Quarantine Vacations: Our Present Normal

We are about 5 months into the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We have been grappling to come to terms with a post-COVID world. We are all craving some kind of normalcy while taking precautions and acknowledging that there are risks at every turn. Vacationing would be the number one solution to alleviate some of the constant stressors we are experiencing at this time.  Unfortunately, vacationing during this season can also cause enormous levels of stress. What are travel lovers to do?...The most important thing to do in order to successfully vacation during this heightened season, is to operate within your level of comfort to reduce anxiety. There are so many things to consider nowadays that were previously nonissues. We now have to think about things such as: 

  • Where is it safe to travel to?
  • Is it safe to travel at all? 
  • Am I comfortable flying?
  • Am I comfortable eating out?
  • Am I comfortable participating in adventurous activities?
  • How comfortable am I around strangers?
  • Will my comfort level prevent me from having a good time?

Considering all there is to think about, it is very important to take steps and precautions that will reduce your anxiety so that you can actually enjoy your trip. 

Recently, I took a trip with some friends to Lake George, New York. Living in New York City, I decided against traveling out of state due to the restrictions regarding traveling to other states. I am an Intercontinental Hotel Group rewards member so I decided to stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George - Adirondack Area.  The resort has all of the amenities needed for a relaxing trip, an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and jacuzzi. Many of the rooms have an outdoor balcony/patio. Due to the pandemic, many hotels are not providing cleaning services for the duration of your stay. Be prepared to come equipped with disinfectant wipes and other items that will help you feel at ease about the cleanliness of your room. The rooms are equipped with microwaves and refrigerators which came in very handy. Taking a trip during COVID leaves you thinking about your dining options, outdoor dining vs. indoor dining vs. takeout. We decided to purchase groceries for breakfast and lunch to save money and to reduce our need to go to restaurants. For dinner, we mostly did take out, that was not our intent but that is just the way things worked out.

Lake George is very relaxing. The scenery is extremely beautiful. The Adirondack mountains as a backdrop to Lake George is very picturesque. Million Dollar Beach at Lake George is open at reduced capacity and  is worth a visit for a relaxing time to soak up some sun. There are many options for dining, including restaurants on the lake that offer outdoor dining options. Lake George is a popular destination so expect a substantial amount of people at the hotels and restaurants. If you are concerned about crowds there are other restaurants in the neighboring town of Saratoga Springs, about a 20 min drive from Lake George. Lake George is open for a number of outdoor activities. Take a look at this link to see what activities you feel comfortable participating in. 

This trip was simple and laid back in comparison to the types of summer trips that I am accustomed to.  I really appreciated the opportunity to just be able to get away for a few days. Current times, I’m sure, have made us all more grateful and appreciative of the things that we have taken for granted.