I Just Canceled Two Dream Trips: Here’s How I Made Peace With The Decision

I was supposed to be wandering the white-sand beaches of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico this week. Before that, I was supposed to be exploring Italy’s fascinating island of Sicily.

But where am I? At home in Arizona, working during what was intended to be first one dream trip, and then another.

I, like countless others around the world, have opted to cancel my recent travel plans. The reason, as most everyone can guess: the growing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Just to be clear, I’m not complaining. I’m grateful to be healthy enough to work and glad that I have a job to turn to in these uncertain times.

But that doesn’t mean I didn’t agonize over my decisions to cancel my trips. For much of the past month and a half, I have felt a knot in my stomach just thinking about my upcoming trips.

Ultimately, my decisions came down to two related questions: What is the responsible thing to do? And would it be irresponsible to forge ahead?

Here’s how I worked it out.

Early Denial

While the decision for one of my cancellations turned out to be fairly clear-cut in the end, it was anything but obvious in the beginning.

In August 2019, I signed up for a March 2020 travel writers’ conference in Catania, Sicily. Over the next six months or so, I eagerly researched Sicily — a place I have never visited before — and even tried to learn a bit of Italian. The prospect of sampling arancine and cannoli in the street markets of Catania was irresistible.

By late January, however, I began hearing troubling news about the new coronavirus and its impact in China. When I visited my son and daughter-in-law in Vancouver in early February, we discussed my upcoming Sicily trip. Our conclusion at the time was that the virus probably wouldn’t affect my plans.

The threat seemed far away, and none of the other similar viruses over the years had thwarted my travel plans.

Steady Escalation

Still, I kept a close eye on the Facebook page for my Sicily trip, and things continued to worsen. First, the cases of coronavirus were limited to Northern Italy — far from the southern island of Sicily.

But then there were a few cases reported in Palermo, just a few hours from Catania. Fellow conference registrants began posting questions about whether the conference would go on.

By late February, I was consulting with friends about my trip and getting two distinct responses. On one side were the people who were telling me, “You’ve got to live your life,” or “Just wear travel gloves, and you’ll be fine.”

But on the other side were questions about what I would do if I got sick or quarantined indefinitely in a foreign country. I watched with horror as those first cruise ships were blocked from coming home because of coronavirus cases. It made me wonder how I could weather such a blow — either to my health or to my personal finances.

Obvious Choice

Then, on March 2, the event promoters made the decision for me: The Catania conference would be postponed indefinitely.

With that, I felt somewhat at peace. I immediately canceled my flights and notified the press-trip organizers that I wouldn’t be traveling to Sicily in March.

And as the situation in Italy deteriorated in the following weeks, I felt overwhelming relief that the conference organizers had postponed when they did, saving me and hundreds of other attendees the nightmare of trying to get home in the midst of the widespread travel bans that followed.

Is U.S. Travel Safe?

The decision to cancel my trip to Florida was a bit more difficult.

Still disappointed about the Sicily cancellation, I decided to salvage at least part of my vacation by booking a short trip to a cool alternative destination. Florida seemed like a solid plan. After all, travel within the United States was still safe.

At least, that was the prevailing attitude in early March.

But just as it had in Italy, the problem kept growing in the U.S.

I watched the news obsessively and began wondering if any travel was smart during the rapidly changing climate. I read lengthy threads on social media in which people who were planning even low-key road trips were criticized for the possibility of spreading the virus to those who were more vulnerable.

But there were no known cases of coronavirus in my community, and I had booked flights that skirted the largest trouble areas. I’ll admit there was a bit of “I just want to get away from it all on a beautiful beach” involved in my reasoning.

Over the past week, I wavered between thinking I would go if I remained healthy and wondering whether I should chance it.

What’s The Responsible Thing To Do?

But again, there was that overriding concern: Would it be irresponsible to go?

This past weekend proved to be a watershed moment.

Governments all over the U.S. began banning the gathering of groups of 250, 50, and even 10 people. Large cities like San Francisco mandated that people stay home except for essential errands. In Arizona, the governor urged people to postpone or cancel events. My local city government announced that it would do all of its public business in an online format, and the local school district canceled classes for two weeks.

So, as I contemplated whether it would be responsible to fly to Florida, there was really only one answer: No!

Not only would I have difficulty staying a safe distance away from others on the flight, but once in Florida, I would be stressed at the prospect that my return flight home to Arizona could be affected. And once in Florida, would I really be able to enjoy the full experience of the Gulf of Mexico, with attractions and beaches closing down, and restaurants and hotels possibly soon to follow?

On many levels, taking the chance on the trip just wasn’t worth the risk of getting infected or quarantined, or unknowingly carrying the virus across the country.

Dismantling Plans

So, once again I started unpacking rather than packing, canceling flights rather than booking, and notifying a tourism bureau that I wouldn’t be coming after all.

Needless to say, it was a blow. Even though my flights qualified for refunds under the airline’s coronavirus policies, I felt a bit robbed of two possibly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

But for now, I’m holding out hope that travel will get back to normal in a month or two. And when it does, I’m still on board for a stroll down a Florida beach — or a culinary adventure through Catania’s famous fish market.

12 Reasons To Visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota

From a beautiful waterfall to outstanding food, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is home to amazing nature, culture, and history. As you explore the city, you’ll find its architecture and public art among the best in the Midwest. You may want to plan a long weekend to explore the sights and sounds that make South Dakota’s largest city special.

