SarahTravel is something that everyone in modern society does from time to time. Travel is a first world privilege that we started to take for granted, that is, until Covid-19 hit. Let’s be honest, none of realized how much Covid-19 would affect things we love and love to do. Whether it be travel, seeing shows, or just going to the grocery store – our first world society changed. But what really changed? The destinations are the same, the landscapes are the same, the time it takes to get somewhere is the same – so what really changed?
People. It all comes down to people.
So, why do we travel? Do we travel to see a place or are we traveling to experience the people within the location of our travel? Well, I would guess that depends on you, the traveler. Are you the kind of person who is in love with the idea of experiencing a different way of living and seeing societies across the world? Or, are you the traveler seeking solitude and wanting to connect with nature on a different plain of existence? Well, depending on your answer, Covid-19 has different effect on your travel or lack of travel.
I keep hearing stories about people who are so excited to get traveling again. My question for you is, why did you stop? Travel is not something that is defined by a certain mileage or leaving to another country or even a different county. Travel really is only a means to get to an Adventure. Covid-19 did not stop adventures, it only stopped travel to the far off/bucket list destinations. Travel is something you can do no matter where you live and everyone can do it safely even with Covid-19 roaming the world.
How you ask? Well, let’s look at an example.
Over the past year, camping and overlanding hobbies have had many new comers. Camper sales in 2020 soared to unseen levels and used campers were/still are selling like hot cakes (https://fox28media.com/news/local/rv-sales-are-at-record-high-during-pandemic). Similarly, overlanding gear is hard to keep on the shelves – fishing poles, tents, you name it – GONE. Have you tried to find a camping spot recently? Yeah, they’re full everywhere (https://www.wgal.com/article/camping-more-popular-than-ever-during-covid-19-pandemic/36112477). So why did camping become popular?
If you are similar to my family, you will know why – but I’ll cover the basics for you just in case. First of all, camping is actually pretty fun. You get to spend time with the people you love without the distractions of screens and other problems modern conveniences bring. Second, if you like to boondock, you can social distance and don’t have to worry about coming into contact with another human. Well, you still have to come in contact with your family, but you brought them with you! Lastly, you can travel to areas near your home and still see things you haven’t had time for – and the best part, you don’t have to drive home every night – you can stay and experience what your destination has to offer.
Not into camping? There are other ways to still have adventures close to home:
- Hike a nature trail
- Go on a Bike Ride
- Just Drive – Take the scenic route
- Have a State Park? Go in the middle of the week when they’re less crowded
Covid-19 didn’t stop Travel/Adventures, but rather it shifted our perspective back closer to home. Adventure doesn’t have to be some out of country/our of state destination, it can happen anywhere. Sure it’s nice to visit other places, but I’d rather keep exploring even if it’s closer to home. Remember, life is an adventure, it doesn’t need a destination.
