Pandemic travel

We flew cross-country last month to visit family. Not only did the journey go smoothly, but Amber and Gus were even able to get in a power nap on the airplane.

It was interesting to see some of the ways travel has changed due to COVID-19 — and the role technology has played in that. My phone served as a digital room key at Hilton Oakland Airport as well as boarding passes for our Southwest flight. It even acted as our waiter at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore.

Our itinerary included a trip to Hersheypark, where we rode roller coasters (with our masks on of course), as well as a pilgrimage of sorts to Scranton, Pennsylvania (home of “The Office” sitcom, a favorite of Amber and Ediza).

Wanderlust during COVID-19

One of the advantages of “sheltering in place” is that you can catch up on things — like posting on your blog you’ve been neglecting since last year. 

One of the disadvantages is that you can’t travel. Here are some places I wrote about last fall for the L.A. Times that are worth checking out (once you’re able to leave the house again):

“Mirages? No, these California desert oases are real yet magical”

Now from hot to cold: “Are you tough enough to take the polar bear plunge? If so, try these” 

With NBA and MLB games being postponed indefinitely, here are some other sports worth trying: “Everybody’s getting into the ax at ax-throwing clubs” along with some unusual games played with a ball.

And a few Gold Country getaways:

Preston Castle

“Visit a haunted hotel and creepy castle on a weekend trip to Ione”

“There’s gold (rush history) in them thar California saloons”

“Hop on the Polar Express train on a weekend trip to Jamestown, Calif.”

Along with an old favorite hangout: 

“Your guide to Monterey: Tide pools, tacos and more”