Of course, traveling during COVID-19 can feel tricky, but there are plenty of ways for you and your family to stay safe(r) while still going on vacation. Check for any state and local mandates in areas you plan to travel to (Maui, for example, currently has a modified Health Pass), wear a mask indoors and on public transportation, try to avoid crowds when possible, and be sure to follow all CDC guidelines. If you’re hesitant to hop on a plane right now, maybe opt for a road trip—and save even more money with these helpful tips. And while the Yucatan Peninsula’s wet season extends through October, most rain showers occur for minutes during the middle of the day—a great time to eat lunch or take a nap. Overall, you won’t break the bank much by choosing Cancun if you want an international getaway right now. Spend your time in Boise hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and more. Plus with more than 200 days of sunshine a year, you’ll get to enjoy the temperate weather with an average seasonal fall temperature of around 52.6 degrees. Baseball enthusiasts need to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, where many MLB bats are still made; there’s even a wall of cubbies labeled by baseball players containing their preferred type of bat. Families can save with The Main Ticket from Louisville’s tourism group, Go to Louisville. Get some Kentucky bourbon and settle in at an affordable Airbnb, or go glam at Louisville’s 21C Museum Hotel, where you can have the spectacular experience of staying in a luxury hotel that’s also an art museum for a very reasonable $179 per night. You can, of course, stay overnight at the Biltmore—but the Inn is quite far from “budget.” Instead, shave off serious dollars by staying at The Beaucatcher, a “boutique motel” that will give you Schitt’s Creek vibes—in the best way—and costs a mere $74 per night. Or, for a more elegant experience (that still doesn’t approach The Inn’s $500-per-night price tag), book The Kimpton Hotel Arras in downtown Asheville and bask in total luxury for $269. Hike the Niagara Recreation Trail for great views of the Falls, or explore the Niagara Glen Nature Centre trail to gaze at the breathtaking fall foliage. If you love animals, make sure to visit the Aquarium of Niagara or nearby Buffalo Zoo. Try the Aloft Columbus for boutique-hotel vibes for just over $100 per night. From water activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and kayaking to shopping and family-friendly dinner shows, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. You can save big bucks by using the city’s Passport to Fun pass. Stay downtown at Bode or The Moxy for high-end design and amenities with far more funkiness than stuffiness—for under $150 per night. Vacation rental options in Pigeon Forge are aplenty; you can find gorgeous spots with pool and hot tub included for under $100.
