The "new normal" may as well be the catchphrase of 2020. Many of us have questions about what exactly that means and what life, including travel, will be like once we settle into the new normal.
"However, as a long-time Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare Owner, I think I might have already learned a few things from my past stays at Hilton Grand Vacations that will make taking a vacation now not that different than before the pandemic. "
As an Owner with Elite Premier status, I have the benefit of a lot of points. Staying at a resort for extended periods of two, three and even four weeks at a time is not unusual for Owners with more points. I share this because a huge benefit of Hilton Grand Vacations timeshares is the option to schedule extended stay trips.
Longer stays provide less turnover on the property (which means fewer germs) and allows us to social distance, comfortably, if needed.
According to the CDC, the Coronavirus is believed to spread mostly from person to person, so practicing social distancing is a great way to stay safe. Two Hilton Grand Vacations amenities that make it easy to practice social distancing while you vacation are the private kitchen and living rooms.
Here’s a sneak peek.
Here are my Hilton Grand Vacations Owner travel tips for how to travel safely in a pandemic world using these two amenities for a worry-free vacation.
Maximize the Kitchen
Thanks to fully-equipped kitchens, you'll only need to think about stocking it with the food of your choice.
Pre-trip Planning
When we're staying for an extended trip, we send ahead a box for things we can use that can be left and or sent back home when we check out. We'll send non-perishable food, fragile or bulky items you don't want to pack in a suitcase. This hack is a bonus because it saves you a trip to the store.
Similarly, I do an online search for the nearest Dollar Tree and Whole Foods store. There's usually one or both close to the property. I love using Dollar Tree (everything in the store is $1) for items we'll use once and can toss upon check out, aluminum foil, condiments and anything generic.
If you have Amazon Prime, you can place your Whole Foods order online and have it delivered, along with miscellaneous items you might end up needing. It's incredible how many things you "need" on vacation, and with Amazon's two-day delivery, it's a huge convenience.
After Arrival
The day we arrive, we tell the front desk that we will be expecting packages early in our arrival and throughout our stay.
With our kitchen stocked, we can cook in the room more often and practice social distancing. And for meals we don't feel like cooking ourselves, we use Uber Eats to get food from local restaurants delivered directly to our room. This way, we can still enjoy the regional flavors and stay safe.
Enjoy the Living Room
Pre-planning
When you send your supply box ahead, include your Roku, Apple TV, microwave popcorn bags, candy and other movie night treats. If you're into fitness, you can also send resistance bands or other lightweight workout gear for an in-room workout.
Read 7 Fitness Apps For Anytime, Anywhere Workouts for the best workout apps to download before you travel.
After arrival
With private living space in your suite, you can safely limit your exposure to high traffic shared areas and still enjoy yourself. Plan to enjoy a movie or get in one of your favorite workouts from the comfort of your own space.
Traveling in the new normal may require more thought and planning, but there are still adventures to be had. And I feel pretty good about using the amenities I already know and love when I travel with Hilton Grand Vacations to stay safe.
Read 4 Extended Vacation Travel Hacks for the Ultimate Stress-Free Trip.