7 Tips for Visiting Denver This Summer During the Rona
I was scrolling through Twitter and popping into some travel focused Facebook groups when I started to notice something alarming-people from other states were planning road trips to Colorado. My first instinct was to freak out. I didn’t stay inside my house from March 11 until May so that you could bring your Rona germs to my state. But, I’m a realist. The reality is that people are going to travel and visit other states. So, I thought about how I could make those trips fun and safe for visitors to Colorado this summer. Because let’s face it, your trip will be different this time. Here are 7 tips for visiting Denver this summer. Take notes
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Before you begin planning your trip to Denver and the state of Colorado I need to tell you a couple of things.
- Your trip will be different
- Businesses have closed
- Expectations are different
- But, we’re slowly but surely figuring things out.
Traveling during a pandemic is tricky. We all need a break from reality, but the reality is the pandemic will follow you wherever you go…unless you go to New Zealand and that island isn’t opening up anytime soon.
Tip #1 Be Flexible
Be flexible. Because each state and city is approaching the pandemic in different ways. It’s highly likely that our rules here in Colorado may be different than the rules in your town and state.
Tip #2 Respect our Rules and Mandates
We ask that you respect our rules while you’re here. Be prepared to wear masks in the following spaces:
- Grocery stores
- Retail spaces
- Massage facilities
- Fitness spaces
- Coffee shops
- Restaurants
However, I’ve found that these spaces are doing a great job of communicating their expectations of their clientele in addition to communicating the steps that they’re taking to keep everyone safe.
Tip #3 Do Your Research
You may have heard that businesses are opening back up. But, things are different. Here are some things to anticipate and look out for:
- Ladies, it pains me to tell you that there seem to be fewer public restrooms available.
- Hours are different-Many businesses are open for shorter periods of time.
- Some businesses have completely changed their business model or have pivoted a key area of their services.
- Timed entries is a thing
- Some venues are still closed or won’t reopen this summer. Water World is one of those closed venues for this summer.
- Red Rocks is still closed at the time of this recording which is mid-June 2020
- Some mountain towns or smaller country towns have their own set of rules and regulations and some may not be excited to have you there. Especially if you don’t follow their rules.
Tip #4 The Questions You NEED to Ask
Here are some helpful questions that you should ask before heading to a venue that interests you. Basically, you’re going to look at their website or call before you stop by. Here’s what you need to check out and ask.
- What are your hours?
- Do you have a patio?
- What is the party size limit?
- Can we purchase alcohol to go?
- Do you have a bathroom available for patrons?
- Do we have to make a reservation?
Tip #5 What to Bring
I call this the Colorado travel kit. You need to have the following items on you.
- A water bottle-It’s dry here
- Sunblock-Your skin will thank you
- Face mask-You’ll need to wear one in most places
- Hand wipes -Coronavirus!
- Hand sanitizer-Coronavirus!
- Chapstick -Your lips will thank you
- Lotion-Your skin will thank you
Tip #6 Triple-Check Public Transit
Currently, RTD is operating on limited hours and patrons do not have to pay for service. This could change at any moment so you will have to check that as well. You will be requested to wear face masks on the bus and train.
Tip #7 Don’t Wing It
Before the Coronavirus you could “wing it” you know, just visit a place without a firm plan.
I would strongly discourage that as long as we are fighting the spread of the virus. As a resident of Denver and the state of Colorado, I want you to have a great time while you’re here.
But, I think it’s important to be candid about what to expect and what to consider while you’re here.
Things are different. They may be different than your state. That said, I would like to share what things have been like for me for the past couple of weeks as we reopen the state.
- I’ve taken the light rail
- I’ve gone to the Farmer’s Market-head’s up visiting the market has changed. Some require a reservation or you have to enter from a specific location and walk in a certain direction. No roaming around.
- I worked at my co-working space.
- I’ve hung out at coffee shops-Specifically on the patios
- You can eat inside restaurants but I’m not ready for that yet.
- Bars are slowly reopening and I’ve seen people enjoying them.
I’m finding that people have been pretty good natured about everything and that there is a very clear sense that we’re all in this together. I hope you enjoy your next visit to Denver and Colorado.