SPRING BREAK PLANS?
After a long winter lacking adequate sunlight, the hint of sunshine in late February teases us with the idea of making spring break plans quickly for a March get-away! Immediately my brain began churning with thoughts of where we should escape to sunshine on our spring break plans this year!
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“When sun shines, it not only brightens our day; it enlightens us, our soul, cleansing it of the gloominess that the night’s darkness had brought in.”
– Tista Ray
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
Is there any better way to spend your days than relaxing in fresh spring air made wild by the ocean’s mist with sunshine abundant on a beach?
When the opportunity presents itself for an escape from our hectic lives to run towards the sunshine with family on vacation…GO! It becomes much needed in the midst of our busy lifestyles.
Now that our eldest son is away at college and our youngest is in his last year of high school, this special precious time with our children is quickly evaporating. The beaches of Florida and South Carolina have typically been our spring break venues along with an occasional spring break cruise over the kids school breaks now and again. Many adjustment lie ahead for us all! Spring breaks will look different I’m sure for our futures! As long as we each do not forget those most important TOP 10 THINGS TO PACK for vacation, all should go as planned!
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We have had so many adventures together over these past spring breaks! So much fun! I can hardly believe that at the close of this school year, we will officially no longer have our calendar’s dictated by high school sports schedules and calendars. What an interesting concept! Adjustment for all of us will be interesting to endure.
Yes, our lives will have a new perspective as to what constrains our calendars, more college related scheduling constraints, but this change is at the same time sad and exciting! I’m sure my husband and I will travel more (COVID willing) without the boys based around our work schedules alone.
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
CANCELLED RESERVATIONS!
So this year we had a super wonderful graduation celebration scheduled and booked with deposit paid on a cruise for this spring break. When we booked last September 2020, we really did not think that this COVID-19 would still be a factor for mid March 2021, but it is! We were scheduled on the Carnival Radiance originally for an 8 day cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida with stops in Curacao, Aruba, and Grand Turk. We had booked together with other athlete families to celebrate our children’s graduation from high school (like we had done for their older siblings back in 2018 – VIDEO BELOW.)
Endless hours in the sports stands with other multisport athlete children’s families tends to bond families together as you spend so much time together traveling from venue to venue following your kids competitions. Our particular group of friends seemed to have children in their families the same age as our two…so spending time with them started and grew with our older children (who both continued on to play at the next level at different colleges) and continued through to our younger children who just completed their senior year of football. This year was the grand finale! This trip was the big bang at the end! CANCELLED! SIGH!!!
older brothers (college football players) and younger brothers HS senior year senior boys and their Dads
So, we began considering other ideas for a big bang for SPRING BREAK celebrations! After extensive checking, I discovered (a favorite past trip we had taken the boys on in Kauai) an availability in reservation and flights that worked for a HAWAII get a-way! We were so excited until…I looked closer at the travel restrictions to Kauai currently…
“Resort Bubble” Option on Kauai
All transpacific travelers arriving on Kauai are subject to the state’s 10-day mandatory self-quarantine regardless of testing. However, there is a pre- and post-travel testing program for visitors who stay in “resort bubble” hotels. It allows travelers who participate in the program to enjoy the resort amenities for the first three days of their vacation until they are eligible to take their post-travel test. Once the post-travel test shows they are COVID-free, they will be released from quarantine and can leave the “resort bubble.”
To qualify, travelers must:
- Take a pre-travel test within 72 hours before traveling to Kauai and receive a negative test result.
- Stay at an approved Enhanced Movement Quarantine “resort bubble” property.
- Take a post-travel test more than 72 hours after arriving on Kauai and receive a negative result.
We ultimately chose to not spend 3 days in quarantine at a resort bubble after jumping through all of the hoops to be tested prior to departure and again when landing. We would have to go through the same process to return home after the trip as well. Too much, too complicated when we are trying to relax on a vacation complication free. Alas, our adventures in Hawaii will have to wait for some future date when we can move about normally again! Perhaps my older son’s graduation from college celebration?
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
ROAD TRIP HERE WE COME!
So, I guess it will be another road trip to somewhere fascinating to explore and wander on a new adventure! We have certainly learned about many wonderful destinations all across our Continental United States through all of these wonderful travel blog posts! Lot’s of great suggestions of State Parks, National Parks, Water Parks, Hiking Trails, and all places in between! I guess as long as I can be near an ocean and sunshine, I’ll be content! My requirements will include the following: Beautiful sunrises, Tranquil sunsets, Shopping and People watching, Beach fun and snorkeling opportunities & time for Romance! Read on…
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
ROAD TRIP?
Interestingly, I started researching road trips only to find that many states have restrictions for people just traveling through their borders even on a road trip. So, you must be made aware before you enter another state! Click on the link below by Forrest Brown and Megan Marples, CNN • Updated 15th February 2021 to check the states you may be planning to travel through.
Covid-19 travel restrictions state by state
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
TRANQUILITY at SUNRISE!
