Why Harvest Hosts is the Safest Method of RV Travel Post-COVID-19
The sudden COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in unimaginable ways. For those who love to travel in their RV, this global catastrophe likely meant cancelled plans and postponed trips. As the country slowly begins to reopen over the coming months, many experts are skeptical that things will return to normal quickly. Some folks may remain wary of crowded campgrounds and close proximity to others, opting instead to wait longer to travel again. Other RVers may wish to begin to travel as soon as they are permitted to do so. However, many have chosen to revise their travel style to continue social distancing on some level.
Many Harvest Hosts members may currently find themselves itching to dust off their membership and travel safely once again. Because of the nature of staying at a Harvest Hosts location, using your membership on RV trips may very well be one of the best ways to travel in the near future. Read along for more information on why Harvest Hosts is the safe, supportive, and scenic way to RV in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Safe
Many RVers enjoy the luxury of staying in full hookups campgrounds. However convenient these may be, they tend to place campers in close proximity to each other. Even if your RVs are located more than six feet apart, you will likely run into other campers. This could be while going for a stroll, walking your dog, disposing of garbage, checking in, or any other number of typical campground activities. This is likely a bit stressful for those wishing to continue to maintain a safe distance from others while traveling.
If you choose to stay at a Harvest Hosts location instead, you will most likely be parked much further from other campers (if any). After the business closes for the night, you will typically be one of a handful of people on the property. In addition, when you patronize the business, you can choose to do so at a time when it is not busy. Be sure to always follow local ordinances to wear face masks or follow other protocol when entering a place of business.
Scenic
Anyone who has spent the past two months or more in lockdown has probably not encountered many scenic views. However, you can rest assured that any Harvest Hosts location you visit will have no shortage of beautiful sights. If you visit a Harvest Hosts location, you will likely enjoy views of rolling green hills, lush countryside, and any other local applicable scenery (mountains, rivers, forests, etc.). This sharply juxtaposes views of other RVs found at most campgrounds or the typical suburban scenery seen at locations for other RV membership clubs. You can rest assured that no matter what type of host you choose to visit post-pandemic, you will find some gorgeous and well-deserved views to enjoy.
Supportive
For many people, the impacts of COVID-19 were financially detrimental. This is especially true for small businesses who rely on tourism and visitors to survive. In the months following COVID-19, these businesses need our support more than ever. Instead of paying for a night’s stay at a campground, consider staying at a Harvest Hosts location. This may allow you to put the money that would typically be spent on campgrounds towards small businesses in need. In addition, you will walk away with some delicious goods of your own. This could include wine or beer, farm fresh food or produce, and/or other products available at Harvest Hosts locations. This will mutually benefit both yourself and the Host, while helping local businesses and communities in their time of need.
Tips
As mentioned previously, it is very important that all travelers continue to follow local guidelines and regulations in the aftermath of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Obviously this means not traveling to or visiting places that are still on lockdown. In other areas, it may mean continuing to wear facial coverings where it is required. Some may choose to wear facial coverings even when not required to avoid spreading unknown illness to their Hosts. In addition, it is recommended to continue to maintain a distance of six or more feet between yourself and others where it is still required. Some locations also advise people to avoid gathering in groups of ten or more. Again, check local ordinances for the area that you will be visiting, and plan to abide by their regulations.
Even as things continue to shift back into normalcy, it will be awhile before the world runs exactly as it once did. In the meantime, we can continue to practice safe travel in areas where travel is permitted. Utilizing your Harvest Hosts membership is an excellent way to travel safely. After all, there are 4349+ to choose from, so you are sure to find one you will enjoy visiting. If you don’t have a membership or if yours has expired, you can join or renew your membership today to begin planning your next trip!
How has COVID-19 affected your travels (or lack thereof)? Do you plan to stay at any Harvest Hosts locations post-pandemic? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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We actually bought a Hymer during lockdown. We had been looking a year ago, decided not to buy. When the RV dealership called (they were open supporting FEMA) we jumped at the chance to buy. We just stayed at Lindsay Creek Vineyard, first Harvest host and LOVED it. Out in beautiful fields, quiet, great hosts and tour all while social distancing. A safe and good way to nurture the soul while keeping all rules. It is very important we all social distance and respect the rules and our hosts.
Hey Beth! Sounds like quite the quarantine purchase! Glad to hear you enjoyed your first Harvest Hosts stay and your new RV!
We left the NE in mid-February for a 3 month trip through the SW, stopping in South Texas for a week to visit relatives. When in Texas the virus situation suddenly got bad and we ended up staying 2 months instead of one week. Since things started opening up in early May we decided to head home. Our drive took us 7 days of driving and we stayed at 6 Harvest Hosts. All were very welcoming and gracious hosts. We felt safe, saw lots of beautiful scenery, drank some lovely wines and came home with a few bottles.
Thank you HH for making what could have been a very tiring and anxious 2200 mile trip, into a wine trail back home!
Sounds like a great way to make your way back home. Hope you had an excellent time, Marie!
We are headed to the Finger Lakes region of NYS this weekend. Staying at three different vineyards through HH. We appreciate the opportunity to stay at these great places when all state campgrounds are closed. We stay at HHs all the time while traveling and when the CGs are booked.
Thank you Harvest Hosts!
Hope you enjoyed your stays!
I loved seeing the picture on Sam Leash’s “History of Harvest Host’s” article. The wine glasses are from one of my favorite stops and wineries, Sonoita winery. They are such a peaceful place to stay with amazing wines!
Sonoita is a great stop, so glad you enjoyed the article! 🙂
I am interested in knowing more about the locations and availability of some of the members. We are not currently RV owners but will be and am trying to plan some trips. Knowing more about locations without the need to signup first would be helpful.
Hey Katherine! Prior to signing up for a membership, you can see all of the locations on the map to know where they are. You can also read about memberships under the “about” section of the blog and some of our specific hosts under the “Hosts” section of the blog. For any further questions, you can contact customer service via our website’s contact form, email, or on Facebook.