Staying connected

It's getting hotter. This time of year, we want to spend our time in places where we can escape the heat and relax. But why are we still glued to our laptops or cellphones for our online classes? Our students are expected to be with their families in locations other than their homes during this period. For others, the remaining summer months are still spent in their offices.

However, some of us have managed to relax with their loved ones by spending an overnight or a few days at the beach or in the mountains.

Our desire to travel as we once did has been hindered by the pandemic. This does not, however, rule out the possibility of a break. We want to make sure that avoiding crowds and keeping a six-foot gap between ourselves and others is as simple as possible everywhere we go for our summer vacation. We simply need to be extra cautious when it comes to such things.

On the other hand, social distancing is much harder in an urban city full of busy sidewalks and restaurants than it is in a city with significant geographic sprawl, where we can easily drive from place to place. The easiest and safest way to ensure social distancing on our vacation is to choose a destination that offers plenty of outdoor spaces and activities. This is what nature can truly offer.

Camping is one of the lower-risk things that can be undertaken during a pandemic due to the fact that it involves limited human interaction. It also encourages us to spend time in nature, which is beneficial to our mental health.

Nature, in particular, is beneficial to our mental health. It is a mindfulness exercise in and of itself, and it reminds us of a slower speed. Nature is also full of unpredictability, which stimulates the mind. We never know what kind of animal will appear, how the stars will appear at night, or what kind of laughs we'll share around the campfire. Keep in mind, however, that iconic outdoor destinations will likely see many more visitors this summer, as many people will be seeking safe refuge in the great outdoors during the pandemic.

To give ourselves the best chance of staying healthy while still having a relaxing vacation, we do our research ahead of time. This can help us avoid peak hours at popular outdoor spots or find other places and activities that are much less crowded. Furthermore, we must have a back-up plan. If the beach is already crowded when we arrive, move on to the next beach on our list.

It's been difficult to plan a safe summer vacation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of choices, some of which are superior to others. But, at the end of the day, this is supposed to be our holiday. It will be up to us to consider the costs and benefits of travel and make as many informed and safe decisions as possible.

 Over the pandemic, the idea of vacation has shifted dramatically. We are more cautious and prudent in many aspects, including budgeting, travel, and, above all, safety. However, the essence of such is to maintain our sanity by staying connected to the people we care about the most, who can provide the necessary warmth, peace, and love.