THE THOMS SUNDAY TRAVEL SECTION.
Are you aware June is less than a month away?
The day with the most sunlight (in the Northern Hemisphere) takes place on June 20th.
So what are you going to do with all this summer and light?
June.
I live in Florida, and we will not come out of our houses again until, ohh, mid-October?
Air-conditioning and swimming pools are our friends. The festivals of just a few months ago are fading memories.
But north of the Mason-Dixon, festival season is just starting to swing. The leaves are out; the grass doesn’t look (or feel) like a cat’s scratching post; it’s time to get outside.
As an illustration, draw a line from Ashland, Oregon, through Chicago to Providence, RI. Let’s think of this as a makeshift “dividing line.” The weather south of that is changing from fresh to sometimes delightful. North of there, heck, there are places you may need the heat on, at least at night. But ohhhh, those days!!!
Several countries in Europe are beginning to open their borders. As a result, cruises are testing the waters with sailings with few guests and fewer destinations.
Maybe you’re not ready to go too far from home. But what about places closer to home?
In travel magazines, weekend papers, and TV, you see ads for state tourism websites/brochures. Look at them!!! They have great ideas.
Type in official tourism website of ________, and chances are, it will take you right where you want to go.
WHAT a perfect weekend getaway. Can you get away early on Friday?
In around four hours or less driving, you can get from Seattle Wa. to Salem Or. From Las Vegas to Kanab Ut. Drive Chicago to Northern Wisconsin. Concord NH from New York City or Atlanta Ga to Gatlinburg Tn. Look at a map. That place you want to visit is closer than you think.
Do you still have that old compass from your school supply box? Figure out how far you can drive in four hours, then draw a circle with the sharp point on your hometown.
Do the same for three and two hours.
You should have eight to ten destinations in all those circles.
So Close, And Yet So Far.
Arrive in time for dinner on a Friday Night. By June, outdoor seating is available in many places.
With only a 1/2 day of driving, you’re not overly sleepy. So get a good night’s sleep.
If you are over 50, splurge for the place with good mattresses.
Saturday morning, hit the floor running. See the highlights, taste the local food and beverages and maybe meet some of the locals.
Theaters are probably closed, but what about parks?
Take a hike, rent a bike, or throw yourself a picnic.
I just came back from a getaway weekend to Kentucky’s Bourbon region.
Most of the distilleries were open, especially the smaller craft ones I prefer.
If they offer tours, they are smaller groups. Reservations are a must.
Even for tastings, reservations were often the case. However, gift shops were allowing controlled numbers of people access.
Lodging in the Time of Covid.
Check the hotel’s website closely. Pools, spas, workout rooms may not be available.
If a Harlequin Romance by the pool was the plan, we need option B.
Also, check about dining. Breakfast buffets may not be what you are expecting.
Some places are still doing a breakfast bar and a bottle of water in a to-go bag, while others have more extensive offerings.
Is their pool bar or specialty restaurant open or only for select hours? Plan ahead.
Sunday morning, have a late breakfast, and you’re home mid-afternoon.
Like a buffet, taste a little and see if you want to go back for more.
Also, in June, you may find hotel rates a little less than the more popular July and August months. Check-in and read a book poolside all weekend.
June Further Afield.
If you are up to traveling to Europe or living there, the options are many.
In Europe, draw your line from Brussels, Belgium, through Warsaw, Poland, to Moscow. These cities are averaging 70 degrees during the day.
Further north, it is still light sweater weather, but it’s still summer.
Temperature-wise in Asia, unless you are in the mountains to the north, you are looking at 80+. Also, many areas are in or just about to start their rainy “season.”
And the Southern Hemisphere is enjoying winter. Outside of the mountains and Antarctica, there are few cold areas in the southern hemisphere. In Africa, South America, and Australia near the coast, June will usually find temperatures in the 60s.
So get out there, make the most of your June.
July.
Jul;y is so underrated. You have the summer sun but not quite the temperatures or crowds of August.
Sure it’s hot in the day. Plan a trip around a pool, river, lake, or ocean.
Walk or hike in the morning and late afternoon and find an air-conditioned museum for the afternoon.
Outdoor dining is still pleasant in many places. For example, nights above our Portland-Chicago-Providence line can still be in the 60s or 70s.
Northern Europe and the Baltic countries are experiencing their hottest month. In most places, this means daytime highs in the 80s.
Many hotels still do not feature air-conditioning as we know it in America. This is because they do not have enough hot days to justify an air conditioner.
They may offer “forced air,” a fancy name for a fan.
Not many people are racing to Asia quite yet, but June-July is not the time to go. Most countries are going through their rainy season.
Hotel rooms are creeping towards their August high-rates but look. There are often deals hiding out there.
The bed and breakfasts that are open can be challenging to find.
They have been trendy since the summer of 2020 for staycations.
June and July Summary.
If you do not like crowds, then August will not be the time to plan a vacation.
Mountain or beach cabins are an exception to this. But the crowds may still be nearby.
So look at June and July and see if you can wiggle your schedule around these two months.
In the current state of things, more people are looking to get out of the house. This is making destinations in June and July busier than usual.
Some social distancing and fear keep numbers from getting too crazy so far.
Reservations, which were probably a good idea before, are now mandatory.
Even major amusement parks require park reservations. Plan ahead.
What is your comfort level?
If you’re not ready to leave the house, don’t!
Are you up for a picnic in the park down the street?
What about an overnight in the next town?
Are you ready to go away for a long weekend?
June and July may be the best vacation months this year.
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“What are your June – July plans? Is there somewhere, out there, calling to you?
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“See the World” Continued on Page T3. “Taste the World” Continued on T11.