Since the start of the pandemic a whole two years ago, traveling for leisure has become a whole different ball game. For a large portion of the last couple of years, the idea of going anywhere for fun was pretty much nonexistent.
When the possibility of going out and seeing the world did come back up, it came with a ton of conditions. And while it’s a lot more relaxed than it was this time last year, most of those conditions still exist when traveling both domestically and internationally.
So, what’s a girl to do when she’s ready to get out there and travel again, but you’re not sure where to start? No worries, we got you covered! Here are 4 must-know resources that’ll make planning your next trip a breeze.
Tap into Airbnb’s alternative stays.
Airbnb is the go-to choice for lodging needs when hotels are not giving what we need them to give. However, we’re totally aware that they can also be pretty expensive and may not come with the COVID precautions or cleanliness requirements we seek.
So then, how do we get around that? Airbnb alternative stays. You don’t always have to rent someone else’s home when you’re out and about. They also offer:
- At-home experiences. While this isn’t the same as leaving to another city, state, or country, they do help you find inexpensive, unique experiences in your very own city or even the comfort of your own home.From fun cooking classes to goat yoga and local festivals, you’ll be able to find something interesting to do without going too far.
- Long-stays. When traveling out of state or country, quarantines may be necessary. And tbh, a 3-day trip doesn’t mean a thing if you’re being asked to isolate for weeks. So if you want to tap into your inner nomad, consider planning a months-long stay. Airbnb offers sublet rentals that come with everything you need to live life for months on end. The best part? They’re often cheaper than average monthly rent.
- Campsites, treehouses, and the like. If you have no problem with sleeping in a tent, tiny home, RV, or even a boat or tree, Airbnb offers those, too. Don’t be afraid! Get adventurous and go for it!
Keep up with the CDC travel guidelines.
This should go without saying, but before you go anywhere, make sure you update yourself on what their COVID-19 precautions are. Some places require masks and vaccinations while others don’t. Stay informed about the laws of where you plan to travel to and general CDC travel guidelines and suggestions here.
Try Wanderlog: The travel itinerary & road trip planner app.
Travel apps in general will be your saving grace when trying to make the process as easy as possible. However, there is one standout app that serves as a one-stop-shop for all your wanderlust needs, and it’s Wanderlog—itinerary and road trip planner.
To make planning vacations and road trips much easier, Wanderlog gives you the opportunity to plan the entire trip out from start to finish in just one app.
You can create, save, and view custom maps; add must-visit places from popular blogs and trusted guides; import all of your reservations and flight details; and when it’s all said and done, share your details with close friends and family who are traveling with you or simply want to look out for your safety.
Check for travel discounts everywhere.
Anytime you have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, discounts are the name of the game! Of course there are places like Groupon and Expedia whose whole platform are centered in saving you a few bucks. However, there are some unlikely places you should definitely look:
- Your job. Depending on where you work, you may have non-medical employee benefits such as travel discounts with airlines, gas vouchers, or hotel discounts.
- Your credit cards. Most major credit cards now have reward systems that offer you varying levels of rewards as long as you keep your account in good standing.
- Store memberships. If you have a membership with a grocery store you frequent, check to see if they offer additional perks or rewards for shopping there regularly.
Most importantly, take it easy! We live in some stressful times, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do the best we can to make the most out of the present. Stay safe and have fun!
