Here we are. Ten months into COVID-19 and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Pre-pandemic, I was not the biggest traveler. But, all I do now is think about trips that I want to take. It doesn’t help that we’re rethinking our plans to go to Jamaica next month for hubby’s 40th birthday.
I don’t know when I’m getting back on an airplane for non-essential travel. When the world opens back up, I’m trying to get to one of these four cities ASAPtually. Here’s my post-COVID travel list.
Santa Monica, California
I’ve been dreaming about going back to Santa Monica for four years now. My first trip to Santa Monica was for a work trip so I didn’t have much time to explore. But, the little that I saw left me in love. I’ve realized that I am my happiest in locations that combine sun, water and mountains. That was my view from my room at The Huntley Hotel. I plan to stay there again, visit Santa Monica Pier and dine oceanside at Coast. This will likely be the first place I travel post-COVID.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Last year, we stayed at a villa at The Tryall Club in Montego Bay. Everything was breathtaking. Lush green landscaping, beautiful blue waters, and impeccable living arrangements. Honestly, I wish that I’d taken more pictures. We were there for a wedding with a busy agenda + I was juggling an 8-week-old (!!) and a toddler. So, mama was not in front of the camera on many occasions. But, I dream about these views often. Capturing more pictures isn’t the only reason I want to go back, but it’s up there.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is the only place on my list that I’ve never been. That was supposed to change in 2020. At the top of the year, I’d secretly planned to take a birthday trip here. My obsession started after a group of #BlackGirlMagic influencers took a trip there in 2018 and made me jealous with their content. From what I gather, the vibes here are very chill. Ancient ruins? Tropical lushness? Ocean breezes? This is the kind of getaway that I need RIGHT NOW. But, since Americans are currently driving up Tulum’s COVID-19 rates, I’ll be responsible and wait my turn.
Charleston, South Carolina
No Southern city will ever take away my love of New Orleans. But, Charleston is right up there for three reasons: the food, the history, and the architecture. From the minute our crew touched down, we were in heaven. During the walking tour and carriage tours, we learned a lot about the people who made Charleston what it is today.
Our tour guides did give nods to slavery and the Gullah Geechee community. I’m so fascinated by their history and I only want to focus on them during my next trip to Charleston. I don’t have deeply rooted traditions that carry back to my ancestors, but they do and that’s amazing. I want to learn more about their culture, history, and – of course – the food. Hopefully, I can make it there next summer.
How have you been navigating the vacation bug right now? Where are you itching to travel after COVID-19 settles down?
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