It’s no secret that 2020 has had its fair share of challenges, and after being stuck at home for months on end, we are craving a getaway like nothing else. In previous times, planning a trip was par for the course and such a normal part of life that the only thing we needed to determine was time, location, and cost. But today, with the uncertainty surrounding the typical “vacations” of the past and travel in general, seeking ways to travel and explore safely requires more creativity than ever before.
While we aren’t all necessarily ready to hop on an international flight anytime soon, travel definitely can still be a reality - it just needs a bit of tweaking. If you’re itching for a new adventure and a change of scenery from your home’s walls, then check out our list of current travel faves below. With a new location and a totally unexpected lodging situation, you’ll feel like a brand new person and will be out of that in-home funk in no time.
Airstreams & Campers
Airstreams and campers are having a major moment right now, and for good reason. Not only are they incredibly stylish and design friendly (think vintage-inspired silver beauties versus those outdated campers of yore), but you can also literally go anywhere (in the continental US) and stay perfectly safe with your already-established “pod.” Mountains, oceans, deserts, and more await - simply load up your ride with your essentials and hit the road. Just be sure to secure your rental reservation ASAP - they’ve become so popular that they’ve practically sold out nationwide.
Boathouses & House Boats
Dying for a lake or seaside vacation, but tired of the typical cabin or cottage space? Try a boat house or houseboat this year. These gorgeous and compact spaces are surprisingly versatile and modern, filled with all the amenities you could possibly need for your trip. Plus, the fact that they’re literally floating on the water makes it all a bit more of a grand and unique experience. Let the lapping waves lull you to sleep or enjoy the sunrise on your front porch pier with a steaming cup of coffee - whatever activity you love to do, a boat house destination is sure to fill those bucket list aspirations.
Trains
These days, trains usually conjure up visions of bus-like interiors with row after row of seats and a sub-par bathroom between each car. But train travel is so much more than that - especially if you spring for luxury travel options. While it’s likely that any luxury train travel is going to be slightly different than before in terms of available activities (no bar gatherings, onboard concerts, or cocktail parties), the top-notch service and ultra-chic vibes will still be firmly in place thanks to private cabins and an ever-changing glimpse of the beautiful scenery right outside your window. If you’ve ever wanted to really see the country (but haven’t wanted to take a major road trip), luxury train travel might just be your ticket to the best view around. Planning a trip is fairly straightforward - with a wide variety of routes available, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest, there’s no shortage of tours to be had. Be sure to check out these links (here and here) for a rundown on some of the top train adventures in the US and a guide on how to get started with your booking.
Travel will be different for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean we have to eliminate it completely. There are so many ways to see the world outside of the typical European destination or all-inclusive Caribbean resort, and though we all would have liked for things to be different, perhaps discovering travel we’d never before considered is an unexpected, but fulfilling, perk. After all, we all need something to look forward to, and we can’t think of anything better than having a perfectly-planned itinerary on the books.
By Megan Johansson, Contributor to INVIEW Interior Design