1. Explore Falls Park

As Sioux Falls’ most popular attraction, it’s easy to spend several hours at Falls Park enjoying the sights and sounds of the Big Sioux River as it dumps nearly 7,500 gallons of water per second over a series of falls — with the tallest at 100 feet — creating unique quartzite formations. With observation decks next to the river, you may feel a little adventurous and walk among the rocks along the shoreline to get up close to the water. Falls Park consists of more than 120 acres, with walking trails, an observation tower at the visitors center, and the remains of an old mill. Trees line walking paths, creating a beautiful setting for a stroll any time of the day. During your visit, check out the public art, including a statue honoring farmers and a life-size sculpture of an American bison.

A sculpture in downtown Sioux Falls. — Carol Ann Mossa / Shutterstock

2. Stroll Along The Downtown Sculpture Walk

With nearly 60 sculptures located throughout downtown Sioux Falls, the Sculpture Walk has made for a unique art scene since starting in 2004. Accepting new entries annually has helped the program grow over the years such that it provides a never-ending invitation to visit downtown Sioux Falls. You can get a map online or at the Sculpture Walk’s visitors center at Washington Pavilion and enjoy a self-guided tour. From statues such as a jazz musician near Phillips Avenue Diner to bears and eagles, the sculpture walk offers an opportunity to appreciate the art of some of South Dakota’s best artists.

3. Visit The Arc Of Dreams

Standing 85 feet above the Big Sioux River and spanning the length of a football field, the Arc of Dreams celebrates Sioux Falls’ growth as a vibrant city on the prairie. The stainless steel monument, which is lit at night, is considered the crown jewel of the city’s sculpture walk program, expanding it to the riverfront. Designed by noted sculptor Dale Lamphere — who created the 50-foot-tall Native American sculpture Dignity near Chamberlain — Arc of Dreams is a must-see when visiting Sioux Falls.

The Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls. — Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock

4. Explore The Old Courthouse Museum

Having served as Minnehaha County’s courthouse from the 1890s to early 1960s, the Old Courthouse Museum now shares the area’s history over three floors of exhibits. From Native American and pioneer collections to special exhibits, the real attraction may be the building itself. Constructed in the Romanesque revival style, the four-story building was built using South Dakota-quarried quartzite. The architectural marvel’s clock tower stands 125 feet tall.

5. Visit Pettigrew Home And Museum

Architecture and history enthusiasts enjoy visiting the Pettigrew Home and Museum. Designed in the Queen Anne style, the house, constructed in 1889, was purchased by Richard Pettigrew in 1911. Pettigrew eventually served as South Dakota’s first full-term senator but originally settled in the area as a surveyor. A collector of artifacts ranging from rocks to weapons and Native American clothing, Pettigrew opened a small museum at the back of the house. Following his death in 1926, the house was opened to the public as a museum. The first floor chronicles life at the house with era-appropriate appointments ranging from kitchen items to furniture and games. The second floor showcases Native American artifacts and various weapons. Because visitors need to use stairs to access the second floor, this attraction is not fully accessible. The museum offers free admission.

6. Have Fun At The Butterfly House And Aquarium

Remember chasing butterflies as a kid? The Butterfly House and Aquarium offers a fun break during your visit to Sioux Falls. Kept at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the Butterfly House is home to more than 800 butterflies from around the world. As you stroll through the 3,600-square-foot exhibit, you’re sure to have a few land on you. Remember not to touch them, but enjoy the experience. With benches located around the Butterfly House, you can spend as much time as you desire observing and enjoying the butterflies. Watch them eat from dishes with fruit and juices or just enjoy them in flight. Either way, you’ll have a wonderful experience.

The cost of admission also includes access to South Dakota’s only saltwater aquarium. Home to colorful coral from the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, anemones, fish, and seahorses are also found in the 10,000-gallon aquarium. If you’re game, check out the Pacific Tide Pool and touch pool, where you can get hands on with anemones and other sea life.

7. Walk Along Terrace Park’s Japanese Garden

Enjoy a stroll around Terrace Park and spend some time exploring the Shoto-Teien Japanese Gardens, designed in the 1920s by a local resident who studied Japanese landscaping and believed it would add to the beauty of the park and its lake. Following World War II, it fell into disrepair. Resurrected in the 1980s, it remains a popular attraction to explore. You’ll see stone accents such as lanterns, steps, and walls, and some of the area’s trees have been landscaped to resemble Japanese bonsais.

8. Hike Good Earth State Park

With more than six miles of walking and hiking trails, Good Earth State Park offers easy access to nature in Sioux Falls. About a 25-minute drive southeast of downtown, Good Earth State Park is located at Blood Run, a well-known Native American settlement dating back to 1300 to 1700 A.D. As you explore the park’s trails, you’ll have amazing views of the landscape and the river. In addition to its cultural and historical relevance, Good Earth State Park is a great spot for bird watching. The park charges a daily admission fee per vehicle; check the website for updated prices.

9. Pay Your Respects At The USS South Dakota Memorial

Sioux Falls is home to the USS South Dakota Memorial. The USS South Dakota was the standby ship as the Japanese signed the agreement to officially end World War II. The ship was decommissioned in the early 1960s, so the memorial was designed to resemble the actual USS South Dakota and spans the length of the ship itself. In the middle of the memorial is a visitors center that also serves as a museum. It houses artifacts from the USS South Dakota and other naval exhibits; you’ll want to check it out when visiting the memorial.

10. Honor Area Heroes At Veterans’ Memorial Park

Located on the grounds of a former military base, Veterans’ Memorial Park honors the men and women who have served in the United States military. The park flies each service’s flag alongside the American flag. A plaza recognizes regional Medal of Honor recipients. The park includes a series of sculptures, ranging from an eagle to one that honors fallen soldiers.

