Vacationing During COVID-19

For those who’ve got the travel bug, 2020 has been a difficult year; with all the travel bans, closed borders and regualtions. In light of a second wave possibly approaching in New Brunswick, restrictions on travelling may increase. But, road trips and making memories with friends/family does not have to end.

Four of the women socializing on porch. (Morgan Bell/STU journalism)

For a group of six women from Fredericton NB, their plans to visit Magnetic Hill Winery in Moncton was abruptly cancelled. Moncton has now gone back into the orange phase due to an outbreak of COVID cases. This calls for a fourteen day self-quarantine when coming  from zone 1.

As it was one of the ladies birthday, they decided to find a new way to celebrate their friend. The women decided to stay within their zone [zone 3] by searching for an Airbnb.

Airbnb’s have always been a  wonderful way to travel with a big crowd for a cheap price. Now, Airbnb’s are more convenient than ever, with their new protocols put in place.

“So, we came to celebrate a birthday and enjoy some time together as a group and play some games and have some fun, something we have not had the opportunity to do as of late,” said Amanda Dupuis-Baldwin, one of the six ladies.

Landlords must take extra precautions  to keep the space clean and safe for visitors. Most do this by; having signs amongst the Airbnb, cancelling comunal activities like hot-tubbing, and allowing enough time in-between guests for a deep clean.

Sign instructing houseguest on how to properly wash hands. (Morgan Bell/STU journalism)

The group of ladies only travelled thirty minutes from their home to Welsford, a small town on the way to St. John. Staying in a four bedroom, two-story home; with a spaciest yard and an outdoor fire place.

“The accommodations were wonderful, It had ample space, it was nice and cozy and it provided us with all of the comforts of home to be able to enjoy.”

This Airbnb in particular, accommodated the women with a fridge full of water and pop and a dish filled with chocolate and marshmallows; ready for s’mores. The home was within walking distance from a convent store and a short drive away from a golf course.

“I think it’s important for us to take advantage of our own country, I think that we don’t probably do that enough. We think about going away and we focus on other countries and I think that we’ve got a lot of beauty within our own provinces. From east to west. It’s always important to take advantage of. “

Although it is no trip to the Bahamas, visiting Airbnb’s within in your province is something Canadians may have no choice but to do when planning a vacation. For these six ladies, it’s something they highly recommend.

“It’s important to connect with people, to just laugh and enjoy life. If we can’t enjoy life and live and love than really, what’s the point?”