6 safer, expert-backed ways to take a vacation during the pandemic, from road trips to private vacation homes and remote campsites

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• Despite the continuing pandemic, many US travelers are eager to get out of their homes and hit the road, but safely.
• If you want to take a safer vacation during COVID, we compiled ideas based on expert advice and meticulous research, with highly-curated lodging choices that make it easier to follow social distancing.
• From remote hotels near beaches, mountains, lakes and islands; as well as private vacation rentals, and road trip essentials, these are all close-to-home vacation ideas to consider during coronavirus. 
• Read more: Is travel safe? We interviewed experts on risks associated with flying, booking hotels or Airbnbs, renting cars, and more, plus ideas on safe vacations during COVID-19

With fall in full swing and many states continuing to ease restrictions around the novel coronavirus, US travelers are eager to get out of their homes and hit the road — safely.

For those of us wondering if it is safe to travel right now, the answer depends on many variables, namely, how you plan to do so, where you want to go, the rates of infection in your chosen destination, and your anticipated behavior once you arrive. 

To help determine the risks associated with each mode of travel during COVID, we reached out to experts including infectious disease and ER doctors, cleaning specialists, travel industry professionals, and representatives from major rental cars, hotels, Airbnb, and transportation organizations, to reveal both the risks and best practices associated with various forms of lodging and safe travel during COVID.

Of course, without a vaccine, it's nearly impossible to guarantee any place other than your home is safe. But with a few tweaks, it is possible to lower risks associated with travel. Just remember, the pandemic is an evolving situation and it's crucial to follow guidelines set forth by organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures, no matter where you go, including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Additionally, consider quarantine mandates for your destination, as well as your own level of risk and whether you're traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.

If you do want to take a safe vacation during COVID, we compiled several ideas based on expert insight that suggests travel this year will stick close to home, with travelers choosing safer travel alternatives to traditional choices. Think regional road trips over far-flung flights, lodging that prioritizes hotels with stringent COVID policies, and private home rentals instead of crowded resorts. Both Airbnb and Vrbo have already seen an uptick in bookings compared to last year and, according to Airbnb, domestic vacation rentals will continue to be a trend in 2021. 

From beaches and mountains to lakes and islands, as well as private vacation home rentals, remote hotels, and how to prepare for a road trip, the following list includes close to home vacation ideas during coronavirus.

Travel looks different right now, but it's still ready and willing to welcome you as safely as possible.

Here are 6 ways to take a safe vacation during COVID: 

Book a socially distant hotel stay

We already know that most major hotel chains have announced wide-reaching new cleaning policies made in combination with health experts. These policies focus on social distancing and contact-free transactions such as virtual check-in and out, digital keys, limited dining, and more.

However, the experts we interviewed still feel that the answer to the question 'Are hotels safe during coronavirus' is highly subjective and depends on whether an individual also takes proper protective measures like wearing a mask, distancing, and disinfecting.

If you swear by staying in hotels, make sure the property has announced rigorous new cleaning measures, and look for signs they are implementing such procedures, from check-in to common spaces like the elevator or pool, and of course, in your room. Some are even promoting COVID-friendly WFH — work from hotel — travel deals aimed at the socially distant traveler. Also, consider more remote properties with plenty of wide-open spaces and outdoor-friendly amenities.

If you're worried about flexibility, many hotels are offering more generous cancellation policies right now than usual. If holiday travel is top of mind for you, keep in mind these key holiday travel cancellation dates for 2020.

To help facilitate a socially distant hotel stay, the following destinations and hotels all detail new COVID policies and are well-suited for a domestic getaway. Think wide stretches of beaches, remote mountain retreats, idyllic island escapes, and other places that embrace the great outdoors.

• The best hotels in or near national parks
• The best US mountain resorts for all seasons
• The best ski resorts in Colorado and where to stay
• The best hotels in Lake Tahoe
• The best beach hotels in the US
• The best hotels for families in the US
• The best eco-friendly and sustainable hotels in the US
• The best US island hotels that don't require a passport
• The best US lake getaways
• The best hotels for enjoying the fall foliage in the Northeast
• The best hotels in the Catskills
• The best WFH — work-from-hotel — deals available right now
• The best hotels in the US with in-room jacuzzi or hot tubs for every budget

Book a private vacation home rental to limit interactions with others

After breaking down the risks of both hotels and vacation rentals such as Vrbo or Airbnb, the doctors and experts we spoke with agreed private vacation homes are likely safer than hotels because they come with fewer person-to-person interactions.

"While there is no question hotels are working diligently to keep their hotels clean and sanitized, Airbnb has a huge advantage given that the renter is generally the only one occupying the property," said Dr. Neil Brown, K Health's chief diagnosis officer. "With Airbnb's new Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, the company provides a better option than public hotel spaces … Double-check to see if the host is participating in the program," he said.

For those who like social distancing of aspect of vacation rentals, but prefer the comforts of hotels, consider in-between options like Sonder or Marriott Homes & Villas, which offer professionally managed vacation rentals with hotel-like amenities.

We detailed everything to know about vacation rentals, how to identify if an Airbnb participates in the new program, broke down the platform's COVID cancelation policies and Airbnb Plus program, discussed key differences between Airbnb and other vacation home rental sites such as Vrbo and HomeAway, and what to do if vacation rentals are too booked up or expensive. 

• Everything to know about vacation rentals, including the best booking platforms, COVID-19 safety info, and the best places to go in the US
• 6 things to know before booking a vacation rental, and where to search if Airbnb is booked or too expensive
• Airbnb announced vigorous new cleaning protocols for hosts in response to COVID-19. Here's how to know if the listing you're considering is participating — or not.
• Everything you need to know about how Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances cancellation policy for COVID-19 works — including some key warnings for new bookings
• Everything to know about Airbnb Plus, including how listings are vetted, if they cost more, and if it's worth it
• Airbnb vs. Vrbo vs. HomeAway: Here's how each vacation home rental service works, plus their cancellation and coronavirus policies
• Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.