11. See The Animals At Great Plains Zoo And Delbridge Museum

Home to endangered animals such as the black rhinoceros, whose worldwide population is only about 5,000, Great Plains Zoo covers 45 acres. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours visiting the built habitats of animals including Komodo dragons, tigers, and penguins. Near the zoo’s exit, the Delbridge Museum hosts exhibits featuring mounted animals posed in wildlife scenes, including a lion attacking its prey.

12. Take In Unique Art At Porter Sculpture Garden

Located about 30 miles west of Sioux Falls, Porter Sculpture Garden provides a unique look at one man’s concept of art. Featuring more than 50 sculptures spread out over 10 acres, Porter Sculpture Garden grew from a farmer’s love for art. He started creating art pieces from scrap metal around the farm, and his collection grew. Today, a horse that stands 40 feet tall joins an even larger 60-foot-tall bull’s head, which can be seen from Interstate 90. A visit to the sculpture garden, which is located on a sloping hill, can be surreal, as you see a pink dragon, a fly playing tennis, and a character sledding. The sculpture garden is open May through October.

13. The Food Is Delicious

Given its outstanding culinary scene, Sioux Falls offers something for everyone. Originally known as Market Diner, in 1996, after 19 years on Louise Avenue, owners of this area favorite moved the airstream trailer it’s housed in to Phillips Avenue, where it became Phillips Avenue Diner. The rest, they say, is history. It’s a popular downtown attraction, and the diner is known for its chicken and waffles, as well as treats such as the Elvis Waffle, served with peanut butter and banana. Its neon-style sign illuminates Phillips Avenue at night.

Taphouse 41 may be best known for its bourbon and beer, but its burgers are the real reason to visit the Sioux Falls establishment. From classic burgers with the basic toppings to gourmet burgers, you’ll love the choices. From the PBR with duck fat fries and jalapenos to the mac and cheese with fried gouda as one of the toppings, the gourmet menu will tantalize any foodie’s palate.

14. Sioux Falls Boasts Great Places To Stay

Attached to the convention center and sports arena, the Sheraton Hotel offers an outstanding stay with excellent amenities. Rooms are comfortable and the beds are cozy. Falling Water Grille is an outstanding restaurant that also serves breakfast.

The Hotel on Phillips building originally served as a bank in the 1800s. Today, the upscale boutique hotel offers an intimate experience at a reasonable rate. Conveniently located downtown, the Hotel on Phillips is centrally located near attractions.

If you prefer a bed and breakfast experience, the Historic Victorian Inn is located within walking distance of downtown Sioux Falls. The B&B only has a few rooms, so you’re assured of personal service and a quiet stay.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, Sioux Falls has the perfect attractions for you to explore over a long weekend. Falls Park may be the most popular attraction, but the city offers so much more for your enjoyment.

Planning your trip? Don’t miss these eight incredible things to see and do in South Dakota.

Keystone, Colorado: The Best Things To Do In The Summer

When temperatures start to soar across the country, it’s the ideal time to head to the Rockies, where higher elevations and towering pines bring mountains’ worth of cooler temps. And there’s no need to drive long distances to enjoy all the joys of summer in the Rocky Mountains.

Keystone, just 90 minutes from Denver, is the first of the Rocky Mountain resorts you’ll reach from the Mile High City, yet possibly the least well known. It’s not swanky like Aspen, a shopping destination like Vail, or a funky hangout spot like Breckenridge, but Keystone offers abundant outdoor activities — without the crowds — in spectacular settings with more to do in the summer than I could cram into a long weekend the first time I visited.

And best of all, everything in this beautiful destination is affordable and easy to access.

Here are all my favorite finds in Keystone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuNt6pzcUVE

On The Lake

One of my favorite things about Keystone is the lake, which comes alive in summer with myriad water-based activities. (Note: Keystone is divided into two main resort areas; one is centered around Keystone Lake and the other is set at the base of the River Run Gondola that goes up to Dercum Mountain.) Spending time under the bluebird skies relaxing on the water and enjoying the views of the Continental Divide is one of Keystone’s “only here” experiences. And it’s hard to believe it’s so close to Denver.

I’ve found that peddling slow laps around the lake’s circumference in a paddleboat is the perfect way to get my Keystone bearings and take in the scenery without requiring any special skills. With more dexterity and balance, you can opt for a stand up paddleboard (SUP), kayak, or canoe. All options are available to rent from the Keystone Adventure Center located on the path leading to the lake. Prices start at $16 per half hour for all the boat options and $25 for stand up paddleboards.

Biking

Keystone has some of the best biking anywhere in Summit County (Colorado’s ski resort region), and since biking is one of my favorite ways to explore a new destination, my next stop was Keystone’s family bike rental center near the lake. For a mountainous region, there are a surprising number of long, flat trails, with easy paved options carouseling around the lake, plus a 25-mile bike path that heads toward Breckenridge. Bike rentals start at $20 per hour, but if you know you’d like to explore more, multi-day rentals start at just $30 a day.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, know that Keystone is a mecca for mountain biking, with a quick-paced terrain park with 55 miles for freeride and downhill mountain biking with lift service and a unique Drop Zone that features jumps, ramps, ledges, and rock gardens all designed to allow mountain bikers to get air time, if that’s your thing. Note that mountain bike rentals are available at the bike park; rentals with full body protection gear are around $100 a day.

