Author’s Note: Given my own chronic health condition not much has changed for me even post-vaccination. But, I’ve been having fun though, watching, observing and listening as people “return to normalcy.” This post is a pondering on an amalgamate of some of those observations.
You’ve likely seen it, but have you done it?
You know, the caveats that read like a checklist. The rationalization bordering on justification. I’m talking about the emotional baggage that comes with travel in 2021 and the somewhat amusing and odd histronics that come with telling people about it.
Throughout the pandemic, as well as earlier in the year – way back when vaccines were just getting started and people were cutting in line – people were zip lipped about it. No picture postcard photo collages on social media, no gleeful sharing with office colleagues. It was the don’t ask, don’t tell era of vacations, because people kind of knew that they should still staycation.
Now they’re talking about it more. Although the talking is less about the what and more about the how. Long lists that turn into litanies of how much hand sanitizer and extra masks are being packed, how they are going out of their way not to stay at a hotel, why this vacation is “actually” necessary, the kids’ mental health, the adults need for a change of scenery, the “there’s only so much we can take” soliloquy, and on and on and on.
At a time when safety is left to interpretation, social etiquette is being redefined and there’s no such thing as normal, it’s understandable that we’re all bumbling around like a drunk person trying to catch a light switch they are convinced is floating.
At a time like this, crowdsourcing, sharing, comparing notes and asking questions may be the other shot in the arm we need. If you’re traveling you may inspire someone else to do the same, or you may be provided with information you hadn’t considered on which risks are still too risky. If you’re not traveling, you get to live vicariously though others and may get some ideas on how to do so safely when you are ready.
There’s no right or wrong here, just a lot of choice. And with choice comes ownership, confidence and accountability.
Let go of the travel baggage this summer. Start posting all those photos with you smiling ear to ear, even if it is under a mask. Share your safety tips but out of a desire to help others, not to explain yourself. And if you feel like you need to explain yourself, well then it may not be other people you ned to convince. Unpack that.
