UNCERTAIN TIMES? Open Road! IT IS WAITING RV Lifestyle Story and photos by Rex Vogel Greetings on day 2,132 of lockdown! Oh, wait, that’s not correct. It just feels that way. The first half of 2020 has been filled with twists, turns and roadblocks which none of us expected. We’ve had to change our lifestyle... say good-bye...learn to wait. Few things having to do with travel will be unchanged in the post-coronavirus world but, of all the ways in which we travel, the road trip may be least affected − at least, from a regulatory standpoint. 2020 is certainly presenting new challenges and now, more than ever, we realize that the freedom to travel is something which we can’t take for granted. “We’ll get through these uncertain times together.” That’s what every single ad says these days. But life hasalwaysbeen uncertain. Life is nothing but change. That’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life. You see, life was uncertain last year as well… and the year before. So, in a way, nothing has changed. We can always count on change. In 2020, things are simply changing faster. As the world inches towards recovery, I’ve started thinking about when I will feel good about travelling again. I’m fairly certain that it will be difficult to know with any certainty what’s completely right in the moment. Risk gives decisions consequences. That’s what makes them matter. Normally, this time of year is a busy one for travel throughout the country − families make a beeline for their favourite beach, road-trippers plot the best routes to take in the summer sights and adventurers head for the mountains. When I first considered the topic for this summer issue, it was with anticipation for all of the fun excursions and activities that would inspire readers to take this summer. As I write this on May 22, all of that has changed − for the entire country and beyond. Hopefully, by the time this issue reaches you, we will have a clearer idea of when we will be able to travel again. Carnival Cruise Line is trying to weather a sea of ill will by offering August trips for as little as $28 a day which, for some, is cheaper than staying home. Carnival has yet to disclose what precautions it will be taking to prevent further outbreaks. Until it does, $28/ day cruises might not be enough to dispel passengers’ fears of jumping aboard another floating disaster. Travel is one of the easiest ways to relieve stress. The adventure of exploring a new location − or returning to a familiar spot to unplug and relax − is a healthy way to recharge. With so many digital ways to divert ourselves these days, many people are looking for meaningful ways to unplug. They’re rediscovering the necessity of just being. 24 | www.snowbirds.org
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