Mountain Hiking

At over 12,000 feet, Keystone is one of the highest resort mountaintops not just in Colorado, but also in the entire country. Because of the altitude, I’ve found it’s easier to save my mountaintop explorations for a day after I’ve arrived so I can acclimate. Then I lace up my hiking boots and head to the top of the gondola for fresh air, warm rays, and spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies and Lake Dillon.

Hiking in the sunshine feels like a good excuse to eat real mountain cuisine. It takes two gondolas to reach dinner at Der Fondue Chessel, which at 11,444 feet is one of the highest restaurants in the country. In fact, having a glass of wine will feel like you’ve been drinking on an airplane, which is to say way more potent. The thin air makes the party atmosphere of this cheese-filled fondue restaurant even more festive; with magicians making balloon animals and live music, it always feels like a party. If you come at night, the sunset from up high and the star-filled gondola ride back to River Run Village make for one of the most romantic summer nights in Colorado.

White Water Rafting

White water rafting is an activity I never thought I’d try, let alone enjoy, and yet there’s something about being on the river near Keystone that hooked me as soon as I hit the water. Part of the allure is that it’s a fit for almost all abilities and experience levels. As a complete novice, I sat toward the back of the raft, and, honestly, barely paddled, but I loved being out on the gentle Arkansas River (for more advanced oarsmen, there are full day rapids to run on the mighty Colorado River), and since we were floating for 90 percent of the time on my trip, I could take in the sky stretching scenery. My son, who was an experienced raftsman, took the key front position and paddled all the way. Better still though, the professional guide on the back of the raft made all the decisions and steered, so I knew we were always safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkqliH75yz0

Horseback Riding And Wagon Rides At Keystone Stables

Horseback riding is one of the most scenic ways to see Keystone. With one- and two-hour sessions available daily as well as overnight rides upon request, Keystone Stables provides an Old West experience that reminded me of how the first settlers would have seen the soaring Rockies. I’ve tried both horseback and wagon rides and found they both offer highlights for every level of horse fan. Horseback riding in the hills on a horse who is accustomed to picking its way through scrub and inclines is a unique workout, and although I’ve ridden before, getting used to pitching forward as we climbed and backward (for balance) as we descended was a whole new workout for my quads. But the views from up the mountain, without any other people around, were worth discovering the new muscles in my legs.

I’ve always thought wagon rides seemed a bit hokey, but when I traveled with friends to Keystone, the whole group was able to take the wagon ride together and chat along the way to our final destination: an outdoor barbecue dinner. Maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for any meal served outdoors, or maybe it was being away from bright lights, Wi-Fi, and electronics, but I loved arriving at dinner via covered wagon, and the food tasted even better as the sun set.

Golfing

Full disclosure: I don’t know a 4 iron from an andiron, but I do know that people love the summer golf season in Keystone. The rolling hills around the resort are home to two incredibly scenic 18-hole courses: The par-72 Keystone Ranch Golf Course, centered on a small lake, and the par-71 Keystone River Course that climbs in elevation and twists around the Snake River. Both give golfers an opportunity to hit at high altitude, which makes balls soar. Lessons with PGA pros can help you either learn or refine your game. And if you’re traveling with junior golfers, know that free golf is offered after 5 p.m. all season long on both courses for kids age 17 and under with a paying adult. Keystone Golf also offers fun programs and a variety of clinics to get families playing together, which is a great perk if you’re traveling with your extended clan.

Summer Festivals

Another thing to love about summer: It’s outdoor festival season! In Keystone, this means delicious food and rollicking come together every few weeks from June to September. Highlights include the Bacon and Bourbon Festival, a Wine and Jazz Festival, and the Bluegrass and Beer Festival, which features 30 different breweries and three stages of music. In August, the Summer Mountain Town Music festival offers up three days of live music for free, no tickets required, with plenty of opportunities to purchase food and drinks, and it wraps up with a festive fireworks display for a true celebration of everything that’s great about summer in Keystone.

Pro Tip

There’s a wide array of places to stay within the Keystone community, including apartment-like condos and a new Hyatt. By staying on property, you unlock a mountain’s worth of free perks including complimentary guided hikes, free summer lift tickets, free rounds of golf, tennis court time, and yoga.

The Best Things To Do Around Lake Tahoe In The Summer

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest. It straddles two states, and its stunning blue waters and mountainous backdrop attract tourists all year long.

Here are some of my favorite things to do around Lake Tahoe in the summer.

Go Boating

Cruising around Lake Tahoe is simply the best way to experience its magnificence.

The largest boat — the M.S. Dixie II — is a paddlewheel boat that sails from the Zephyr Cove Marina. It accommodates more than 500 people and offers day and dinner cruises along the south shore and Emerald Bay.

Also launching from south shore is the Safari Rose, an 80-foot yacht with a dining room, sun deck, and full bar.

On the north shore, there’s the Tahoe Gal, which offers brunch cruises, happy-hour cruises, and sunset cruises.

Tahoe Tastings operates a relatively new cruise that departs from the Tahoe Keys Marina. Onboard, you’ll taste eight wines from Northern California while cruising around the picturesque Emerald Bay.

Lake Tahoe is home to a hot air balloon ride that you won’t find anywhere else: Lake Tahoe Balloons is the only company in the world to launch and land a hot air balloon from the deck of a boat. You’ll head out early in the morning from the Tahoe Keys Marina to the Tahoe Flyer, where you’ll eat breakfast as you cruise and watch the staff prepare the hot air balloon. Then you’ll climb into the basket and experience unparalleled Lake Tahoe views from high above the water. At the end, you’ll toast with Champagne while you ride back to the marina. A ride will cost you $299, but it’s worth the splurge for an adventure you truly can’t get anywhere else in the world!

