Warmer weather and weeks or months of quarantine have inspired a major resurgence in the travel bug for families throughout North America. In fact, the second most searched “When can we…?” inquiry on Google is currently “When can we travel again?” Coronavirus has undoubtedly reshaped the travel scene, but there are still ways to satisfy that wanderlust and embark on great summer adventures. Bébé Voyage is here to help with a full list of top summer travel destinations!
Exploring national parks is a great way to support environmental conservation efforts and gain a new appreciation for the natural wonders of the world. Many boast hundreds of acres of land, thus offering two major benefits for families looking to have fun while staying safe: lots of places to explore and plenty of room to uphold social distancing guidelines. A walk through the Redwoods or along the Appalachian Trail might be just the antidote your family needs after a sedentary spring at home. Baby carriers are a great way to give your littlest travelers a taste of the outdoors without holding you back from that longer hike. Cybex offers two top-notch carriers, the MAIRA.tie and the Yema, for infants up to 33 pounds. Both come in a range of colors and patterns to keep you in style on the trails.
Looking to learn more? Visit the National Park Service’s website to see a full list of parks in the United States and the Parks Canada website for a similar list of parks further North. Just be sure to check opening dates and visitor restrictions before you head out! For more on experiencing national parks with family, read about Bébé Voyage Ambassador Ashley Daley’s plans to camp at Yellowstone and Kalaloch Beach with her husband and their three children.
The United States and Canada may not be very old countries, but there are still plenty of historical landmarks to visit. Some are maintained by National Park Services and others are more locally managed, but almost all of them offer kid-friendly activities with an educational bonus. Reconstructed buildings, employees dressed in period costumes, old-fashioned games, and farming or crafting demonstrations are just some of the exciting offerings you can expect. Here are a few favorite historic sites geared towards every age set:
United States
Canada
Check out the list of historic sites for the United States and Canada or simply search “historic sites near me” for other great summer travel destinations.
If a big trip isn’t in the books right now, consider subscribing to the “hyperlocal travel” trend. It’s based on the idea that adventure and new experiences are right under your nose. Pack a picnic and visit a park you’ve never been to before, browse local art galleries and then encourage your kids to make their own art, or eat at a new restaurant and write a family-geared review afterward. Every state has its own tourism department with a website full of attractions. Many counties also have parks and recreation websites, which are helpful for identifying local activities. Even a quick Google search can produce exciting possibilities near home.
Get a sense of the ways you can make a staycation feel special by reading about Bébé Voyage Ambassador Sasha’s plans on our blog!
Sometimes a change of scene is all you need to hit the reset button. But in this age of coronavirus, that’s easier said than done. There are so many factors to take into consideration when finding a safe place to stay: How recently was it cleaned? Who was here before? Are staff taking appropriate precautions? Is there a good hospital nearby just in case? Coordinating a house swap with friends or family members is a great alternative with far fewer question marks. Be sure to ask your swap mates about local hot spots and leave a list of “must-sees” for them, too.
Take a look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s coronavirus travel guidelines before your family heads out the door. Different states have different policies at different stages of reopening, so it’s important to keep tabs on shifting regulations. A state-by-state list of reopenings and COVID-19 guidelines, as well as tips on how to safely take a family road trip, can be found on the Bébé Voyage blog.
If you’re planning on being in the car for any length of time, ensure that kids are safely secured in their car seats and supervised at all times. Cybex has developed an award-winning digital safety system known as Sensorsafe, which notifies parents via smartphone notifications if the harness chest clip is unbuckled, the car has become too hot, or the child is left alone. Such life-saving technology can help ease the stress of travel.
And most importantly, have fun! Happy summer, everyone!
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