The Best Things to Look Forward to for Future Travel

by Reggie Moore Professional writer and proto entrepreneur

As the pandemic-induced restrictions begin to relax, everything travelers love is coming back. Outdoor adventures, group thrills, and even massive public events are already popping up on the schedule. Both international and local travel have never sounded so good. Venues, artists, and vendors feel the same. There is plenty to look forward to beyond the front door. While there’s plenty happening in the nearest city, adventure may call adventurers farther from home.

Concerts

It’s time to rejoin the crowd and feel the surge of adrenaline, oversized speakers, and high notes. Concerts of all kinds – ranging from classical symphonies to heavy metal scenes – are creeping back onto the schedule. Many will stick to outdoor venues at first, but there’s nothing wrong with rocking out under the stars. As shows move back inside, fans should be ready with vaccination cards, as some indoor shows are currently requiring proof of vaccination before entry. Tickets will sell even faster than usual, so fans should be ready and waiting to snag them the minute the go on sale.

The Beach

The surf never left, but with beaches closed and mixing at boardwalk bars discouraged, it’s been a long-distance love affair. Fortunately, outdoor spaces are some of the first to reopen, and it’s time to play. Vacationers, surfers, and sunbathers should bring lots of sunscreen to extend their stay. It’s important to cut lose and relax, so playful spirits may want to pack their plastic shovels and buckets along with their wine coolers for a childish escape. Also, anyone with a taste for adventure may want to experiment with new watersports, as beachside rental companies will be competing to take advantage of the fresh tourist influx.

Rooftop Bars

Although outdoor dining has been back for a little while, grabbing lunch on the patio is not the same as sipping a martini with friends on an uptown rooftop. Drinking under the stars or watching the sunset as a band sets the mood will be possible again in the near future. Partygoers should take the chance to try new drinks and visit new venues. Old faces in new places make the drinks go down smoother. Whether you want to hang in a rooftop bar in Sydney or you are looking to gaze at the aurora borealis from an open-air bar in Norway, you’re bound to enjoy being out again.

Fun With Friends

Even though some people managed to develop new relationships in quarantine, it’s generally accepted that people make better friends than plushies and kitchen appliances. As the world reopens, it’s a great time to arrange group trips and activities. Trying new things is easier with a group, and having friend around makes even small vacations exciting.

There will never be a better time to try an escape room together. There’s nothing more apropos, all things considered. Daring adventurers can take advantage of unique schedules and booking opportunities made possible by the pandemic. Escape rooms, specialty dining destinations, gaming bars, and even movie theaters are all about renting out to small groups.

Fantastic Views

Fresh air is calling. Those seeking an escape from the confines of suburbia will be glad to find more parks fully reopening. Although many had limited access, with single-direction routes and blocked paths, park rangers are slowly shouldering the gates open a bit wider. That means it’s time to go hiking, boating, and camping again. As travel restrictions scale back, it’s easier to reach and explore beautiful scenery. While skyscrapers are impressive, it’s time for a change of pace, and there’s nothing like changing a commute for a woodland stroll. Vistas beckon Instragrammers and give all visitors a beautiful opportunity to post something besides pets, children, and sourdough on Facebook.

Pop-Up Possibilities

2020 had plenty of surprises, but it lacked the good kind of spontaneity. With restrictions easing, pop-up bars and restaurants have room to, well, pop-up. With so many creative ideas forced onto the backburner for a whole year, enthusiastic entrepreneurs are biting at the bit. There’s been a wave of great pop-up bars in Chicago, and other major cities are seeing a similar wave of inventive, temporary destinations. From a gothic-themed pop-up bar in Washington (Death Becomes Us) to the tongue-in-cheek named Apocalypse BBQ pop-up eatery in Miami, there’s something delicious around every corner.

Amusement Parks

Everyone needs a chance to scream a while after escaping 2020. The wonder of Disney, the thrill of Universal, and the insanity of Cedar Point are all available to the brave, the bold, and the burgeoning thrill seekers. Amusement parks are one of the few types of attraction suitable to both families with small children and college kids looking for a good time. After sitting, trapped behind computer screens for so long, most of the population could use a good stretch. Just one rollercoaster ride can shake things up and remind everyone what adrenaline feels like. A few inversions will get the blood from the toes to the brain very quickly. All of this goes without mentioning the wonders of amusement park food, in-park bar hopping, and evening fireworks displays.

Festivals

The Renaissance festivals are breaking out the turkey legs. The hot air balloons are lifting off the fields, and all across the country, festival season is back on the schedule. Music and arts festivals, traditionally held outdoors, are the first to return, but plenty are following. Everyone can find something they love in a festival theme. History, crafts, produce, and more provide ample reasons to celebrate. Book lovers can hit the Austen Festival and anyone interested in the stranger side of life can check out the Mothman Festival. It’s a good year to rediscover the bliss of a good funnel cake, listen to some small bands, and shop from local artisans.

After more than a year trapped at home, everything feels like an adventure. Travelers don’t need to go far to have fun, but it’s also a great opportunity to go abroad and push limits. It’s a renaissance for everyone’s inner vagabond, and no one needs an excuse to get away. There are routes for all and fresh ways to discover the world. It’s far too much to pack into a single year, but it’s still worth trying. Worst case scenario, some thrills roll over to next year.