If you’d rather go out on your own, there are a number of places where you can rent a pontoon boat, kayak, speedboat, jet ski, or power boat, including Tahoe Keys Marina, Zephyr Cove Marina, Tahoe City Marina, and Ski Run Marina.

Vikingsholm castle on Fannette Island. — AnjelikaGr / Shutterstock

Drive Around The Lake

A drive around Lake Tahoe is both relaxing and beautiful, featuring numerous lookout points, restaurants, shops, and spectacular views. You could easily spend an entire day driving around.

One of the best places to start is Inspiration Point, an overlook 600 feet above Emerald Bay on the west shore. It’s home to the lake’s only island, Fannette Island, and historic Vikingsholm, a Scandanvian-style castle built in the late 1920s. You can see the castle’s elaborate paintings and carvings on a tour.

A fairly new way to experience Emerald Bay is underwater along the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail. Scuba divers and snorkelers can follow the “trail” to abandoned barges and sunken recreational boats including fishing boats, kayaks, and rowboats. There are shops in Emerald Bay that rent scuba and snorkel gear.

Head north on California State Route 89 to Tahoe City, California, on the lake’s northwest side. This quintessential mountain town has it all — cozy coffee shops, locally owned galleries, and fantastic restaurants — all with the lake as its backdrop. Cabin Fever is your stop for rustic mountain furnishings including large pieces, home decor, rugs, and lighting.

Keep driving, and you’ll reach Incline Village, Nevada, on the lake’s north shore. There are outdoor activities here ranging from golf courses to tennis courts to a skateboard park. If you’re into shopping, be sure to stop by The Potlatch for home decor, jewelry, and art. The store has been in the same family for three generations and supports local artists, including crafters of authentic Native American jewelry.

Eat Outdoors

Dining al fresco is a big part of the Lake Tahoe experience.

Seafood is the highlight of the menu at Riva Grill at the Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe, California. The outdoor patio is a great spot to catch a sunset and enjoy your meal overlooking the water. The crab cakes do not disappoint, and neither do the specialty cocktails. The weekday happy hour and weekend live music are the cherry on top.

There are a number of outdoor patios with spectacular lake views in Tahoe City. At West Shore Cafe, you can sit on a pier extending into the lake. California meets Hawaii at Jake’s on the Lake, a family-owned local favorite since the 1970s. You’ll dine on fish tacos, wagyu burgers, and crab cakes while watching the boats cruising on Lake Tahoe.

A mountain biker on Flume Trail at Lake Tahoe. — aaronj9 / Shutterstock

Go On A Hike Or Bike Ride

Hiking and biking trails are plentiful around Lake Tahoe.

The Rim Trail is one of the most popular, since it goes around the entire lake. It’s 165 miles long, and its highest point sits at more than 10,000 feet. Some 50 miles of the trail on the lake’s west shore are part of the larger and more famous Pacific Crest Trail. The entire trail is open to hikers, and most of it is open to mountain bikers. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is dedicated to sustaining the trail, and on its website you can find current trail conditions as well as itineraries for hikes along different portions of the trail. These itineraries are tailored to a number of interests, including wildflowers, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views.

The Flume Trail is a popular mountain biking trail on the lake’s south shore. The 22-mile trail has been named one of Western America’s top 10 routes, likely because its location 2,000 feet above Lake Tahoe lends itself to breathtaking views. The ride can be difficult in places, but there is an option to take a shuttle one way.

An easier hike near South Lake Tahoe is the Angora Lakes Trail, a .5-mile hike from the trailhead to the lakes about 200 feet above it. The lakes are a popular place for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Be sure to grab some of the freshly-squeezed lemonade from the nearby stand.

A beach on the shore of Lake Tahoe. — CHRISTIAN DE ARAUJO / Shutterstock

Visit The Beaches

Since Lake Tahoe is an alpine lake, most of its shoreline is rugged and rocky, but there are some parts that feature sandy beaches perfect for picnics or lounging.

Sand Harbor Beach on the north shore has a picnic area, visitor center, and swimming area. It also has a dedicated area for scuba divers. Get there early — this beach is a popular one, and the parking lot fills up quickly. Also on the north shore is Kings Beach, a great spot for water activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

On the south shore, Pope Beach is a fun hangout with plenty of shade. There’s a boat launch and room for paddleboarding and kayaking. The Beacon Bar & Grill is right on the beach and is a great spot for happy hour. There’s also live music right on the beach, making this a great place to hang out all day and into the night.

If you’re on the west shore, hit up Lester Beach in D.L. Bliss State Park. This beach is great because it has bathrooms with running water! Plus, its swimming area is calm, which makes it a great spot for kayaking and paddleboating.

Most of the beaches at Lake Tahoe do not allow dogs. If you want to bring your furry friend along, head to Kiva Beach in South Lake Tahoe. Dogs have to be leashed on the beach, but they can swim in the water off leash.

A skier on the slopes at Lake Tahoe. — Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock

Head To The Ski Resorts

The Lake Tahoe area’s ski resorts are just as fun in the summer.

At Heavenly Resort, Epic Discovery awaits you at the top of the Heavenly Gondola. The area features a ropes course, tubing, zip-lining, a mountain coaster, and climbing walls. You can buy an all-day pass for unlimited fun, or choose your activities a la carte. Otherwise, you could just buy a pass for the gondola to enjoy the views up top or grab a bite to eat at Tamarack Lodge. Free summer activities include guided hikes and yoga (only available on certain days, so be sure to check the calendar in advance).