If you're ready to hit the road, these are some of the best places in the US to rent a vacation home right now:

Nationwide

• The most remote vacation rentals in the US
• The best Airbnbs with pools
• Popular Airbnbs with flexible cancellation policies you can lock in now for next year with no risk
• The best Airstream trailer rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo
• The best tree-house rentals in the US
• The best vacation rentals for fall foliage in the US
• The best vacation rentals near national parks

Northeast

• The best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore
• The best Airbnbs in Maine
• The best Airbnbs in Connecticut
• The best Airbnbs in Rhode Island
• The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons
• The best Airbnbs in the Catskills
• The best Airbnbs in the Hudson Valley
• The best Airbnbs in Upstate New York
• The best Airbnbs in Vermont
• The best Airbnbs the in Adirondacks
• The best Airbnbs in New England

The South

• The best Airbnbs in Florida
• The best Airbnbs in Destin
• The best Airbnbs in Nashville
• The best vacation rentals in the Outer Banks on Airbnb and Vrbo
• The best Airbnbs in Hilton Head
• The best Airbnbs in Myrtle Beach
• The best vacation rentals in Ocean City, Maryland

Midwest

• The best Airbnbs in Chicago

West Coast

• The best Airbnbs in California

Hawaii

• The best Airbnbs in Hawaii

Plan a socially distant road trip during COVID

Remember when planning a road trip simply meant queueing up a great playlist and stocking up on snacks? 

These days, they're one of the safer-seeming ways to travel while limiting exposure, especially compared to planes, trains, and other mass transit. And should you feel any discomfort, or worse, become sick, you can hop back in the car and drive home.

From expert-recommended precautions to take and products to pack, to getaways that are close to home, scenic drives, and more, here are our top tips and ways to hit the road right now:

• 6 of the top road trips in the US and where to stay along the way
• 10 scenic getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities — and the best hotel to book for each
• Are rental cars safe?
• The best car rental companies
• The best RV rentals
• The best camper van rentals
• What to pack and how to prepare before planning a road trip this summer — 9 medical and hospitality experts weigh in with advice and tips
• How to drive through the Florida Keys on a socially distanced road trip according to experts, plus what to pack, recommended activities, the best hotels along the way, and what to do if someone gets sick

Camp somewhere remote

If you want to get away and embrace nature, but feel uncomfortable checking into a hotel or private lodging, there are plenty of other outdoor options from camping to glamping that make it easy to avoid crowds. 

Book a home on wheels or pack your gear into the car and pitch a tent. These ideas all afford a charming level of rustic charm where you can control just how much, or little, you encounter the rest of the world.

• The best glamping vacations in the US
• 17 of the best campsites across the US for a scenic outdoor getaway
• I used an online service called Arrive Outdoors to rent camping gear for a weekend trip — here's how it works, from equipment prices to its COVID-19 policies
• After 20 years of camping trips big and small, I have my essential packing list down to a science — here's what I always bring
• After DIY-ing my own van and logging thousands of miles on the road, these are my 17 go-to camper van accessories
• In addition to private homes, Airbnb lists camping sites with more flexibility and convenience than traditional platforms — here's what it's like and what I'd do differently next time
• With standalone tiny cabins ensconced in nature, Getaway makes for an ideal socially distant stay — here's what I loved about my trip, plus key tips to consider
• Expert tips and advice for camping with dogs, including what to pack and the best pet-friendly campsites
• 5 trip-booking sites where you can find last-minute camping reservations, including for private campsites

Consider safer alternatives to traditional travel

Ultimately, if you plan to head out this summer, consider adapting your vacation plans in ways that provide safer alternatives that can help can reduce your risk of virus exposure while away from home.

To come up with a list of safer approaches to air travel, ground transportation, lodging, activities, and more, we culled the advice from our interviews with experts — including medical, sanitization, and travel industry professionals. 

Do note, however, that many public health and medical professionals (including some of those we talked to) still advise limiting nonessential travel in the pandemic, as it poses inherent risks.

Here are four safer travel ideas based on expert advice — public charters over commercial flights, private home rentals over crowded resorts, and much more

Work with a travel agent

While many travelers previously booked travel independently, some are returning to travel agents. These seasoned professionals have spent years in the business and are well-equipped to help clients identify viable locations with vetted, flexible policies. They may also have better insights into new practices at specific hotels to help determine how clean and safe they will be, and whether facilities and amenities may be impacted. 

Their advice is to plan now, travel later (most of their clients are looking to travel between March and May of 2021), book refundable options, be aware of cleaning policies, try to travel domestically or close to home, opt for socially distant places, take advantage of deals, and assess your own comfort level with risk before booking.

Read the full story on key takeaways to learn from travel agents and tour operators about how to book travel right now, and into next year.

For more reporting on whether it's safe to travel right now, click a link below to jump directly to related coverage:

• Is flying safe right now? Experts break down the risks associated with boarding a flight during COVID-19.
• Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in.
• Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.
• Which is safer: Airbnb or hotels? Here's what doctors say
• Are rental cars safe to drive right now? We talked to 3 leading experts to find out.
• Is it safe to travel by train during a pandemic? Doctors and cleaning experts weigh in, plus details on new protocols from Amtrak to minimize risks.
• Staying in a hotel will be very different post-pandemic — here are new safety and cleaning plans and precautions being implemented by every major hotel brand