We can just about see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Soon, we hope to be back on airplanes and exploring faraway cities and resorts. But travel is not quite risk-free just yet, so we’ve gathered five ideas for getting away in the meantime.
1. Book a home for the holiday
Enjoy extraordinary lodgings while bypassing most of the risks associated with travel and tourism by renting a historic or architecturally significant home through a vacation rental service.
You can book a stay at Harry Houdini’s estate in Los Angeles, complete with gardens, a heated pool, and beautiful views of nearby canyons. See yourself in a modernist masterpiece at Casa L4 on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Or toast with friends at Twin Palms, Frank Sinatra’s swinging midcentury modern former estate in Palm Springs.
2. Sail the ocean blue
Avoid the crowds and enjoy a luxury vacation aboard a fully stocked, professionally crewed private yacht. Private charters offer many advantages, such as:
• Self-sufficient accommodations.
• Controlled environment and COVID-screened staff
• Customized itineraries that let you do what you want, where and when you want to do it (travel restrictions permitting)
Yachting companies around the world offer everything from a chartered sailboat to a mega-yacht. Talk to your travel agent about which vessel best fits your particular needs
3. Hit the open road
Although that Paris or Tokyo vacation may be on hold, now is a good time to visit some of America’s greatest treasures, such as Yellowstone National Park or the giant sequoia trees. Travel the country on your own terms by renting a luxury RV and taking the road trip of your dreams. RVs allow you to travel safely by taking your lodging and meals with you while exploring the great outdoors. You can even hire a private driver, so you never have to worry about traffic or finding the perfect camping spot. Several high-end RV rental companies specialize in luxury accommodations on wheels.
4. Try slow travel
Many popular destinations require travelers to quarantine for 10 – 14 days upon arrival to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Why not embrace the wait? Slow travel, as the trend is known, means taking time to truly connect to the culture of a particular destination. If you have the time and/or can work remotely, consider planning a long, leisurely stay at a favorite destination, such as a Landmark Trust property in the United Kingdom or a beachfront villa in Maui. Be sure to comply with all local safety regulations, including quarantines and testing requirements.
5. Go VIP
Many luxury resorts, including Rosewood Little Dix Bay resort in the Virgin Islands and Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Cabo San Lucas, have teamed up with private jet rental companies to offer safe travel packages to consumers. Fly in via private jet and be whisked away to your destination in a private car. Many resorts also offer safe luxury services, such as private dining and personal butlers, who can plan everything from perfect picnics to deluxe spa days.