Let’s talk about summer
We’re all glad to put 2020 behind us. Time to think about 2021, especially summer vacations. Will it be better than the socially-distanced summer of 2020? We hope so. Here are some things to think about to make sure you have a great summer.
Plan early
Vaccines for COVID-19 have started to roll out and most Americans are expected to get vaccinated by early summer. That means we’ll be back to mostly normal this summer, right? Maybe, but it will not be a normal summer. If you are just starting to plan your summer vacation, here is one few thing we have observed: The farther you are considering going for vacation, the greater the uncertainty.
Check refund policy / buy travel insurance
If you cancelled your family trip to Europe last summer and want to go this summer, you’ll need to take some additional steps. Call ahead to check availability and, especially to check on the cancellation policy. Vaccines, as we are already seeing, take time to distribute. Even after you are vaccinated, health experts do not yet know how long you will be protected before you need another vaccination. It may also be wise to purchase travel insurance but make sure you understand what it covers.
Monitor local conditions
Also investigate the state of the virus at your destination and any local ordinances and regulations. While travel to some foreign countries may be allowed by summer, local conditions could be worse or even experience a resurgence of the virus between now and then. With a good refund policy and / or travel insurance, you may stand a better chance of not losing out on reservations you make today.
Stay local
You won’t be the first person to consider this option this year. That’s why planning ahead is so important. I’ve just gone through the planning and reservation process with two family vacations we are taking this summer in New England. Local rental agents in some popular locations such as the Maine seacoast and lakefront properties in New Hampshire are saying that they are almost sold out of their weekly summer rentals. They told me that they’ve never sold out this early in the rental season.
The benefit of staying local is that you can avoid some of the uncertainty of new travel restrictions that could pop up in the months ahead. Keep in mind that even though you may be vaccinated by then, health experts do not know if vaccination prevents you from being a carrier and that may be a reason that some states or locations will still have restrictions on out-of-the-area travelers.
There are lots of interesting things to do and see in Massachusetts and New England (or in your home state if you live outside of New England). Maybe this is the year to make 2021 the year to explore those local places you’ve been putting off. The Commonwealth’s website for tourism has a number of good ideas: https://www.visitma.com/
In my twenties I used to take visiting friends on a tour of downtown Boston including the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution, the North End and the Boston Public Gardens. You can do it yourself or join small tour group to get a deeper understanding of Boston’s rich history. Doing a walking tour is a great way to see the city and its good exercise, too!
Avoiding the crowds
Don’t forget about Western Massachusetts. A lot of places around Boston can be crowded on beautiful days. Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer, including a lot of little known and off-the-beaten track points of interest. Here’s one place you can look for ideas: https://explorewesternmass.com/things-to-do/
Summer camps for kids
These same tips apply to summer camps for kids. Last summer many summer camps were closed or had their programs altered significantly. This summer I would expect that parents will be trying even harder to get their kids into good outdoor programs. Start investigating now.
Whatever you decide, this summer will be better but we won’t be back to normal. I hope you have a great summer and I look forward to hearing about from you, too.
‘Have more questions about planning your summer? Give us a call. We’re not travel agents but we’re glad to share our recommendations with you.
Lyman H. Jackson
617-653-3303
Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) is a Registered Investment Advisor. FPS provides this blog for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this blog should be considered investment, tax, or legal advice. FPS only renders personalized advice to each client after entering into an advisory relationship. Information herein includes opinions and forward-looking statements that may not come to pass. Information is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Information is at a point in time and subject to change without notice. Such information may not be independently verified by FPS. Please see important disclosures link at the bottom of this page.