Covid Travel yay or nay?

If you could fly anywhere right now where would it be? I know many of us are craving an escape from our homes and have lists of far off and beautiful places. I am sure last on your list would be Las Vegas. For many reasons. But as fate would have it, last month Mike had a trip to Vegas for a few commercials he was directing. Given my new job status and Mario’s adaptable virtual schooling Momo and I packed up school supplies, swimsuits, fun outfits and even some heels (!) on a one way ticket to meet him in Nevada for the week. SURPRISE! we are assholes :/

I was truly anxious and apprehensive about this trip. Waiting until the last minute to book. The result of a lot of convincing & reassurance from Mike the it would be safe, fun and why the hell not. One of my good friends had just traveled back East with her two kids, one Momo’s age, and she said it was a simple experience. In the end the final push I needed was the endless days of hazardous air quality due to the Oregon and California wildfires. As I wrote about in my last post the smoke was extreme. The cherry on top of my quite mini existential crisis was that loose plans for a road trip back to Portland and visit a handful of National Parks we had long been wanting to experience.

Flying right now felt (feels) unnecessary and irresponsible. I struggled with this for sure. However, experts (via instagram shares that I have seen) say that planes are cleaner than grocery stores right now and people flying are taking the utmost precautions. But, we were flying to Vegas of all places, staying in a resort which meant spending time in elevators, lobbies, etc. Add in the fact that we were more or less on vacation, ie: not essential, I definitely felt guilty and a bit of recklessness.

Momo and I ended up flying direct to Vegas from Portland airport. Both airports were quiet, calm, clean and chill. Significantly less travelers and very clear directions re masks, social distancing and other safety precautions. The plane looked brand new, but I think that was just a result of how streamlined and clean it was in response to new guidelines. I was nervous about how well Momo would follow the masks on during flight rule and he surprisingly did great. Masks really have become second nature to us all haven’t they!?

We landed and drove straight to our hotel, which had been chosen for their safety and health precautions. Went up the elevator to meet Mike in the room, keeping masks on the entire time. Got to the room & thoroughly washed our hands, briefly took off the masks, disrobed and minutes later were back down on the main floor at the pool. Ready to breathe some fresh air and experience some ‘sinful’ pool time.

Walking thru the lobby there were hotel staff every 100 yards, typical hotel/casino security but their focus was on masks and social distancing. I observed them correct and mime to the few folks who’s mask etiquette could use some help.

I must say that masks and Vegas dress code was something to behold! We all know the dress code in vegas ranges from senior citizens in sweat suits and young folks dressed to impress. I am happy to report that the fashion forward part of Vegas is still very much the same. My favorite ensembles included skin tight sequins, sparkles, heels and coordinated masks and even sometimes hotel branded face shields!

Ok back to the pool. Surprisingly, gratefully, pool time is still allowed as long as masks are on the entire time unless you are stationed in your pool chair or actively social distancing in the pool. I had my mask off walking from one pool to the other and a hotel staffer flagged me down to remind me to wear my mask as I was walking from pool to pool. Whoops! My first strike and I definitely learned my lesson.

My dinner date every night & this monotone fit I was very proud of

For the week Mario and I did virtual school from the hotel room in the morning and then went down to the pool to eat lunch, walk around and enjoy the 100 degree temperatures. For dinner each night it was just the little prince and me. We were lucky enough to get outdoor reservations each night. But at the end of the night and once in bed I would get anxious and guilt ridden about our trip. Thinking about how this was all not necessary, how I was trapped 53 floors up in a hotel room and generally setting a bad example by being out and about. During the day, with our masks on, hand sanitizer at the ready & keeping true to all the protocols these feelings subsided for the most part. But at night, restless and all, they would come back creeping in. They were warranted, they were true and I still carry some guilt about being there at all. Which really just stems back to my own privilege and the guilt I have always carried with that. Another post, another time, another day.

All in all, Vegas was definitely an escape. We didn’t exactly forget about Covid but we were mostly out of our routine. Virtual kindergarten from Vegas, that’s a first for this family! After five days, and once Mike’s shoot wrapped we were out of there the next morning and the road with our aggressive itinerary thru some the nearby National Parks an en route to Portland. Road trip recap coming soon.

After reading this does it change your opinion on traveling right now? Did you read the first paragraph and think ‘what an idiot’ and just finish with the same thought? Maybe you are considering some air travel with your family, or even a long distance road trip, what are your concerns? Or maybe you have done a little travel already, how did it go? Any other questions or feedback on our trip? Let me know.

xx Ly