7 of the Safest Summer Vacation Ideas for Your Family in 2021

Apr 2, 2021 | COVID-19, GTM Blog, Parenting

While families are itching to get back to normal, caution still remains as summer vacation beckons. What will be available for families? Here are seven of the safest (and fun) summer vacation ideas for your family in 2021.

After last year’s pandemic-ravaged summer canceled vacation plans for many families, parents and children may be itching to return to life as usual in 2021. Even though we seem to finally be creeping back to normal, caution will still be the buzzword as summer vacation beckons.

Vaccinations are on the rise. Quarantine rules are being relaxed. Fans – in a limited capacity – have returned to baseball parks and basketball arenas. There is talk that Broadway may return in the fall. And outdoor music festivals are being planned. So what will be available to families this summer?

Here are seven of the safest summer vacation ideas for your family in 2021.

First, some considerations before you head out:

Get vaccinated.
Get tested for COVID-19 before you go anywhere for vacation. Some destinations may require proof of a negative test or vaccination.
Think about a road trip rather than air travel.
Focus on spending time outdoors.
Research what’s open and what’s still closed at your desired destination.
Bring plenty of cleaning supplies, face masks, and hand sanitizer no matter where you go.
Check state quarantine rules for out-of-state travelers your destination and what your home state may require upon your return.
Invest in a travel insurance policy that allows you to cancel for any reason in case someone in your family gets sick or things change and traveling is no longer a safe option.

Also, here are 10 considerations if you plan to take your nanny on vacation with you.

1. Rent a vacation home

Renting a vacation home near beaches or mountains can give you that “home away from home” feel without the strict safety protocols of a hotel or resort. Plus you can better customize your experience by searching for rentals with amenities like pools, cribs, and full kitchens.

2. Road trip in an RV

RVs have been a popular option since the pandemic ruined many traditional vacation plans. You don’t have to worry about finding cabins or campgrounds. Just make sure the places you plan to visit can accommodate RV parking.

3. Go camping

Enjoying the great outdoors was a great family vacation idea even before the pandemic. Now, it is a great way to get away. And you may not have to go far. There could be campgrounds near your home. Some may have pools, playgrounds, and other amenities.

4. Explore national parks

Another idea that is always a good idea – pandemic or not – is to visit our national parks. With international travel limited, there may be more lodging availability than ever. There is probably a national park for every type of interest from hiking to kayaking to taking in scenery that you will likely find one that is perfect for your family.

5. Spread out at a spacious resort

While spending time at a crowded hotel, cruise, or theme park may not be your thing this year, you could find a resort that fits your social distancing needs. Some resorts are situated on thousands of acres of land – or even islands – offering plenty of time (and space) for an outdoor escape and family exploration. Look for destinations that have private cabins or cottages and family-friendly activities like hiking, biking, nature walks, boating, or horseback riding.

6. Stay local

And by local, we mean the United States. International travel may be risky this summer. Some places are not accepting foreign travelers and requirements such as quarantines, vaccinations, and testing may shift as COVID-19 rates change. Next year may be the time to plan that big international family vacation.

7. Think the great outdoors and not the big city

If you have sensed a theme with our vacation ideas so far, it is getting outside. This could be your summer for the great outdoors. Urban getaways are a lot of fun. But some of the reasons to visit a city – museums, zoos, theatres, historical sites, etc. – may be closed or have limited capacity. Keep that city vacation in your back pocket for next year.

Whatever you choose – even if it’s a “staycation” – getting away is a time to connect and enjoy time as a family outside of the typical day-to-day craziness of home life.

Enjoy a vacation and stop worrying about nanny taxes

Whatever you choose for your getaway, a great vacation means relaxation and time away from the worries of everyday life. You do not need to be thinking about nanny taxes while spending time with your family. Are you paying your nanny the right way? Are you remitting the proper taxes? What if you are doing it wrong or missing something? This is where GTM Payroll Services can help. We take care of all the hassles of nanny payroll and taxes from paying your nanny to withholding taxes to managing all the paperwork and tax forms that come with being a household employer. What to learn more? Get a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with a household employment expert. Just call (800) 929-9213 or schedule time with us at your convenience.