When is it safe to travel?

Tavel safe graphicAs vaccinations roll out, and CDC guidance tells us that vaccinated adults can feel safe gathering in smaller groups, all travelers’ eyes are turning toward Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  While each of the New England states are still enforcing travel restrictions, they are changing weekly, and restrictions on gatherings are being lifted.  Millions of people are being vaccinated each day, and confidence in travel is growing each week.

The ten Distinctive Inns of New England are poised to welcome spring and summer vacationers.  When the pandemic hit, each of the ten DINE member inns shifted procedures and developed safety protocols that met and exceeded state and federal CDC guidelines.  All of the DINE inns consulted and incorporated American Hotel & Lodging recommendations for safety too.  From socially distanced dining rooms to strict food prep and serving care, plus contactless check ins and housekeeping and complete sanitization of rooms, DINE innkeepers have been careful throughout the pandemic to ensure that guests feel comfortable and that no virus exposure happened within their walls.

Many of the procedures that were put into place will remain.  Those that make sense once herd immunity has been achieved will stay.  It’s possible that gestures like hugs might return (they’ve been missed by so many), but only for those that feel comfortable.

Road trip graphicSo when is it safe to travel once again to DINE country?  The answer really varies from state to state, and a number of factors play into that answer.  Yet the simplest response is “when  you feel ready, and when you feel it’s safe, it’s time to travel once again”.

No DINE innkeeper wants to pressure travelers.  They want you to feel safe and relaxed so you can enjoy your romantic getaway at long last.  DINE innkeepers want you to make up for lost time and lost R&R in a place that they can assure you you’ll be safe so you can enjoy your getaway. They’ll do their part to create a sanitized, clean, comfortable and welcoming New England inn that exceeds all safety guidelines.  Now, all you have to do is decide upon which of the ten DINE inns to visit and book  your reservation once you feel safe.

We asked DINE innkeepers how bookings were going for the summer and learned from those who responded that travelers are anxious to hit the road to DINE country once again.  Now that vaccinations are rolling out, reservations are rolling in.  DINE innkeepers shared that reservations are anywhere from 35% to 50% ahead of 2019, which was a banner year for travel to DINE inns.  Some innkeepers shared that October weekends are already full.

Thus, consult your calendar and make your plans when you’ve received your shots and feel comfortable traveling again. Then, be sure to check the travel restrictions for the state you’re planning to visit. If you’ve been vaccinated, chances are you’ll be welcome in any of the New England states without quarantine. Be sure to book your reservation directly with the inn, instead of using a third party like booking.com or Expedia.  We all are looking forward to welcoming you back to our inns.

In Vermont:  Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton

In New Hampshire:  Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield

Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic

In Maine:  Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden and Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport

In Massachusetts:  Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod