The Self-Care Mom

No matter what you do this summer, please stay safe and healthy. There’s nothing better than good, clean fun with your family and friends. Learn how you can start planning ahead with the kids. 

There’s been a number of reports in the news and social media about gatherings. Some places have closed after days of re-opening, while others haven’t been able to recover from the effects of the pandemic. 

You might be thinking about upcoming trips and visiting family in other states. It’s important to plan ahead before you go. 

Working On Summer Travel Plans

Summer vacations are back, and families are ready to spend during the break. According to a survey from ValuePenguin on the topic, 53% of Americans said they will be taking at least one trip during summer break. 

More than 30% of those surveyed said they’ll be considering a vacation trip.  A smaller number (15%) noted they’ll skip traveling this year. 

You’re probably thinking the pandemic has deterred Americans from traveling over the summer, but that’s not the only reason why you won’t see everyone going on trips. 

In fact, “cost constraints are more likely to deter travelers than coronavirus worries,” as noted in the ValuePenguin findings. 

With families ready to spend money this summer, it’s important to note that nearly half of the travelers may add debt from their travel plans. The study found that millennials and parents of younger children are more likely than other respondents to do so. 

The “want to travel” is what pushed 55% of respondents to get vaccinated in the first place.  

“I think the types of summer vacations people will take this year will reflect how comfortable they are with pandemic-related concerns, and what type of financial shape the pandemic left them in,” stated travel writer for ValuePenguin, Sophia Mendel. 

Read travel tips from the CDC for fully vaccinated people. 

Is It Safe For Families To Travel Yet? 

Knowing what to expect  wherever you decide to stay can help. With a variety of places slowly opening their doors for the summer, you’ll need to think about ways you can stay safe and healthy before heading out. 

There are many ways to protect yourself and your family while traveling this summer. 

Here are some tips you can follow to while you’re away from home: 

• Be familiar with travel restrictions by state
• Eat healthy foods and choose snacks that are high in Vitamin C
• Sanitize or wash your hands often
• Take your vitamins daily
• Think of activities for the kids to keep busy
• Remember to avoid crowds when possible, and keep your distance at all times
• Invest in local businesses to help boost sales
• Plan in advance by booking with places that you trust

Travel restrictions can take a toll on your plans. If you book in advance and research the area, you should be fine. 

Taking care of yourself will help others as well. 

The top summer destinations for 2021 are: 

1. Orlando, FL 
2. Maui, HI
3. Honolulu, HI
4. Seattle, WA
5. Anchorage, AK
6. Las Vegas, NV
7. Kauai, HI
8. Big Island, HI
9. Boston, MA
10. Miami, FL

Are you trying to leave the US? Here’s where everyone’s planning to travel internationally during the summer: 

1. Cancun, Mexico
2. San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
3. Aruba, Aruba
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
5. Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands
6. Montego Bay, Jamaica
7. Providenciales, Turks and Caico
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Puerto Vallarta, México
10. Nassau, Bahamas

Knowing where everyone is thinking of heading for during the summer break can help you plan a family vacation that avoids these hot spots. 

Stay Safe And Healthy This Summer: Options For Families

With vaccines being rolled out for younger age groups, it’s no surprise that states are slowly removing their restrictions. 

Traveling might be out of your budget, but you can always go for other options. 

If you don’t feel comfortable traveling this summer, you can always opt for virtual reality (VR) trips. Thirty-four percent of Americans who took the survey said they’d be interested in using VR, while 32% said they’d like to learn more about it. 

Local, less-populated places are another great choice for families to visit. Think about the times you’re looking to plan your visit. 

The best time to visit locations is around opening time. This will ensure the location is clean and the staff have the best attitude. 

Regardless of when you decide to travel, experts have their own opinion on whether the summer or fall is the best time to plan a family vacation. 

Nature-friendly vacations are always a good idea for families. You can opt for places with fresh air, like a national park in Utah or an island retreat in Maine. 

There are getaway cabins to rent for you and your family to enjoy together. All-inclusive resorts are still the best way to go when you have multiple kids. Not only do you save money, but you also know what to expect. 

If you’re looking to book a camping trip, you can opt for a fall vacation. This will make it easier with the cooler nights. 

Simplify your summer vacation with trips to local attractions with the kids. You can plan one every month to help you save money. 

Weekly trips are also a good option for families this season. You can plan a trip to a local park or an attraction with an outdoor setting. 

This’ll make it easier to grab some fresh air and keep your distance from others. 

Other ways you can make the summer a success with kids:

• Plan a bag with family day beach essentials
• Throw in fun mom ideas to do with the kids
• Include a Yes Day challenge
• Make time for self-care activities for the family
• Add therapeutic gardening to your list
• Practice easy healthy lifestyle changes 
• Create a family budget for your summer plans

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed during the summer, you’ll need to focus on your morning routine. This can help improve your mental health. 

Having the kids at home does get to be too much at times, but you can help yourself by planning ahead. Waking up earlier gives you time to yourself. 

Although raising three kids can get stressful at times. I’ve learned that when you throw in activities for them to do, they are less likely to find time for tantrums. 

Don’t forget to include a bedtime routine for the kids that helps them get enough sleep every night. Fun activities during spring break will require a good night’s rest. 

Learn how you can stay safe and healthy by planning a summer fun schedule for you and the kids without overspending.