Northstar Resort offers summer activities both on the mountain and at the base. On the mountain, you’ll find mountain biking and hiking trails. At the base, you’ll find a children’s zone, a golf course, and live music.

The aerial tram at Squaw Valley will take you 8,200 feet above sea level to its High Camp, where you can dine at the Granite Bistro while soaking in the views or grab a quick snack at the High Camp Marketplace. You can take the tram back down or hike down the Thunder Mountain Trail. In fact, Squaw has a number of hiking trails, ranging from beginner to expert. This website is a good guide to all the trails. Free daily guided tours meet at High Camp in the morning and afternoon.

Fishing at sundown at Lake Tahoe. — Zachj6497 / Shutterstock

Go Fishing

Lake Tahoe is one large fishing hole, home to lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Fishing companies all around the lake will take you out to the best spots to make a big catch. If you want to go out on your own, try your rod at Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. In addition to the fish found in the lake, you’ll find cutthroat trout here. It’s also a great place to raft or hike if the fish aren’t biting.

Heading to Lake Tahoe in the winter instead? Here are the area’s best winter activities and ski resorts.

Why Sanibel Island Is The Perfect Beach Vacation Destination

“All day long just takin’ it easy, layin’ in a hammock where it’s nice and breezy.” Kenny Chesney must have been dreaming of Sanibel Island when he sang those lyrics. Cool Gulf Coast breezes, brilliant Florida sunshine, soft sandy beaches, and a fruity tropical drink in your hand — Sanibel Island is all that and more.

Only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, Sanibel Island is an oasis for the weary, a playground for families, and a romantic getaway for couples. The island has a laid-back, cozy feel, partly because the buildings are required by law to be shorter than the tallest tree (three stories max).

Sanibel Island has something to offer every type of traveler. It is a lovely spot for a romantic weekend getaway. It offers lots of options for multigenerational travel. If you are traveling solo and looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, you can zen out on Sanibel. The island is also a great place for a fun time with friends.

It’s also quite accessible. Just a quick trip from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida, and you will be swaying to the tropical beat of Sanibel Island.

Here are just a few reasons Sanibel Island is the ultimate beach getaway.

A beach on Sanibel Island, Florida. — Sheri Swailes / Shutterstock

The Beaches Are Inviting

On Sanibel Island, the beaches are the main attraction. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, you can visit a different one every day. Many of the beaches have amenities, are handicap accessible, and are inexpensive to park at. Keep in mind, however, that the parking lots are small, so you’ll need to arrive early if you want a space.

Bowman’s Beach is a popular white-sand beach that’s great for sunbathing, shelling, and swimming. Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park offers lots of shade. At Lighthouse Beach, you can take the nature trail boardwalk through wetlands to a fishing pier. Tarpon Bay Beach requires more than a short walk to the sand. Blind Pass Beach has a large parking lot, making it a good option for those who aren’t early birds.

At the Causeway Beaches, you can pull your vehicle up to the water’s edge to enjoy a picnic and a swim. There are no parking fees, and your toes-in-the-sand experience is steps from your car. Get there early and spend the day sunning, wakeboarding, swimming, shelling, and maybe even napping. Bring all your beach necessities and find that perfect beach-blanket spot.

The historic Sanibel Island lighthouse. — William Silver / Shutterstock

The Weather Is Nearly Perfect

From December through April, when winter-weary travelers seek out spots to warm their bones in the brilliant Florida sunshine, the weather on Sanibel Island is nearly perfect. You can expect highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-50s.

The temperature is moderated by ocean breezes. From June through September, you’ll encounter bouts of rain during the day, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s, and it can be humid. During the shoulder seasons — May, October, and November — the temperatures are quite mild, and the island is less crowded.

Seashells on a beach on Sanibel Island. — Maridav / Shutterstock

It Boasts An Abundance Of Seashells

Sanibel Island’s unique shape and orientation bring an abundance of seashells to its shores. More than 250 types of shells can be found on Sanibel Island’s beaches, and shelling is a fun way to learn about local sea life.

During your vacation, you will see visitors and locals — toting buckets and shovels and sporting the “Sanibel stoop” — unearthing these treasures. It’s almost impossible to walk the beach and not bend down for a closer look.

In early March, the Sanibel Community House sponsors the Sanibel Shell Festival, where you can find seashells of all kinds. The annual event is the place to find unique shells, shell art, and shell jewelry — everything a shell aficionado or new collector might need.

You Can Participate In Almost Any Water Sport

Sanibel Island offers every kind of water sport imaginable. The island’s proximity to the Gulf Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Sanibel River means that there’s water everywhere you turn. You can canoe, kayak, party on a pontoon boat, fish, swim, surf, sail, waterski, jet ski — the list goes on and on.

Plenty of local outfitters offer tours and water sports rentals.

Tarpon Bay Explorers is known for its guided nature tours. Additionally, it rents kayaks (including Hobie fishing kayaks), canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pontoon boats.

If snorkeling is on your bucket list, visit Sanibel Island Cruise Line. Enjoy an aquatic perspective while searching for shells and observing the local sea life. The snorkeling guides will escort you to the best underwater viewing spots on the island.

Ever wanted to try parasailing? You can get a bird’s-eye view of the island with Paradise Parasail. The outfitter has years of experience giving bipeds wings and adrenaline-pumping experiences.

The Boating Opportunities Are Limitless

On Sanibel, you can also rent a boat or join a seafaring tour. You can even sleep on a yacht! It’s pretty much all about the water on Sanibel.

