By: Joyce Wilson

Summer isn’t the only time that families can get away and enjoy each other’s company. During the school year, there are several breaks that make great opportunities for Nashville, TN families to take a COVID-safe vacation.

Along with several long weekends, the Metro Nashville Public School District calendar features a few longer breaks that can be ideal times for some family fun. If you want to take advantage of every one of those school breaks, here are some COVID-safe vacation tips that can help.

Have a Staycation in Nashville

During COVID-19, traveling can be risky. Hotels tend to have a lot of traffic, and there is no way to know whether they’ve been exposed to or currently have the virus.

Luckily, there is an amazing alternative to hotels. By reserving a whole-house rental from the TurnKey platform, you can reduce your risk. Plus, you can choose a property with a full kitchen, creating great opportunities to prepare healthy meals, allowing you to avoid going out or having to pay high prices for delivery.

With your staycation, you can also explore exciting Nashville neighborhoods you don’t usually visit, such as:

• 12 South
• East Nashville
• Five Points
• Germantown
• Hillsboro Village
• The Gulch

You’re almost guaranteed to find a great vacation rental that can meet your needs, allowing you to enjoy activities and take in the sights, all while staying healthy and relaxed.

Take an RV Road Trip

If you want to have a quintessential vacation experience, a road trip could be your perfect option. It’s a chance to experience the joys of the open road, explore scenic byways, and spend time traveling together as a family. Plus, you may get to run off and see sights you wouldn’t normally see if you stayed in larger cities, creating opportunities for unique memories.

However, if you also want to stay COVID-safe, you may want to modify your approach. By renting an RV for your road trip, you can eliminate the need for hotels. Plus, many RVs have simple kitchens, allowing you to reduce your need for restaurant meals.

One of the other benefits of an RV road trip is the ability to enjoy the great outdoors during your journey. Some National Park Service campgrounds can support RVs. The same goes for many state parks with camping areas.

Just make sure to set up your reservation well in advance if you want to head to a popular park. That way, you know your spot will be available when you arrive.

However, if you end up in a bind, remember that you can usually stay in an RV overnight at most Walmart locations. While a Walmart usually won’t have RV hookups, it can still be a safe, reliable option.

Choose Outdoor Activities That Support Social Distancing

If you want to head out to have some fun, focus on outdoor activities that support social distancing. For example, during colder months, skiing or snowboarding might be ideal. Once you’re cruising down the slopes, you’re not near other people. Plus, many people cover their faces to block the wind and keep them warm.

If you’re in a warmer area, hiking or biking in a park could be a solid option. While you may pass by other people, you won’t usually remain together in groups. Grabbing some horses and going on trail rides could also work, and dirt bike riding or quading may be worth considering, too.

Ultimately, just focus on low-contact, outdoor activities. That way, you can have fun while keeping your family COVID-safe.