The latest headlines are all focused on COVID-19 and have people across the world wondering, what's going on?
Governments and companies are beginning to mandate travel restrictions at least for the foreseeable future. This, however, does not mean it is all doom and gloom in the world. Many people are currently taking advantage of some incredible travel deals. These may indeed be the BEST deals in recent decades! Many airlines are reducing international flights which is prompting some, to consider rescheduling their international travel plans this year for more cost-effective and just as exciting domestic trips.
Where are you planning to travel this summer? In the past decade, we’ve seen an increase in tourist traffic to most National Parks. In 2019 traffic peaked at some of the countries most frequented national parks such as Great Smokey Mountains National Park with a mind boggling 12.5 Million visitors, Grand Canyon with 5.97 million visitors, Zion National Park in Utah and Yosemite National Park in California tying for the 3rd most visited park with 4.5 million visitors each and Yellowstone in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho with 4 million visitors. Only time will tell what the future will bring, but I think it’s safe to say, for the time being, there are going to be fewer people in the parks in 2020.
What does this mean for you? This could be a once in a lifetime chance to see the parks like never before! Yellowstone is famous for its “bear-jams” and “bison-jams,” which if you’ve ever experienced one of these, you know they can be quite underwhelming. You wait and wait and wait as the line of cars slowly creeps forward in the hopes of seeing wildlife. Is it a bear, is it a wolf, maybe it's a fox...most likely it's just a Bison. Don't get me wrong, I always appreciate seeing the largest terrestrial land animals in North America while we’re in the park, but I don’t always love sitting in a line of traffic, especially in an inherently WILD place. Perhaps this year, there will be fewer visitors, which would give you a more personalized experience without the dreaded crowds and traffic jams. So while a good portion of the public will stay home quarantining themselves to avoid potential infection, others might see this as an opportunity to take advantage of.
Wander while you work! Many companies are already recommending that their employees work from home if applicable. This means we will be seeing a massive increase in remote workers across the globe. With the ability to work from anywhere (with an internet connection) this means you have even more of an excuse to wander while you work this year. Worried about flying? Why not pack up the kids and load up the car and take an old fashioned Griswold Family road trip! There are so many options for family fun in the Greater Yellowstone area. Why be burdened by strict travel; itineraries and set schedules, take it at your own pace and enjoy yourselves!
Looking for your next adventure? As we continue to watch the news with minute to minute updates, we will begin to get a clearer idea of how everything is going to unfold. Stay optimistic friends! If you're beginning to get anxious by the uncertainty, try distracting yourself by planning your next adventure, even if you simply have wanderlust with no intention of going anywhere any time soon. By keeping your sights set on an exciting future trip you will ease your mind and perhaps discover something new in your own backyard.