Keeping the Spring Travel Bug at Bay

It has now been a full year since #lockdowns against the novel #coronavirus went into effect worldwide, shutting down in-person gatherings such as concerts, conventions, school and sporting events. People canceled their trips due to travel restrictions, and most haven’t boarded a plane since.

A year later, the prospect of taking a pleasure trip has improved. With three COVID-19 vaccines being administered nationwide, many of the most vulnerable segments of the population are starting to get some protection against the disease. But we’re not out of the woods yet, and you may still want to hold off on planning that jaunt.

Spring fever, of course, is an affliction that worsens with the rising temperatures. You probably want to go out and do something — anything — that involves fresh air, sun, scenery and social interactions. For the next few months, however, the safest bet is to get creative while breaking the routine.

One safe way to shake up the routine is to take a “staycation,” Everyday Health says. Just set aside time to create your own spa experience, meditate or explore parts of your own hometown on foot. You can also try bring one of your dream destinations home for a night; if you can’t go to Italy, for example, make some fresh pasta and cue up a Fellini film.

If you absolutely must get out of town to preserve your sanity, consider taking a camping trip with the people in your family or “pod,” says the Washington Post. If you observe masking and social distancing rules with anyone unfamiliar, camping is one of the safest ways to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the spread of the virus.

One thing the Organizing Blog advises doing in the spring is a thorough #cleaning and #decluttering. Throw open the windows and enjoy the fresh air as you scour; once you sort out extra stuff you don’t need and #donate it to ClothingDonations.org, your home will be much more livable.

One more way to keep the travel bug at bay is to plan your dream trip(s) for the future. Experts say that domestic travel could return to normal once most people are vaccinated, and that is currently targeted to happen by the start of summer. International travel may have to wait a while longer, depending on the destination.

When you decide to travel again, you’ll have that much more pent-up anticipation for your trip — and maybe enjoy it more thoroughly as a result. But wherever you go, stay safe: Wear a mask, wash your hands and observe social distancing. Travel is fantastic food for the soul, but you don’t want to gamble with your health.

Spring Fever Is Upon Us!

Step outside these days and you’ll probably noticed a decided uptick in the weather—spring is almost here! From sunny skies, to warm weather, it truly feels like it’s time to put winter behind use. Another subtle announcement that spring is fast approaching, is that Daylight Saving Time began. Yes, you lost an hour of sleep, but the grumbling about this was probably lost in the excitement over warmer, brighter days just ahead! While some people take their spring fever outside for walks, bike rides, and hiking, there’s one place that’s also ready for spring fever.

Your home.

It may be a little early to truly begin your spring cleaning efforts; however, if you’ve had your windows open lately to get a little fresh air, you might have noticed dust blowing around your home. It’s possible to get a head start on your spring cleaning. In fact, if you’ve been following through on your New Year’s Resolution to keep your home clean throughout the year, you’ve already started!

The first step in pre-spring cleaning is to dust everything. Bookshelves, dressers, window sills, and more. Basically, any surface in your house that can collect dust needs a good cleaning. With the windows open, this dust will float around your home, which taints the air quality and can also agitate any allergies you or your loved ones might have.

Once you’ve dusted, it’s time to tackle your closets. Remember, you should be checking your closets a few times a year to make sure you haven’t collected any unneeded clothing items or accessories. Try on your old spring and summer clothes. Do they still fit? Will you wear them this season? Are they in good shape? If you’ve answered no to any or all of these questions, it’s time to get them out of your closet and into the recycle bin—or the hands of some lucky new owners!

If you will not wear these clothes, but they’re in great shape, don’t throw them away. Donate them to us! Not only will you help someone else prepare for spring with a new wardrobe, but your donation also helps fund veterans programs. Simply visit our website to schedule a time for us to pick-up your gently used clothes, and place them in a box by your mailbox. We’ll pick them up for you!

Otherwise, if you’re planning to save these clothes for your garage sale, fold these items up and put them in a box. This way they’re already organized for your garage sale, and they’re no longer taking up space in your closet or dresser!

What pre-spring cleaning tips do you have? Share them with us!