It is a new world order as the COVID-19 (also known as the novel corona virus) takes the world by storm literally and figuratively.  During the last four months, many Americans have adjusted to the mandatory stay at home orders and strict social distancing guidelines when you leave home.

As countries around the world re-open and welcome back tourists, U. S. travelers, sadly, are temporarily on a no entry list until the novel corona virus gets under control here.  Staycations are now all the rave again as we look for interesting things to do as the U.S. economy starts to re-open.

And, to help you keep your social diaries active, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. (ABT) has a couple of virtual experiences to reduce the cabin fever brought on by COVID-19.  Groups of 10 to 100 people just need to join us on Zoom for the virtual experiences. 

For those who have New York City as a bucket list destination, ABT has four great suggestions for virtual walking tours – Mid-Manhattan, Lower East Side, Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown and Wall Street.  Philadelphia, another destination for our virtual walking tours, showcases the sites associated with founding the U.S. democracy, as well as the city’s ghostly side.  Our licensed tour guides will take you on a fun, yet educational 1.5 virtual tour of these iconic neighborhoods.  

For the young people embracing the new normal and remote learning, ABT offers an entertaining virtual magic shows, as well as virtual interactive magic classes for aspiring magicians to learn the tricks of the trade.  We understand it is hard to keep young people, ages four years and older, engaged with anything and we have kept our virtual magic show experiences to just 30 minutes long.

During these challenging times, laughter is the best remedy to lift the spirits and tickle your funny bone.  Our virtual one hour stand-up comedy show features rising comedians who have performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Montréal Just for Laughs Festival, as well as has appeared on national television shows and movies.

And, our virtual experiences would not be complete without offering a couple of virtual wellness sessions – Zumba, belly dance, yoga, spinning, body sculpting, and Latin dance (salsa, bachata, merengue and cha cha) to help you stay in shape while you are stuck at home.  All wellness sessions are talked by professional dancers.  You do not need any experience for the wellness sessions.  You just need to come an open mind and a willingness to try something new.

​We hope groups of 10 to 100 people will join us for one of these virtual experiences.  
 
 

Guest post by Jessie Clarke from Soulful Travel
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Due to quarantine rules and post-lockdown regulations, many families are feeling a bit stir-crazy. Fortunately, there are activities you can partake in that allow you to follow social distancing guidelines. Here are nine solutions for keeping families busy — and safe.

Explore Nature at Home and Beyond

Getting outside can help everyone burn energy and breathe a little deeper. From your backyard to natural spaces, here’s how you can get outdoors.

• Explore the trees in your own backyard.
• Begin bird watching with your kids.
• Check out the outdoors in your neighborhood.

Plan a Camping Trip
Going camping is a great way to spend time outdoors as a family. At the same time, you can keep away from others in accordance with social distancing rules.

• Learn everything about camping with kids.
• Pack the right equipment for safety and comfort.
• Keep an eye on wildlife (safely) and learn something new.

Head to Museums and Zoos
Visiting local attractions like museums and zoos can be a great way to get out of the house. At the same time, you need to take special care when heading out.

• Know what to expect — and not to touch anything.
• Recognize CDC guidelines on spending time around animals.
• When driving to destinations, know your route and plan for COVID-19 restrictions.

Many families are eager to get out and about following a long self-isolation period. The good news is that there are tons of activities you can enjoy. Keeping social distancing in mind, plan your family’s exploits with optimism and a sense of adventure.