to know what’s on your bucket list!
Love ya,
Kelly Ann
