The Road Back: Safe Family Travels in New Covid World
The advent of Covid-19, or coronavirus, has changed how life looks on every level. Covid has changed the way we do things, the way we think about things, and, now as we cautiously emerge from our homes, Covid has changed the way we travel in 2020. In this new series from Travel With Kids, “The Road Back: Safe Family Travel Adventures in the New Covid World” we explore what travel looks like, what industry businesses are doing to keep travelers safe, and show you what family travel is like…even when there’s a pandemic at hand. First stop, Mission Beach, San Diego, California.
Notorious as THE summer vacation destination for Arizonans (they call us the Zoni invasion), Mission Beach has long been a travel hot spot for families. But, is it also a hot spot for coronavirus? We headed out to explore what this California beach has to offer families and how it’s dealing with the Covid outbreak.
To condo or to hotel? There are benefits to both. We researched some options and decided on Bahia Resort Hotel. They had a clear list of what they were doing to protect guests in this Covid travel world – open air check in with plexiglass and sanitizer, room certified cleaned before your arrival and cleaning staff don’t enter again unless requested, removal of all unnecessary decor from room (items which may pass along germs), mask wearing and social distancing in all public areas, sanitizing stations throughout the resort grounds…the list goes on.
Checking in at Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Beach; plexiglass between reception and traveler, masks, sanitizer
We loved our two bedroom suite! Plenty of room for Seamus and his friend to have their own space, and for all of us to have community space in the living area with kitchenette. Plus, the balcony offered exceptional views over Mission Bay (really I was quite content just sitting here reading my book…I didn’t even have to leave).
On balcony at Bahia Resort Hotel
View from balcony at Bahia Resort Hotel; beach chairs social distanced
But, teenagers (and some spouses) don’t want to just sit and read, so we took a look at some of the activity options available and what they were doing to keep family travelers safe during Covid-19.
Belmont Park (the entertainment park with rollercoasters and fun houses) was closed, but the restaurants in front of it were open. There were plenty of bikes to rent…and the new thing, scooters. There wasn’t anyone sanitizing between rentals for scooters, so that’s where it’s wise to carry your own wipes and hand sanitizer. We decided we wanted to get out on the water, so we rented kayaks (there were also lots of other options right on property at Bahia Resort Hotel like sailboats, motorboats, paddle boats, stand up paddle boards, etc.)
We took the kayaks around the bay and met a few curious sea lions. They were enjoying the beautiful weather just like us…lounging on one of the docks in the bay.
Nathan and Seamus watch sea lions on dock in Mission Bay, San Diego
In the evening (and for breakfast), we headed to Bahia’s restaurant, Cafe Bahia, for dinner. Felt very safe…was offered sanitizer from contactless dispenser on the way in, tables were six feet apart, staff in masks, guests in masks if up and walking around.
Cafe Bahia
Food was delicious. I became addicted to their bacon at breakfast!! And dinner included amazing poke, Baja shrimp cocktail, and steak and fish and chips for the kids.
Baja shrimp cocktail and poke at Cafe Bahia
We all had a wonderful stay at Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego. It was a fantastic first stop on our Road Back and renewed our confidence in traveling in the time of Covid. Stay tuned for more updates in our series “The Road Back: Safe Family Travel Adventures in the New Covid World”. Next up: Washington DC
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