For most, the past two summers have been spent close to home. This has meant putting travel plans on hold and canceling vacations to limit exposure to the coronavirus and to avoid spreading it to family and friends.
But with vaccines rolling out around the world, things are looking good for summer 2022.
Next summer may still look a bit different from past years. However, it’s still possible to plan a fun, memorable trip with your friends or family now and in the upcoming year. Keep reading for a few tips to help you start planning a safe and healthy vacation for next summer.
Keep it Small
The best way to plan a safe, healthy trip next summer or even now is to keep things small. Not a small vacation; instead, a destination with a smaller number of tourists. Even with vaccines and precautions, many travelers will still be looking to avoid crowds and practice social distancing for the foreseeable future.
Have your heart set on an outdoor adventure in Utah? The crowded trails of Zion National Park or tourist hotspot of Moab might not be the best choice next year. Instead, why not visit one of Utah’s other Mighty 5?
Capitol Reef National Park welcomes around a quarter of the number of annual visitors that its southern neighbor, Zion, sees each year. But don’t let that fool you — it offers views, hiking trails, and other attractions that easily rival any other parks in Utah.
Make Your Stay the Destination
Even if you aren’t worried about choosing a destination that lets you avoid the crowds, if rest and relaxation are your goals during your getaway, choose where you stay carefully. Rather than booking a standard hotel that offers few amenities besides perhaps a workout room or a small concrete pool, opt for a stay that is also a destination in its own right.
While you can — and should — venture into the beautiful Capitol Reef and nearby Torrey, Utah during your visit, you’ll also have no shortage of activities and amenities to enjoy right here at Cougar Ridge. From bowling to a fitness facility to interacting with our resident animals, as well as a variety of add-on amenities like a rodeo, spa services, and more, you could easily pass an entire vacation without leaving the property!
If you’re traveling with just your family or a few friends, our Casitas provides room to stretch out in privacy. Have a large group of family or friends that you’re eager to spend even more intimate time with? You can even book the entire Lodge for just your group!
Another perk of having so many amenities on-site and attractions located nearby is that you’ll spend less time traveling in between destinations during your visit. This means more time to relax and unwind – something that we could all use more of after the past couple of years.
Be Smart About Your Health Ahead of Your Trip
No one likes to cancel plans, especially an exciting vacation. If you have a trip planned, and you aren’t already doing so, plan to take a few extra precautions in the lead-up to your departure to keep yourself and your family healthy.
Following CDC guidelines and any local ordinances can help protect you from COVID-19. But pandemic or not, taking care of your body by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise is also a great way to boost your immune system, to lower your chances of a cold or other illness getting in the way of your vacation!
Planning Your Summer 2022 Visit to Cougar Ridge
It’s impossible to say for certain what travel will look like in 2022. But whether things like cruises or international travel become the norm next year or not, planning a visit to a destination like Cougar Ridge is a great way to decrease your chances of having to cancel yet another vacation, and a great way to enjoy a safe and healthy getaway with your family or friends.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with your spouse or family, or with a large group, we can help you customize a trip that best suits your interests and needs. From a relaxing and low-key weekend to a full-blown event with a private rodeo and gourmet dining, we cater to every kind of traveler and event.
Did you postpone your 2020 or 2021 wedding? Cougar Ridge also hosts weddings and elopements of all sizes. Or, if you’re looking to thank your employees for continuing all of their hard work during these challenging times, host a corporate event at Cougar Ridge!
Book your stay today and get a jumpstart on your summer 2022 plans! Or, visit us this fall to enjoy all that Southern Utah has to offer this season.