While road tripping during a pandemic is not ideal, there is value. To see how others live truly makes you think about your life choices--what you like and what you don't like. It's important to find time to get out there and see new places and people.
My husband and I decided to take a road trip to see our son who is in the military. His schedule is always changing so we knew that it was important to spend some time with him when we could, so we planned a long road trip to see him and check out his lifestyle.
It was great to see our son as a young adult living his life in an interesting place. He cooked us a delicious meal on a patio that overlooked a river walkway and beautiful sunset--it was a million dollar view in a newly constructed apartment complex in a renovated section of a small city. He also introduced us to beautiful beaches and landscapes in his area and told us stories of his new life. This was exactly what we hoped for.
In addition, we got to see and learn about our other son's remote college experience--an experience where he and his many friends are all living in a variety of city apartments while taking courses online. It's a college experience unlike any before, and they are making the best of it with lots of cooking, exploring the city on bikes and hikes, getting together with small groups, and staying active with college sports teams, clubs, and internships.
It is a new kind of travel when you are a visitor exploring someone else's life and interests. You're the guest in these situations with a desire to remain respectful, supportive, and respectfully curious about the lives you are getting glimpses of.
This trip has also caused me to think about my future including the aspects of life I want to change up a bit and aspects of life I can't live without.
The pandemic precautions add a layer of extra effort to the travels, but we've planned for that, and so far so good. So far, it has been a good adventure.