With the pandemic’s effect on domestic and international travel, your upcoming plans may look different than you expected. Fortunately, adventures can be full of unforgettable moments even if they’re smaller in scale! Sometimes we take for granted the beauty of a short weekend getaway and forget that our favorite memories tend to come from simple family moments. After all, there are multiple breathtaking destinations to discover close to home. With that said, here are some tips to plan and experience a weekend getaway that’s “so simple, so good”!
Review Area-Specific Guidance
States and counties across the United States are in different phases of reopening from stay-at-home orders. If you’re planning a road trip that takes you to a different state or county, make sure you verify that the activities that you’re planning are actually open. You should also check for guidance regarding face masks, and usage of sanitizing materials so you can pack accordingly.
Make a Plan
Starting your weekend getaway begins with good planning, so make sure you’re aware of any policies specific to your destination so you can make the best use of your time. If you’re booking a hotel or short-term stay somewhere, call ahead to see if typical amenities will be available. When in doubt, look to state and national parks as perfect avenues to explore, since they provide plenty of open space, multiple hiking trails and beautiful landmarks to witness.
Focus on Outdoor Activities
This is where all the fun is! Outdoor activities are the perfect experiences in this current environment because they provide bonding opportunities and fresh air while maintaining social distance. Now is the time to try something new together. Whether it’s fishing, kayaking, hiking or lounging around in an open space, these activities create moments that the family will cherish. You can even incorporate education if you’d like! A visit to a farm homestead can lead to valuable lessons in agriculture. A fishing trip can be an opportunity to learn about marine life. A trail hike can become a search for gemstones and other geological items. The possibilities are endless, and can be as simple or intricate as you desire!
Pack Plenty of Nutritious Snacks
Snacking doesn’t just have to fuel your adventures; it can be a fun and delicious experience in itself! As you pack your snacks for the trip, don’t forget to bring along some walnuts. Walnuts offer protein (4g/oz) and fiber (2g/oz) to fuel your adventures, and they can be eaten raw, roasted, combined with other ingredients for fun snack recipes (like this delicious Tropical Trail Mix)l. You can even incorporate snacking into your outdoor adventures by bringing along a picnic basket filled with snacks (try making these Maple Walnut Energy Balls), finding a scenic spot and enjoying a simple picnic as a family. Staying fueled and hydrated throughout the day will ensure that your adventures are active, safe and memorable.
Ultimately, a simple weekend getaway is one that provides opportunities to bond as a family and create new memories together. Quality time is what kids cherish most, so whether it’s a mountain retreat, a fishing trip or a visit to a small farm homestead, a getaway can be just as fun close to home. So, make a snack together and start making beautiful family memories, because both life and nutrition can be “so simple, so good”!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by California Walnuts. However, all opinions are my own.
