Meeting with family during Covid?

[ua_guy]

I haven't seen my parents since last October which was just for a couple of days. We moved 1700 miles away from them last summer and we're all having a hard time with it.

Husband and I are thinking about taking an RV trip -- some places we want to see. It's all self-contained and we've taken covid seriously so far, have been isolating at home for months. We're not worried about ourselves. My parents want to meet up with us if we make it that far West. They've been isolated too. But I worry, still. I told them if they are at all worried, we should postpone.

Then again, they live in WA which is leading the response in the Western half of the country along with California. Their area will very soon be Phase 2 - whatever that means (small gathering, things like State parks and RV parks will be open).

What would you do? I have half a mind to say nope, let's meet when the risk is very low. That could be months, or a year, who knows. They are willing to accept the risk, but I feel like I'm the parent here.

[disneysteve]

I think if the restrictions have been lifted such that you wouldn't be violating anything, and you're in a low risk area, go right ahead. Being in a high risk area, we don't expect to go anywhere, see anybody, or do anything any time soon.

[Fishindude77]

I'd go for it, and an RV would be a very good way to do it. Only places you need to stop at are truck stops of gas stations for fuel, and you could even pay at the pump and use your RV toilet to avoid going inside. With all the resturaunts closed, you'll have to do your own meals, but an RV is set up well for that. It's not real high risk to run in to a grocery store or two to get provisions when needed.

Might take a little planning to find camp sites as many of the state parks may still be closed to campers, however there are a lot of private campgrounds that will likely be open.

Traveled out of state last week with several buddies to go fishing, and will be doing the same again next week.
I'll take my chances, time to start getting back to normal life. I think the danger has been incredibly overstated by our political leadership in many areas.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I would go for it. I think it would be fine. Go in an RV and maybe quarantine for 2 weeks and then see them

[disneysteve]

I think the danger has been incredibly overstated by our political leadership in many areas.

The governments (local, state, and federal) were in a no-win situation with COVID.

If they didn't shut everything down and the virus went wild and killed tens of thousands, everyone would be screaming that more should have been done to protect people.

When they did shut everything down and the virus didn't kill tens of thousands as a result, everyone is now screaming that the whole shut down was a tremendous overreaction.

I certainly prefer the 2nd option.

[ua_guy]

I appreciate the perspectives. I posed the question in another forum, and they hopped on the opposite bandwagon-- How dare I even consider it! I think some of the answers are coming from people who have never traveled in a motorhome, or who imagine a much more interactive experience like stopping to eat at restaurants, or using shared facilities. Nope, we're self contained in a big ol' super-C, can keep 2 weeks of food on board no problem. Our trip out there is going to be aggressive - daytime driving followed by pulling into KOA journey locations for the night. They are generally contactless check-in now. Pull in, hook up to utilities, cook dinner, walk the dog, sleep, and unhook and go in the morning. We've been isolated for months at home, so have my parents, so other than a couple fuel stops along the way, and touching utilities at RV parks (wash hands anyway), I can't imagine any other real interaction with people. But the risk is still not zero and the safest plan IS to stay home. We're going anyway, the real question is should I meet up with my parents once we get there.

The return trip will be more relaxing, wandering, staying in scenic locations and out-of-the way places. We're planning on 2+ weeks on the return, working some days from the RV in-between travels.

The more I noodle on it, the risk seems more acceptable. When we started the discussion I felt like it was bordering on negligent (meeting with parents) but I know people in here have generally level heads based on the posts I've read over the last 10 years, so I appreciate the thoughtful responses.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Will you go see them asap or quarantine? My biggest fear isn't for myself it's traveling and causing my family to get sick.

[ua_guy]

Will you go see them asap or quarantine? My biggest fear isn't for myself it's traveling and causing my family to get sick.

That's the principal concern - my parents. They are early 70's, but, they are also in fantastic shape, healthy, active. Other than age, their risk of becoming sick from covid seems lower. But it's all unknown.

We've all been "quarantined". Literally not leaving the house except to get groceries. For months. What I'm saying is a couple days of RV travel in order to reach them doesn't seem to introduce much risk. It's also not zero risk. The question is, do people feel it's acceptable risk.

