2020 Travel Trends:  Superb Social Distancing Vacations

After months of COVID-induced lockdowns, travelers are anxious to begin exploring the world again but with social distancing as a priority. While some international destinations are gradually opening to American tourists, the ever-changing rules and uncertainty continue to be somewhat overwhelming. If you’re not up for stepping foot on foreign soil yet, fear not. We have numerous options for exciting adventures across the US. Whether you prefer the rugged mountains of Montana, the fall foliage of upstate New York, or the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, these social distancing vacations provide options for your much-needed getaway.

Embrace Your Inner Cowboy at The Ranch at Rock Creek

Spanning 6,600 acres with a maximum 75 guests across 29 accommodations, The Ranch at Rock Creek brings the ultimate in secluded luxury to the western frontier. Choose from frontier traditions, trail adventures and signature experiences to create a personalized itinerary.

Looking for a rugged adventure? Sign up for the Frontier Skills class. The Ranch’s EMTs and trained outdoorsmen teach the basic skills required to survive overnight in the wilderness. The experience begins with a hike or bike to a mountain location followed by a review of first aid and survival gear essentials. You’ll learn how to make your own shelter, locate safe water sources, set a snare for trapping small animals and start a fire using several different methods.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, indulgent treatments at the Granite Spa soothe any aching muscles. Don’t miss Happy Hour on the porch where the Ranch’s expert bartenders craft seasonal cocktails and recommend local beers and exceptional wines. Delicious dinners focus on a culinary tour of Montana.

Through a partnership with JetEdge, the Ranch offers non-stop elevated private travel. All flights are serviced by a dedicated customer experience team. Charter aircraft is backed by the highest level of safety and cleanliness standards in private aviation.

Escape to Primland Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains

If road-tripping along the Blue Ridge Parkway into Virginia tops your travel plans, be sure to plan a stay at Primland Resort. Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 12,000-acre property transports guests to a social distancing paradise. An eco-conscious resort, Primland provides all the luxury amenities you could ever need along with a diverse menu of unique activities including sporting clays, archery and tree-climbing.

Accommodations range from elegant suites with a rustic vibe to charming cottages to treehouses. Perched in a canopy of beautiful old trees, the tree-house cottages boast stellar views of the tranquil Kibler Valley from an expansive private deck. Heaven for stargazers, the resort’s Observatory Dome telescope unveils millions of twinkling stars.

Step into Paradise at Sunset Key Cottages

Just a 10-minute boat ride from the shenanigans of Key West’s Duval Street there exists a tropical oasis. Situated on a 27-acre island, Sunset Key’s accommodations include charming two, three and four-bedroom cottages with wrap-around verandas boasting pastel-colored wood trim finishes and Victorian-styled tin roofs.  The island’s tranquil landscape showcases vibrant bougainvillea and exotic orchids along with palm-fringed beaches beside the sparkling blue sea. Start your day on the veranda with your “Rise and Dine” breakfast basket filled with fresh fruit and freshly baked breads.

Choose your favorite lounging spot by the tropical pool with a soothing waterfall or in a hammock suspended between the palms over the brilliant white sand beach. Work on your serve at one of the resort’s two full-size tennis courts. Reward yourself with a sweet treat served from a colorful “conch cruiser” delivered by the resort’s ice cream man. Be sure to save room for dinner at Latitudes. This award-winning restaurant specializes in island cuisine created with fresh local fruits and the day’s local catch from the surrounding waters. Celebrate Key West legends in the Ernest Hemingway Room. Or dine al fresco surrounded by glowing tiki torches and views of the legendary Key West sunsets.

For the ultimate indulgence, book one of the resort’s Custom Spa Journeys—a private couple’s spa experience right on the beach followed by a romantic seaside dinner for two. Or take your social distancing vacation to new heights by booking the entire island for your family or closest friends.

Explore Lake Powell on a Luxury Houseboat

Social distancing vacations on the water comes in many forms. But one of the most unique can be found on Lake Powell, located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which straddles the border of Arizona and Utah. Here luxury houseboats take the place of RVs as you glide across one of the largest and most spectacular man-made reservoirs in the country. There’s no roughing it with these vessels which arrive with all the comforts of home. The largest and most impressive of the fleet is The Odyssey boasting 2,400 square feet of cabin space. Amenities include a fireplace, hot top, gas grill, six staterooms and three bathrooms. Electronic amenities include a flat-screen TV with a satellite and stereo system.

Even for a novice, piloting a houseboat only requires a brief safety lesson. Once you’re ready to cruise, you’ll be free to discover the majesty of nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline where 96 major side canyons await exploration.

Getaway House in the Catskills Mountains

Sometimes the woods whisper your name and all you want is to get away from city life. When that happens, venture to the Catskill Mountains in New York. Just two hours north of New York City, the Catskills enjoyed a long history as the ultimate vacation destination in the mid-20^th century. The area’s popularity faded in the 1970s as travel trends changed leaving resorts shuttered. Now, travel trends have pivoted again and escaping into nature has risen to the top of the list for social distancing travel.

For those who love to hike, the area delivers a leafy paradise. Thousands of miles of trails lead through forests to mountaintops gifted with an abundance of fresh air and cascading waterfalls. Don’t miss a hike to Kaaterskill Falls. At 260 feet, this towering waterfall claims the title as the state’s highest topping Niagara by 90 feet. This natural wonder continues to capture the affection of everyone from day trippers to artists. Don’t be surprised to find it on canvas in one of the local galleries.

Extend your social distancing vacation experience with a stay in the tiny houses of Getaway House. These cozy abodes provide all you need for an escape where unplugging reigns supreme. Sink into the Adirondack chairs around the campfire for a glass of your favorite wine. Then get a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed. The best part: You’ll awake to views of nothing but trees.