Last month I offered some tips and insights from my flight experience during COVID. Hopefully I put you at ease if you were considering traveling during these times. I promised I would come back and share some ideas on what you can do closer to home that will help you take the edge off that cabin fever.

I want you to know that even though this global pandemic may have caused you to cancel your 2020 vacation plans, Summer 2020 is far from being canceled! There’s always a golden side of things and that’s what I’m here to share with you. Here are seven ideas that are sure to get you out of your old lockdown routine and quarantine funk. This is by no means an exhaustive list but these favorites of mine can at least get your wheels turning on some cool staycation ideas of your own. 

Be a tourist in your city. In my hometown of D.C., there are a ton of options for guided night time tours to avoid the crowds and the heat during the summer months. For example, there’s a D.C. Lights Night Tour, which is a comprehensive moonlight tour of various historical locations within Washington D.C. I invite you to explore the hidden treasures in your own city.

World War II Memorial at night

Enjoy a private cruise. If you have a body of water anywhere near you, it’s likely you have options for private cruise rentals. This 2 – 4 hour getaway is great for small family outings, a girls or guys day out on the water, or just to enjoy for yourself. Many of them allow you to bring your own food and beverages and music. I would opt for the sunset time to provide an extra mood setting.

Experience Indoor skydiving. Nothing says social distancing like skydiving! If you are an adventure seeker and jumping out of planes sounds appealing to you, you’re in luck. There are a number of indoor skydiving options all over the country that is sure to be within driving distance of your city. iFLY, which uses an innovative wind tunnel to simulate the flying experience, has more than 80 locations worldwide in countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, China and Singapore.

iFly indoor skydiving in Ashburn, VA (photo by Mark Avino)

Go hiking or bike riding. One thing that’s gotten a lot more play during this time is nature. It has some of the best God-given qualities and underrated amenities that life offers. Something as simple as a bike ride or a hike on a new path that gives a front row seat to nature’s beauty can give you the boost you’re looking for. It’s also not bad for your health, especially after you’ve been spending extended time on the couch.

Check out a drive-in movie. For the last several years, a lot of cities have brought back drive-in movies, which is perfect for social distancing and it gets you out of the house. Depending on the amenities offered and location, the cost can be anywhere from free .99 to $45 per car. If you’re in the DMV, here’s a listing of drive-in movie locations in the area.

Visit a petting farm. This option is great for kids but it’s also a great excursion if you’re an adult animal lover. Many farms across the country offer additional features including hayrides, face painting, life sized games and mazes, pony rides and more. 

Take a drive and have a picnic. Sometimes we just need a change of scenery and pace, and the cool thing is it doesn’t take a lot to create it. There’s a lot of hidden beauty practically right in our backyards. All we have to do is be a little creative. Explore some nearby parks or ground sites you’ve never visited, grab or cook some of your favorite foods and set up your own old school picnic. I recommend taking along some of your favorite tunes as well if you’re a music lover like me. 

In case you’re wondering, travel isn’t completely canceled either. If you’re a bit adventurous like me and you’re still looking to travel somewhere before the summer is over, here is a list of destinations still open to U.S. tourists. Please note, in this unprecedented climate things can change in an instant so it’s best to be flexible and purchase travel insurance. 

PS…If you’d like to experience some pretty nice savings on a few of the activities like the night tours and private cruises I shared, I have a gift for you. Register for your complimentary lifestyle and travel savings portal by visiting www.igobuum.com and enter the code 745811. Enjoy!