SUNRISE…my favorite time of the day! There is no more peaceful moment that I can begin to explain than this exact moment. Do you enjoy a SUNRISE or SUNSET? I set the clock on the coffee pot so it will be brewed when I wake up! Nothing is worse than trying to figure out a new coffee pot from a rental condo in the dark when you are not fully awake. I don’t work well with cobwebs in the brain in early morning when the coffee isn’t flowing yet! Enjoy early morning coffee out on the balcony, allow the soothing sounds of the ocean within your soul over steaming java… What a great way to greet the day!
I read on the balcony, enjoy the moist, humid air, and soak up the warmth of the southern climate. Complete tranquility! So amazingly great! Love my mornings! Walking is also a great activity once I’ve had my slow wake up with coffee! It is easy to get lost in a book or music with the headphones on and go for a long tranquil walk! Total relaxation!
These precious moments are priceless to me. It provides me with those stolen chunks of time to feed my need for INNER STILLNESS. This is necessary every day!
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
SHOPPING & PEOPLE WATCHING
Who doesn’t like to people watch and relax? Never a dull moment here! Boardwalk shopping is usually available in these oceanside resort tourist towns. Everybody needs a T-shirt from their vacation, right! I look for unique picture frames or local artistry too! It is so much fun to look to see what others are finding as the got-to-have trinket item. My husband and the boys usual pick out new board shorts.
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
BEACH FUN ~ SNORKELING OPPORTUNITIES
Each ocean side community usually offers some kind of activities. We try to find snorkeling opportunities. If we can find an ocean area with any kind of reef break we tend to gravitate towards snorkeling experiences. Renting jet skis can be fun too! We always pack a few beach activities like a frisbee or football to throw. Don’t forget the beach chairs, large beach towels, and small day cooler for cold drinks.
Crystal clear, turquoise blue, refreshingly soothing, salt water, calmness, tranquility, buoyancy…so many thoughts come to mind when considering snorkeling. Exploring under the surface of the water to find God’s inspiration in all creation! It’s fascinating. Make sure to pack your SNORKEL & FINS to ensure a great snorkeling experience. The freedom afforded the underwater explorer provides extensive opportunities to experience nature in many new ways. Like the photos? Try this WATERPROOF CAMERA on your next snorkeling adventure! Don’t forget an UNDERWATER VALUABLES POUCH to secure your phone & wallet.
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
RELAXATION & TRANQUIL SUNSETS
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We tend to enjoy the sunset pre-dinner time along with a cocktail hour on our private balcony or out on public spaces maybe around the pool playing cards. The spectacular sunsets set the mood for a most enjoyable evening! We have been so fortunate to have excellent weather on our vacations and fabulous experiences with sunsets!
SPRING BREAK PLANS?
RECONNECTING ROMANCE
Every relationship requires time and attention to thrive. My husband is my best friend. We require time away from the stress of daily life to reconnect and try to make that a priority. We try to “date” weekly and keep our marriage growing each day. A vacation is a great opportunity to really focus on each other and truly enjoy spending time in each other’s company!
Life can be hectic! I wouldn’t trade my boys for the world, but let’s be real! Children can be draining! We all need “our person” to feel whole. God intended for husband and wives to be two halves that when together make a whole for fulfillment. My husband and I try to nurture that promise that we made together many years ago when we said, “I do!” Traveling together exploring new places is a fun and easy way to carve out special time for each other! Give it a try too! Even if it is only a long weekend! Carve out that special time with those special people in your life! It is worth it!
Leave a reply comment below on how you feel about traveling for spring break this year. Where are the places you are considering traveling to that you’d like to discover? What are your favorite activities to do there? Have you taken a good long look at your spring break choices yet? Will this be the year that you understandably stay-cation?
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
45 Comments
Debbie
I love your take on adjusting plans. So glad you have your best friend to travel with. It is nice, in my opinion, to travel locally. So much we take for granted. Thanks for sharing your story.
Sabrina DeWalt
You definitely have to keep an eye on the ever-changing Covid restrictions. We quarantined for two weeks in California, as requested. Then, when we were able to start exploring, they pretty much shut the whole state down. Hotels were only open to people who were there for work, campgrounds were shut down unless you were already there for a long-term stay, and even public lands were being shut down for overnight stays. We had to change our plan to spend the winter there.
Barbara Robinson
Wow! That’s a huge change of plans. Hope it all is working out.
Sabrina DeWalt
You have to really keep up with the ever-changing Covid restrictions. We quarantined in California, as they requested. Just when we were able to start exploring, they shut the whole state down. Hotels were closed unless you were there for work, campgrounds were closed if you weren’t already there on a long-term stay, and even public lands were closed to overnight stays. We had to change our plan to be there for the winter.
Tiffany
We are just finalizing our spring break trip. Thanks for linking to the current travel restrictions!
Elaina
This last year has shown me how much was taken for granted and it also showed me that making memories through vacations is something that we want to make a priority.
Linda Egeler
Oh, Barabara I am so sorry to hear you had to cancel your spring break cruise. Our kids have already sacrificed so much to COVID. Sure hope you come up with an awesome itinerary for your road trip: can’t wait to hear about your adventure!
Barbara Robinson
Thanks. My youngest easily rolls with the punches, but I feel bad for all that has been lost with his final years of high school experiences and sports lost. Hopefully his college athletics will be amazing for him!
