Where to? Think differently.

Photos by Emma Highfill, Rose Wheat Photography

Kimbra Henry, manager for the Kansas branch of Travel Leaders NY, recommends rental homes as a viable option for families wanting to get away in a lower-risk environment before school starts.

“People may not want to go to a place if the beach is closed.”

Summer cruising is probably also off the table.

“There are cruises available for booking, but I question whether they actually will cruise,” Knoll said. “I’d say it’s less than likely.”

For families wanting to get away in a lower-risk environment before school starts, all hope is not lost. Rental homes are a viable option, and if you can drive, all the better. In fact, that’s what Henry’s family plans to do this summer.

“We can sterilize the home, wipe things down and limit exposure to others,” Henry said. “We just want to be together, but stay careful.”

If you’re craving a more exotic vacation, fall may be more promising. Knoll predicted Caribbean cruises will open up first.

“There are a lot of unknowns, but that doesn’t mean plans can’t be made and commitments can’t be forwarded,” said Knoll.

Knoll said vendors that cancel trips are being quite accommodating to travelers, offering cash refunds or travel vouchers that are, in some cases, more than what the customer paid. Of course, vendors aren’t as generous if it’s the traveler doing the canceling.

While 2020 travel is uncertain, both Henry and Knoll are sure the industry will return in full force.

“I’ve seen the industry evolve from pre-Internet to Internet to wars to 9/11,” Henry said. “Once the door is opened, there’s a flood of people who want to travel.”

“Come first of the year, we will be very active,” said Knoll, who booked himself on a Panama Canal cruise the first week in January.

And he’s not alone. Knoll said 2021 European river cruises and cruises to Alaska are already booking up.

Despite the recent bad press around cruise lines, Knoll believes they will bounce back, but with a few adjustments.

“The free-for-all buffets on the lido deck are probably a thing of the past, at least for the near future,” Knoll said. “But the industry is going to recover. It’s just a matter of when.”

When travel does open up, Knoll said he hopes travel agencies will reclaim some of the business lost to online booking sites.

“You’re getting personal attention if you book locally,” Knoll said. “Chances are, if you work with a travel agent, you’re going to be exploring more options.”

Added travel compilations since the pandemic could help the cause.

“We stay on top of things for people and sort through the information. I can’t imagine navigating it on my own as a consumer,” Henry said.

Regardless of where and when you pack your bags, planning a vacation may help brighten your outlook.

“We’re navigating so many things in our world right now,” Henry said. “People feel a need to be together and lighten up a little bit.”