It’s summer. Most people want to be outdoors during this warm weather, and I fully appreciate that. And many outdoor places are either re-opening or expect to re-open in the near future, so I’m sure a lot of people are tempted to visit.
But although outdoors is safer than indoors, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk attached. For instance, everyone should be social distancing, but there’s been reports of that being ignored in some areas. And while deep cleaning is supposed to take place where appropriate, can you be sure it’s been done to a satisfactory standard and that no-one has contaminated it since the last time it was cleaned? I’m urging people to do whatever they can to find alternatives.
While I appreciate that many of these places are businesses which desperately need visitors, protecting lives has to come first. But that doesn’t mean to say we can’t be responsible and try and support some of these places.
I’ve previously posted on zoos when Chester Zoo made their announcement that without visitors, they were facing having to close. While I’m sure they’re happy at the announcement that they can re-open, and I’ll admit a part of me did feel happy for them, I’m still concerned.
So if you may be thinking of planning a day at the zoo, or a private garden, museum, etc, here’s a suggestion. Look up wherever you were planning on going, and see if they’ve got any virtual experiences on their website or Youtube channel. If not, try somewhere similar. Instead of buying a ticket/entry fee, make a donation instead, and then create a virtual day at home. Have a picnic in your living-room and, if you have kids, find some fun related activities for them. (Chester Zoo has some on their website and I’m sure other places will have similar.)
With regard to theme parks, you can find plenty of virtual experiences on Youtube. Not the same, I’m sure (I’m not a rollercoaster person), but might go some way to satisfying any rollercoaster cravings until a later date?
With regard to holidays, I’m sure many people are itching to get away, whether that’s abroad or elsewhere in the UK (or whichever country you live in). Campsites etc here are eager to get people there to try and salvage the summer; I strongly advise caution in considering that.
But if you’re keen to get abroad—maybe there’s somewhere you had been planning to go but had to cancel—I offer an alternative which, I hope, would help you survive not going until it’s safer to travel.
If you haven’t seen my Culture From Home posts (here and here), I’ve been collecting virtual experiences of all kinds, and in the process discovered virtual tours. Youtube is overflowing with all kinds of experiences from all around the world. Pick a destination, do a bit of research, and put together a virtual holiday. With an internet connection, a bit of creativity, and maybe something edible to suit the location, you can make something quite special.
I myself am working on creating my own Around the World Virtual Tour. I’m currently working on Paris and London, and will be posting them on this blog when they’re ready. From there I will move onto other places.
More generally, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, wonderful! Make the most of it. But if you don’t, why not look into getting some low-maintenance indoor plants or window boxes? A bit of indoor nature combined with the windows wide open I know is not much of a substitute, but it’s something. Also, investing in a fan and some cooling spray is a really good idea!
EDIT: I’ve added a new related post on Staying Safe in Hot Weather.