Traveling during a pandemic can be tricky with the ever-changing restrictions, but enjoying a much-deserved getaway is still achievable. Two of our AAA Travel agents share their recent experiences on the road. The decision to travel is a personal one. When you’re ready, AAA is ready to help you plan your travels.
BY SUE MARTINEZ | AAA DAYTON SOUTH STORE
I traveled to Cancún, Mexico, in fall 2020 with my husband and my older brother. We stayed at the luxury all-inclusive resort Atelier Playa Mujeres for four nights and at the AAA Four Diamond Secrets The Vine for three nights.
In response to COVID-19, most resorts have transitioned to contactless check-in and menus. Temperature checks were required upon entry at both of our resorts, and, as another precaution, our luggage and shoes were cleaned when we arrived. At Secrets, the in-room glasses, cups, TV remote and iPad were wrapped in thick plastic.
The resorts were about 35 percent occupied, making it nice to have room to roam around. You also didn’t have to wake up early to get seats near the pool or beach, and the restaurants were quiet enough that you could actually have a conversation.
Masks were worn by all staff at all times. Guests were asked to practice social distancing. Masks were not required in the open public areas where social distancing could occur, but masks were required when you approached the hostess at the restaurants as well as at the buffet, where staff served you the main entrees and all side items were pre-plated in single servings.
It was a great trip, and I’m glad I went. I did have my reservations about traveling during COVID-19, but I was reassured when I saw firsthand what the resorts are doing to help people travel again as safely as possible.
BY MATT BERT | AAA WICHITA STORE
In August 2020, my family and I drove out to Cañon City, Colorado, for a week. We spent our time exploring the great outdoors. The drive provided 10 hours of family bonding time while minimizing contact with people outside our family. We limited stops to gas stations and wore masks to go inside to pay. Once we got to our destination, we did most of our own cooking in the house we rented.
At Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark where you can climb rocks, no masks were needed since you were outside and could social distance. At Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, a highlight of our trip for my three sons, masks were required to board the open-air train cars, but once the train was moving, masks were optional. I highly recommend this train ride if you are looking for an alternative to the Royal Gorge Railroad.
Exploring in our own backyard was a great way to have a socially distanced family vacation and still experience something new.