Debbie
I get it! I want to enjoy travel without the testing hassels! And a beach sounds really enjoyable after all of the snow last week!!
Megan
Ugh I’m sorry you’re cruise didn’t work out! A road trip sounds fun as well, or people watching and shopping 🙂
Carey
Road trips make some great memories and you tend to find some amazing places on the way to your destination. Although it’s not a cruise, I’m sure it will be a blast.
Sabrina
I have no plans for any type of travel until 2022. 2021 is still a travel bust for us. However, when we begin to plan I am looking for an island with lots of beaches and sun. I want to be outdoors as much as possible. Thanks for sharing.
Ryan
This is great! So much helpful information during such an uncertain time.
Tammy Horvath
I love the 3-day resort bubble option you mentioned. That sounds like a perfect way not to lose precious vacation days because of covid.
Marianne
With our region still locked down, we have just given up on making any plans til the middle of summer. We are hopeful that at some point this year, we will be able to travel domestically. Right now, just safely leaving the house is all I can hope for!
Barbara Robinson
I’m so sorry Marianne! You are such an adventurist. This must be really hard on your family. Hang in there!
Jason Gowin
So much wonderful information, well crafted post! Thank you for sharing! We are hoping once we get our 2nd round of vaccines this next few weeks that we can finally leave our home again and return to the world.
lisa Manderino
Road trip sounds fun! Although I really wish cruises and Hawaii were a good option!
Barbara Robinson
OH! Me too!
Alexis Farmer
I love your ideas for Spring Break travel alternatives! Just goes to show anyone can make the best out of a tricky travel situation.
Barbara Robinson
Well…let’s hope it all works out! 🙂 I’ll let you know!
Keirsten
Love that you chose a road trip vacation. I always found road trips to be the most memorable. Crammed in a car, eating road snacks, listening to all sorts of tunes, and catching up with each other. Sounds like the perfect holiday to me!
Tricia Snow
No spring break plans this year! Looking forward to 2022!
Carolyn
I am curious about the “resort bubbles.” Are these literal bubbles, like what some restaurants offer for outdoor seating? I know you didn’t choose that option, but I am curious nonetheless.
Barbara Robinson
No bubble structures. You just can’t leave one of five “designated resorts” during your quarantine period until you pass another COVID test 3 days after landing (even though you took a pre-flight COVID test to even be allowed to travel). I believe there are 5 “resort bubble” choice properties on Kauai. But you are quarantined with all other resort quarantine travelers until you pass a COVID test.
Sandi
We are headed to Palm Beach – No snow, plenty of sunshine!
Kendra
Even when travel plans change, I’m happy to hear that you have a wonderful best friend to travel with. I wanted to go deep-sea fishing for Spring Break as it will also be my 50th birthday, but with Covid closures and lack of funds, I might just do a mid-week local getaway somewhere here in Colorado.
Sandra
Key West is on my spring break agenda!
Barbara Robinson
My husband and a pal of his flew into Miami, rented Harleys, and biked to Key West and back spending two days there over the course of a longish weekend. It was a lot of fun!
Kristin
No Spring Break plans over here but these are great ideas. I’d love to go to Kauai!
Whitney Woodley
Beautiful family. We have no idea what we are doing for Spring Break. This was quite helpful. More than likely, we will stick to some outdoor activities. Thanks for sharing!
Suzan
Nice resource for those looking to travel. We are sticking pretty close to home still.
Kristen W Allred
The resort bubble sounds really interesting. I haven’t made any plans for Spring Break. It’s so hard to plan ahead right now.
Barbara Robinson
yes, yes it is!
Angela
We are hoping to get somewhere this Spring Break – figuring out the drive and what is open/ safe in California is the hardest part.
Cindy
I decided to stay put this spring and hope restrictions ease by fall. A day road trip is certainly a possibility though.
Leeanne
I’m hoping for a road trip but we’re just not sure yet. We have to see what’s up closer to my kid’s break which isn’t until the week of April 19th.
Trisha
Unfortunately, we don’t have any spring break plans right now. We will probably visit some local state parks and museums that week just for somethings to do.
Oh and I am totally a sunrise person!
Pam
Our multi-family beach house rental was canceled last year too for Spring Break, so this year we are renting separate condos and hitting the beach! We can spend time together outdoors and not have to worry about sharing a house. Road trip to the beach, here we come!
Chantelle
We usually cruise on spring break, but clearly that’s not happening. We may just road trip or explore a local area!
Maya
Great info!
Danielle Ardizzone
This is the first time I’ve heard of the “resort bubble” – smart idea!
Sara Moore
I love this list! So many cool ideas! I especially liked the simple people watching and shopping- one of my favorites 🙂
michelle
We’ve been in the same boat with our travel–we had a cruise scheduled too and had it canceled. So road trips have been on our agenda. Spring break is going to be Gulf Shores, Alabama this year so we can get some of that sunshine and beach!
Kareena
Our Spring Break will be on the beach in Florida. Sun, sand and fun!! Hopefully by next year, we can start traveling to more places again.