Check out the Cayo Costa Beach Escape Cruise by Adventures In Paradise. Stroll the beaches, collect seashells, and enjoy a picnic on the uninhabited Cayo Costa Island. On your trip out, you’ll spot dolphins, manatees, and many species of aquatic birds.

For Intracoastal Waterways boat rentals, visit the Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers. The staff members will deliver your watercraft to your dock. The marina offers a number of options, from a 24-foot Regal to a 20-foot Grady-White. Rentals are available for half-day, full-day, and weeklong enjoyment.

A bridge and beautiful landscape on Sanibel Island. — ulrich missbach / Shutterstock

You’ll Love The Peaceful Natural Surroundings

Sanibel Island is the perfect outdoor playground. You can experience its beauty in so many ways, from relaxing on its sandy beaches to hiking through its wildlife refuge.

The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers seven hiking trails through lush vegetation where you can spot migratory and local birds, historic shell mounds, and mangrove forests. The Indigo Trail is a 4-mile walk that begins and ends at the refuge’s visitor center. The Calusa Shell Mound Trail is a wheelchair-accessible, .4-mile boardwalk.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation maintains a variety of hiking trails and native gardens and offers conservation walks. The Periwinkle Nature Trail is a .6-mile hike lined with live oaks and mastics. The Sanibel Slough Trails comprise 4 miles of wetlands and uplands habitat.

You Can Enjoy Golf With Water Views

The premier Mark McCumber-designed Dunes Golf Club is surrounded by water and nature. Situated in an Audubon Society wildlife preserve, the course is both beautiful and challenging.

The Sanibel Island Golf Club on the Sanibel River is surrounded by all the natural beauty that Sanibel Island has to offer.

If you want to play a quick nine holes with gorgeous views, make the short trip to Captiva Island and tee up at the South Seas Island Resort short course.

Bordering the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and designed by Arthur Hills is The Sanctuary Golf Club. This is a private club, and you will need to contact them to inquire about playing the course as a potential or reciprocal member. You will find that it is worth the extra effort.

The Southern Coastal Cuisine Is To Die For

You can dine across the culinary cutting board on Sanibel Island. Fun, family-friendly cafes and quiet, elegant seaside restaurants abound.

Beachy, kid-friendly Island Cow offers everything from gator to grouper in an island-inspired, casual atmosphere. This is the place to make fun family memories on your visit to Sanibel Island.

For a more refined, traditional menu, Thistle Lodge at the Casa Ybel Beach Resort offers casual beachfront dining. The menu features upscale dishes like pecan-crusted yellowtail snapper and diver scallops. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet dinner.

The Beach Resorts Offer Many Stay Options

Sanibel Island’s accommodations are a mix of luxurious beachfront resorts and family-friendly options.

Song of the Sea, perched on a private Gulf Coast beach, is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. A complimentary al fresco breakfast, free bike rentals, and access to the Dunes Golf Club are just some of the amenities this outstanding resort offers.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa offers homey condominiums for the whole family. Its close proximity to the beach, children’s daytime program, and access to the Dunes Golf Club make this resort perfect for a multigenerational trip.

Sanibel Island is small, but packed with lots of ways to personalize your vacation experience. Luxury, adventures in nature, and casual beach experiences are all possible on this island in the sun.

What It Was Like Traveling In Asia During The Coronavirus Outbreak

I began my vacation in Southeast Asia just as the coronavirus started to cross international borders. Here’s how my story played out.

A Dream Trip To Thailand

Last November, when I started planning my trip to Thailand, elephants were on my mind — and not the elephant that is now always in the room: coronavirus or COVID-19. For years, I had dreamed of visiting the jungles of Northern Thailand to see the pachyderms that have been rescued as part of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation’s conservation efforts.

So when I received an invitation from Anantara to not only visit, but also be one of the first to experience the immersive Jungle Bubbles in the middle of the elephant habitat, I was over the moon.

The dates in late February and early March worked with my schedule, and I excitedly added the travel plans to my calendar. I also decided to spend a few days in Malaysia on the beach. My flight was scheduled to depart on February 24.

Deciding Whether To Stay Or Go

Should I skip the elephants? That’s what I kept thinking as the coronavirus first started to trickle into my news feed in February. In those early days, the threat seemed to be entirely contained in China, and mostly around Wuhan.

I visited the State Department website, something I always do before going abroad, and there was a very reassuring Level 1 designation for both Thailand and Malaysia. Since France was at a Level 2, it seemed fine to travel. (These days, the State Department has a global Level 3 warning for all international travel.) I also called the organizer and was told that there were no reported cases of COVID-19 in the country, thanks to a closed border with China. Tourism was still robust — one of the reasons the country earned the nickname of Teflon Thailand — and the World Health Organization wasn’t warning against travel to Southeast Asia.

As a professional travel writer, I’m committed to keeping a wide and balanced worldview and not giving in to panic. I had spent a good deal of time in Southern Africa when Ebola was gripping the Congo. “It’s a continent, not a country,” I told people over and over. Assuming the same attitude, and not having an idea of what was coming, I decided to make the trip.

Speed Bumps Along The Road

Things got a little stickier as February ticked along. My original tickets were issued by Cathay Pacific, and I was scheduled to stop in Hong Kong. After American carriers stopped service into and out of China, I wisely changed my route. I was rebooked on Japan Airlines, which meant traveling through Tokyo (a city that wouldn’t prove to be problematic until later).

