As the country focuses on slowing the spread of COVID-19, people are reconsidering everyday activities, from grocery shopping to short and long flights. This has led to a sudden stop in international travel, putting dreams of leisurely picnics on the Champ de Mars with champagne on hold, and halting plans for adventures through Southeast Asia. Even quick trips to Canada or Mexico have been canceled. While disappointing, these changes are necessary and relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. Amid these adjustments, Americans are discovering a new appreciation for the natural beauty and landscapes of the United States.
Families, couples, and small groups are now drawn to local scenic destinations they can explore more safely, either now or later in 2020 and into 2021. These places, often overlooked in favor of exciting international spots like Portugal, Morocco, Indonesia, and South Africa, are now gaining attention.
Take Erin Whitaker, a high school English teacher from Gilbert, Arizona, for example. She and her friends had exciting international travel plans for 2020, but when trips to Thailand and Iceland were canceled, they organized a “coronacation.” Erin says, “I’ve never seen much of the western U.S. other than short trips to Vegas and California. Exploring national parks and experiencing our country’s beauty was appealing and something I’d wanted to do for a long time.” She recounts their journey, starting with a van rental for a trip from Phoenix to Zion National Park and continuing to Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, Twin Falls, Idaho, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Denver, and Arches National Park in Moab. Their group expanded to five, covering eight states and driving nearly 4,000 miles. Erin describes it as one of her most remarkable trips.
Matt Kirouac and his husband, Brad, share similar sentiments about America’s beautiful landscapes. Having lived the RV life for 18 months with plans to travel overseas this year, they decided to explore more of the U.S. due to the pandemic. Matt says, “The RV experience has deepened our appreciation for the diverse beauty and culture in the U.S. The pandemic heightened this appreciation.” The situation encouraged them to slow down and minimize their impact on communities. “Being ’forced’ to slow down, I’ve been mesmerized by my surroundings. It’s remarkable that a pandemic shifted our priorities, highlighting beauty in our backyard and inspiring future plans,” Matt shares.
Lauren Udoh from Texas has not yet embarked on U.S. road trips but is planning exciting travels. “A cross-country road trip and renting an RV along Route 66 is on my bucket list,” she says. “I’m also looking forward to revisiting parts of California I missed before.”
Erin, Matt, and Lauren are not alone in wanting to explore close-to-home spots and embrace the beauty of the USA. VRBO reports a 15% increase in demand for vacation rentals within 500 miles of home. Notably, 95% of this demand is for non-urban locations like lakes, beaches, and mountains, reflecting the desire for space and distancing amid the pandemic.
Dynamite Travel, known for luxury vacation packages, has seen a rise in interest too. “Although many are disappointed over paused international travel, we’ve seen excitement in discovering hidden U.S. gems. People are happy to travel locally,” says Dr. Terika Haynes, the company’s founder. “[We’re] researching airlines, hotels, and private properties to ensure client safety.”
It’s not just these nearby vacation homes that are booking up. Kampgrounds of America (KOA), with 500 locations across the U.S., has seen business rebound. Despite a 43% drop in leisure bookings during peak stay-at-home times, by July 2020, they were only down 14.4% compared to the previous year. “We’ve noticed significant business recovery,” says Toby O’Rourke, KOA’s president and CEO. “Advanced reservations for the year’s remainder are just 5.8% below last year. Occupancy rates improve weekly, and during Father’s Day weekend, they nearly matched last year’s numbers.” O’Rourke notes KOA’s swift adaptation to CDC-guided safety measures, providing safe retreats for campers.
Further, the RV Industry Association reported record-setting factory shipments to dealers in June, with research suggesting nearly 30% of campers are more likely to buy a new RV due to the pandemic. The RV rental market booms as well. Since early May, Cruise America noted a spike in rental demand, and peer-to-peer networks like Outdoorsy and RVShare report booking increases as high as 650% since early April.
Whatever activities you choose—strolling through the neighborhood, picking up prescriptions, or renting an RV for a U.S. road trip—come with risks. It’s crucial to do thorough planning to minimize risks for yourself and others. Stay safe, follow CDC guidelines, create unforgettable memories, and capture great photos.