[bjl584]

I would do it.. You have been quarantined and away from people, so you probably pose a very low risk to your parents.
A 1700 miles road trip could be just what's needed after being on lockdown the past couple months.

[Thrif-t]

I think it's fine to meet them too!

Just like my DD24 came home for a week. She's been holed up in her apartment 3 1/2 hours away, not going out, not meeting up with anyone, I didn't feel it would be a detriment to our health for her to come home. She's been isolating, we've been isolating. I'm glad to see her. Go see your parents!

[disneysteve]

The more I noodle on it, the risk seems more acceptable. When we started the discussion I felt like it was bordering on negligent (meeting with parents) but I know people in here have generally level heads based on the posts I've read over the last 10 years, so I appreciate the thoughtful responses.

Unfortunately, COVID isn't going away anytime soon. We are all going to have to make these sorts of risk assessments on a regular basis going forward. Obviously, people want to see their loved ones at some point. People want to go out to eat at some point. People want to take vacations at some point. The risk of catching or transmitting COVID is going to we with us for the next year or so at least, maybe longer if an effective vaccine doesn't get developed.

Totally different issue but I have an annual pass to Disney World. Disney announced after they shut down that AP holders can either have their expiration date extended by however long the parks are closed or get a pro-rated refund for the unused portion. Initially, I was going to go with the extended expiration date. Now that it's become clear that travel will not be back to anything even close to normal for a long time, I've changed my mind. I plan to call tomorrow and see if I can get through to request the refund. At this point, I'd rather have the money. I don't see us going to Disney World before the end of 2020 and very possibly not until fall of 2021 when we're hoping to go for the 50th anniversary in October.

[Like2Plan]

I think we are going to have to learn to live with this disease. I would think that with a RV you would be able to control the conditions much better than if you took a flight where you could possibly be squeezed in like sardines, for example.

The only thing I would worry about would be potential closures of facilities that you might be planning to use--national parks, camps, etc. But, if everything is open I would think it would be an amazing trip.

[Like2Plan]

What did you decide to do?

[ua_guy]

What did you decide to do?

We decided to take the trip, and it's been great. We spent a few days with my family already. Now we're on the return loop, have logged about 2,000 miles so far with another 1200 to go. Everything so far has been contactless. Family time was spent at home with them just enjoying each other's company. Had a chance to tour the Badlands, saw lots of pretty country in Western Montana and Northern Idaho, and made it to the Seattle area as well, but well south of the city and any protest/violence. But soaking in the rain, seeing all the trees and mountains, being with family...that was exactly what I needed!

Meanwhile the world is literally falling apart at the seams, and I'm very very glad we're not anywhere near MSP right now. Our neighbors tell us the house is still standing, so that's good...there's been unrest even in the outer burbs and places you wouldn't expect.

Connecting one of my other threads...homecoming was a momentous occasion. I miss my family and my home in the Northwest so much. We were going to take an additional week to tour Utah and Colorado on the return trip, but have decided to cut it short to head home and put our house on the market. Pulling up the anchor. I have no idea what happens next but this feels like the right thing to do.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

We decided to take the trip, and it's been great. We spent a few days with my family already. Now we're on the return loop, have logged about 2,000 miles so far with another 1200 to go. Everything so far has been contactless. Family time was spent at home with them just enjoying each other's company. Had a chance to tour the Badlands, saw lots of pretty country in Western Montana and Northern Idaho, and made it to the Seattle area as well, but well south of the city and any protest/violence. But soaking in the rain, seeing all the trees and mountains, being with family...that was exactly what I needed!

Meanwhile the world is literally falling apart at the seams, and I'm very very glad we're not anywhere near MSP right now. Our neighbors tell us the house is still standing, so that's good...there's been unrest even in the outer burbs and places you wouldn't expect.

Connecting one of my other threads...homecoming was a momentous occasion. I miss my family and my home in the Northwest so much. We were going to take an additional week to tour Utah and Colorado on the return trip, but have decided to cut it short to head home and put our house on the market. Pulling up the anchor. I have no idea what happens next but this feels like the right thing to do.

Okay so where are you guys moving to? Glad you guys came to a decision together and compromise. Was it the being home that made your DH decide it was time to leave MSP?