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After publishing a post on our recent staycation in Siesta Key, I got an email from one of our readers. He also happens to live in Florida, and is currently planning to take his family to a local beach. He wanted to know what my thoughts are on staying in resorts vs. vacation rentals, as well as on dangers of breakfast buffets.
After some back and forth, he actually suggested I write a post on this subject. To be honest, I didn’t really want to get into this topic (again), because it’s like stirring a hornet’s nest in current environment.
But here we go. First, a disclaimer. I’m not an epidemiologist or an expert on anything health-related. I do my research and try to make informed decisions based on science. I also make sure to comply with local laws.
Why vacationing on Florida beach (the right way) is a low-risk activity
Viruses in general don’t like sun, heat and humidity. Granted, there is a lot scientists still don’t know about Covid-19, but some recent research shows that it’s not an outlier in this respect. Viruses also spread MUCH easier indoors. Almost all the outbreaks in China and elsewhere could be tracked to events held in closed, indoor environments.
But don’t take my word for it. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend this article The risks-Know Them-Avoid Them It’s written by Erin S. Bromage, Ph.D., who is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Read it. Share it.
Out of all the articles on the web, I think it’s the best one yet. It clearly, in plain English, outlines the risks of getting infected (and infecting someone) with Covid-19 and ways to protect yourself. After reading it, I won’t be dining inside a restaurant for some time, but I might do it on the outside patio.
My personal conclusion is that as long as we stay away from people, the beach is perfectly fine. Now, I’m not too sure about the public restroom. That’s why paying for lodging instead is the lesser of two evils, so to speak. Again, in my opinion.
How this information relates to travel
I was debating on taking my family to a local Hyatt resort later this summer. My kids absolutely love it, and I figured a corporation like Hyatt will take all the necessary precautions. However, I decided against it, and here is why.
If you look at NYC, there are two things that stand out, and those are population density and reliance on public transportation. It’s why the virus spread the way it did, no doubt. And what are multi-story resorts? They are essentially apartment blocks.
While the hotels can reduce occupancy, they can’t change the backbone of their operations. You will still have to share elevators with other travelers, and you will have to pass through the lobby, that happens to be an enclosed space.
The article I’ve linked to, mentions that there is enough evidence that this virus can stay airborne for 10-20 minutes. That’s several elevator rides. A person doesn’t even have to cough, just talking releases enough particles to infect someone. So, what that tells me is that I need to avoid hotels with elevators for the foreseeable future.
Moving on to buffets and club lounges. Same principle applies. Contained environment with several people in close proximity spells trouble. Even though my Hyatt club access certificate will expire before I will get a chance to use it, no free food is worth risking my family’s health.
And of course, don’t get me started on the fancy facilities. This particular Hyatt resort has an amazing water park with a lazy river. That means tons of other kids, who will potentially infect mine. Maintaining social distancing in resort pools is a pipe dream. Ain’t gonna happen.
That’s why I’ve decided to take my family to a low-rise non-chain “resort” with an outside entrance. It’s really more of a condo development. Our apartment will have its own A/C unit, and there will be no elevator or lobby to worry about.
It’s similar to what we’ve done recently in Siesta Key, but I’m hoping there will be even less people there. Btw, just passing someone outside isn’t enough of a risk, according to experts. Another thing I will do is avoid the resort pool completely. As I’ve mentioned earlier, trying to keep children separated there is a hopeless case.
I’ve already told my kids that we will only be going to the beach, and that’s it. They seemed fine with it, but we’ll see. By making this blanket rule ahead of time, I’m hoping to avoid drama when we get there. Fortunately, the pool at this place is nothing to write home about.
I’ll bring some food with us, and will do local restaurant takeout while wearing a mask. I do takeout locally, so this would be no different, really.
Assigning a risk number to certain types of travel
Obviously, staying home and not going anywhere (not even a local park) until there is a vaccine, rates as zero on the scale from 1 to 10. This is, by far, the safest thing to do, no question. But it’s simply not realistic to demand that everyone follows this mantra. We may not get a vaccine until the end of 2021. In addition, the kids might go back to school this August, and then all bets are off.