Of course, as my travel date got closer, cases started to escalate. And then the Diamond Princess was quarantined off the shores of Japan. Once again, I considered canceling. But all of the cases in Japan were contained on the ship at the beginning of the outbreak, so I decided to carry on. Then, just as I left the United States, Italy began to lock down the north.

I had no idea what was to come, so I boarded the 14-hour flight to Japan. At Narita International Airport, I met several other Americans who had changed their plans to fly Cathay and had chosen to transit through Japan; we all had the same seemingly good idea. We chatted through our face masks, walked by the airport’s large bank of fever-detecting heat sensors (something I was familiar with from my time in Africa), and were asked before we boarded the plane to Bangkok, “Have you been on the Diamond Princess? It’s against the law to lie.” We all answered in the negative, and on to Bangkok we went. Honestly, though, I wasn’t feeling quite as confident as I had when I was leaving New York.

On board, I scrubbed down my seat with sanitizing wipes, used Purell repeatedly, and donned my mask, as I do on all flights.

The writer and her fellow travelers at the airport. — Melissa Klurman

Teflon Thailand

Things in Thailand seemed truly normal. The traffic was as terrible as it always is, and my resort hotel, the Anantara Riverside, was filled with tourists, including a number of European families with small children. I attended a fundraising event for the Golden Triangle in Bangkok that required all attendees to have a temperature check before they entered, but the room was completely full on Saturday night. The Grand Palace didn’t have the usual crowds, but when I asked a guard about the empty plazas at the popular tourist attraction, he told me it was the lack of Chinese tour groups that made it feel so uncrowded.

At the Golden Triangle, I had the elephant experience of a lifetime. I walked with giants, fed bananas and sugarcane to friendly females, and spent a night in a Jungle Bubble — the first American reporter to do so — listening to the quiet sounds of the forest and the chomping pachyderms. I learned so much from my time with the elephants, and with no news from the outside world, everything felt wonderfully relaxed.

It was nice while it lasted.

Worry Sets In

As I left Thailand for Malaysia, I heard that Japan was closing all schools for the month of March, which was concerning.

I started to worry — a lot — about whether or not I would be able to get home. I spent hours researching alternative routes to the New York area where I live, but Japan Airlines hadn’t canceled my flight, and I was due to fly home in a few days, so I didn’t change my plans. But I was getting more concerned every day.

All Quiet On The Malaysian Beaches

When I arrived in the Malaysian resort area of Desaru on March 2, it was quiet — really, really quiet. At the airport, I was handed an affidavit to sign before I could enter the country; I had to swear that I had not been to Wuhan. While entering and leaving the country, my passport was searched for Chinese visas, and my forehead was scanned for temperature checks. A staff member at my resort told me they were operating at 10 percent capacity, since few people were traveling from Singapore, their main market.

An empty airport in Asia. — Melissa Klurman

The Long Road Home

Ten days after I arrived in Southeast Asia, it was time to travel home, and I can honestly say I was no longer as confident as I was when I first left the U.S.

The airport was noticeably less crowded; the lounges, too. I had my temperature scanned at every entrance and throughout the airport. Every plane had myriad vacant seats, which wasn’t the case on my first flights. Although the Bangkok airport was still busy, Narita seemed nearly empty. I walked down long hallways with just a few fellow travelers. The lounges were nearly deserted. On my trip to Thailand, the Japan Airlines lounge in Narita provided self-service food; now there were only prepackaged items served by a gloved and masked attendant along with apology notes about the new measures.

On the plane, I had an entire row to myself in business class. Flight attendants wore masks for the entire journey, as they had on the outbound portion of my trip, and they made announcements about extra cleaning efforts.

I held my breath and tried my best to avoid people while anxiously waiting for the plane to take off, afraid that doors were going to start to close around the world and that we wouldn’t be able to land in New York.

Home At Last

I arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport 14 hours later, on March 5, and I walked right in like there was nothing going on in the world. There were no heat scans, no thermometers, and no questionnaires. No one looked at the stamps in my passport. Nothing. Nada. Just a “welcome back” from the customs agent. It all seemed, well, weird.

It turns out that I returned at almost the same moment as Vice reporter Julia Lindau, who had flown from Italy, where she had been reporting on the virus’s spread; she alerted the nation on Twitter that she had received no screening. Was there truly no coronavirus concern in the U.S.? I thought. Had I been worried for no reason?

The New Normal

That was a little over a week ago, when many still believed that the virus wouldn’t fully infiltrate the U.S. But as I write this, Italy is completely locked down, the president has banned flights to and from Europe, Broadway has gone dark, Disney parks are closing their doors, and my son’s school is making a plan for remote learning. Toilet paper is nowhere to be found, and I’ve fished every small bottle of hand sanitizer out of our junk drawers. I feel like I’m in the middle of a pandemic movie in a way that I didn’t when I was traveling in Asia.

Would I Do It Again?

This is a question I’ve been getting asked — and one that I’ve been asking myself.

Honestly, I would. If we are guided by fear, we’ll never leave the house, explore new cultures, meet new people, or discover new interests, all things that drive the way I live and work. And seeing how other countries handled the oncoming threat — temperature checks in public places, asking passengers questions, communicating within the travel industry — helped me understand how important exchanging information is, another reason to travel now and always.

I do wish I had come home a few days earlier, before I started to worry about whether I would be able to return easily. That was an important lesson in listening to my internal voice.

For now, I am very happy to be home and am settling for armchair travel until the State Department tells me otherwise.

Here’s to hoping that we can all get back on the road soon. Until then, keep safe — and keep washing your hands.