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People are still traveling for summer trips during COVID-19, but their destinations have changed

Posted at 9:38 AM, Jul 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-23 09:38:59-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The COVID-19 pandemic put things at a standstill last spring, but things are moving again as states have reopened. This includes people traveling for summer trips. However, the destinations have changed.

Instead of international travel, Sharon Betts, co-owner of Avant Travel, says more people are sticking to the states.

"Definitely, Montana. I've mentioned that with ranches. That's been really popular. There are several great properties," said Betts. "We've done some out west like Colorado. We've done road trips as far as several national parks and then introducing people to some places that aren't as crowded."

Betts says this summer, travelers feel more comfortable with road trips and destinations where they can get outdoors. For those who have been visiting hot spots like Florida or South Carolina, she helps them safely.

"One thing that really changed is instead of a hotel, people wanted a private residence. A home to rent with a private pool. They felt more secure with that," said Betts.

As an agency that helps people plan trips, she feels their role is even more important this summer.

"We have great real-time information from our travel partners, so we were providing our clients with information about… really the most up-to-date information of what's open and what restrictions they would have," said Betts.

Since Governor Andy Beshear recently announced quarantine recommendations for Kentuckians that travel to any states reporting positive testing rates equal or greater than 15 percent, Betts says she is worried about how this will further affect the travel industry. She's hopeful things change for the better soon.