I’m not trying to ruffle any feathers or get into an argument. The pandemic is a great tragedy, and losing even one life is an awful thing. A few months ago, we lost my father-in-law, though not to Covid-19. Trust me, the fact that he was 77 didn’t make any of us in the family feel better.
But the reality is, as long as something is allowed by law, people will be doing it. Some are going on a cruise this August. While I think it’s totally nuts, it’s their right to do so. Btw, a cruise ranks as 10 on this imaginary risk scale.
What about other options? Well, driving to a cabin in the woods (and staying in the woods) ranks as 1, at most. If you bring your own groceries and wipe down everything with Lysol wipes, it’s just about the safest thing you can do. Common sense will tell anyone with common sense that getting worked up and shaming someone over this is downright silly.
My beach staycation plan probably ranks between 2 and 3, as long we avoid people as much as possible. And that’s definitely my plan. My husband has medical issues, and my 75-year old MIL lives across the street. I have every incentive to be careful, which is why I don’t plan on flying for at least a year.
Bottom line
I want to be very clear that I’m not persuading anyone to agree with my thought process. Everybody has to decide for themselves what’s an acceptable risk for their specific situation. We are dealing with life and death here, and being extra careful is everyone’s personal responsibility.
If you choose to completely stay home this summer and not leave your house, hats off to you, and I mean it.
P.S. Professor Bromage has just published a new post Flying in the age of Covid-19 Absolutely worth the read.
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
We just made plans to visit my parents. We’ll hang out outdoors and keep our distance. It’s a 4 hour drive and we booked a hotel for two nights. I requested a room that hasn’t been occupied for several days, and we’re going to wipe down everything when we arrive. It’s not “no-risk”, but I would say it’s very low risk.
My parents are very close to their grandkids and haven’t seen them since January. The alternative would be to not see them for another year? Two years? A quick visit will do wonders for their mental health.
@Projectx It’s absolutely low-risk, and I don’t blame you one bit for going to see your parents. This is the problem with “everyone should stay home or you are a murderer!” crowd. There are so many situations that fall into grey area. Imagine one of your parents passing away from something not Covid-related without a chance to see grandkids. It can happen to anyone, especially to those of advanced age. I would say, if your parents are comfortable with the arrangement, the risks are on them. No reason to feel conflicted.
My MIL lives across the street from us. I told her I would be fine keeping her grandkids away until there is a successful treatment or vaccine. She insisted on seeing and hugging them daily. I could prevent that from happening, but I’m not going to. She is 75, and may not be around much longer. Obviously, that makes me even more careful about what I do on a daily basis.
It’s so tough being a blogger you have to be so diplomatic! Living in a state with more cases than FL, I am planning to stay at home for as long as I can with a 3 year old, who (perhaps blissfully) had forgotten about the outside world after 2 months.
Appreciate your thoughtful analysis and it looks like it provides useful info and links to families (including us eventually) who need to get out regardless. Yes it maybe safer to just stay put despite all the precautions you can take, but let’s not forget maintaining mental health during this stressful time is also very important. My parents are in their 60s are getting out to a big local park (where social distancing can be easily observed) everyday. If they don’t, I think they would have bickered their heads off by now.
Just thought of an analogy. It’s like sex Ed. Of course the best way to avoid STD is abstinence, but only a small amount of people can hold out. Now, for the rest the best you can do for them is give them knowledge. But then
There are people who would accuse you of encouraging dangerous behavior while you are providing info on best practice. Sounds familiar?
(For some reason the first part of this comment got posted before I got finish which is why it looked cut off)
@Katye I really appreciate your comment! It’s very tough to cover this topic because it tends to generate strong emotions in readers. US is suffering so much death on a daily basis, it almost feels inappropriate to talk about travel of any kind. I get it. But this is a travel blog, and the reality is, many people will be traveling this summer, whether we like it or not. Hopefully, by taking precautions, we can all avoid having blood on our hands. This is serious stuff, and I hope I made it clear that I’m not taking this situation lightly.
With a 3-year old, I can understand why you are being so careful. Fortunately, if you have a backyard, that tends to be enough to entertain kids of that age. Perhaps invest in a play area if you can afford it?
I went back and forth on whether to do a staycation at the beach this summer. I plan to be extremely careful, to the point of avoiding the pool completely. But is it enough? That’s the question I keep asking myself. Fortunately, the reservation is refundable, so I will reevaluate in a month. Hopefully, things in Florida (and US) settle down a bit by then.
I most worry about my MIL. Yesterday she went to Sam’s and Goodwill. I tried to reason with her, but she said she needs to go shopping, and that she would be wearing a mask. Ugh.
A cruise ranks as 10 on this imaginary risk scale? It need not. The key is avoiding the elevators and using the outside promenade deck to move fore and aft on the ship. Eat breakfast early, avoid the crowds and eat at window seats, eat lunch in the poolside tables near the windows away from the traffic lanes, and eat dinner early, again going for window seats. Sit toward the back side areas for shows. Wipe down the cabin door handles and surfaces with disinfectant. I would give an economy middle seat on an airline a 10, not a cruise ship, especially if airlines require masks at boarding but will not enforce them once seated on the plane.
@AlohaDaveKennedy I don’t disagree that there are ways to make cruising safer for you personally. The problem is with the other 5,000 of your voyage companions. In addition, if you have kids With you, it becomes a nightmare. It would be my full-time job making sure they don’t touch anything around them. I also would not want to risk Kids Club or any other activities. What would be the point of going if I can’t take advantage of most the amenities I paid for? I go on cruises to relax, and this constant dodging of other passengers sounds like a nightmare. No cruises for me until there is a vaccine or proven treatment with 99% cure.
I don’t disagree on dangers of middle seat on an airplane. Frankly, I’m surprised that the airlines are allowed to get away with selling 90%+ of the seats on any given flight. Masks help, but only to an extent. Still, I believe it is one of the most useful tools out there. Everyone should wear a mask in confined spaces. There is a reason Japan and South Korea never reached our levels of infection spread. Unfortunately, when I go to the local store, I only see about 20% of folks wearing masks. In fact, some still give me funny looks. Unless it’s required by law, it will be of limited benefit. But something is better than nothing, I guess.
Great article, Leana. Very well said too. Bravo and enjoy your vacation. We have several flights next month and we picked up a kn95 mask for the plane.
@Natasha Thanks, and I hope you enjoy your trip as well! Like many others, I’m a bit torn as to what’s acceptable and what’s not these days. Ultimately, we all have to strike a balance between risk vs. reward. I really wish there was a formula. I do know not going anywhere ( not even a local beach) this summer, will push my family over the edge.
I’m reading this article while sitting on the beach. Haha. Thankfully, we live close enough we can be here first thing in the morning and leave before crowds hit. Looks like I’ll be here all summer.
@Jennifer Ahh, I’m so jealous! I don’t think I could ever move from Florida because I would miss the beach too much. Well, maybe if it’s Kauai, but we are too poor for that. :))
I honestly think if the beaches remained closed here for another month, people In Florida would pick up their guns and take it to the streets. And as you know, there are a lot of guns in this state!
Full disclaimer: I don’t own a gun, and don’t participate in protests.
So glad to hear you guys are heading to the beach! I’m hopping on a plane in a couple days to head to Tucson. Gonna hike and enjoy playing with my first quality camera. Yes, more risky (as it involves flying), but it’s a level of risk I’m entirely willing to take. It’s been three months since I’ve flown for either work or leisure. I’ll likely be taking the kids out of state next month as well, although this is more likely to be punted to July. Haven’t nailed down summer plans.
@Ian Hope you enjoy Tucson! Never been, but heard great things. You won’t get any judgement here, my friend. Overall, from everything I’ve read, planes are safe as long as you don’t sit next to anyone infected. With my husband’s medical issues, I’m not willing to take a chance, but everyone is different.
You probably already know this, but buying a KN-95 mask (rather than surgical or cloth) might be a good idea. It’s my understanding they are not as good as N-95, but still better than anything else on the market. But who knows? If I had to fly, that’s what I would personally wear. If we go to DC next April, I will force my family to wear those.
Great post, thanks for the info!
@CMH Thanks! Glad it was helpful.