Right now I’m mostly wondering where we could go recreationally that would actually feel relaxing. We both desperately need a break. It’s a given that a) we aren’t getting on an airplane until we are both fully vaccinated; b) we will comply with all mask requirements during travel and at our destination; and c) we won’t do anything that is remotely likely to endanger other people. I believe it’s likely that fully vaccinated people are quite unlikely to infect others, but there just isn’t enough info yet.
So is there anywhere that we could go in, say, the July/August timeframe that would actually be relaxing within, say, a 6-hour flight/drive of Chicago? I imagine a destination that lent itself to being outdoors would make the most sense, and honestly, I am not an anti-masker by a long shot, but having to wear a mask all the time on vacation just doesn’t sound relaxing. I am not opposed to the idea of needing to test before return to the U.S. if the destination is otherwise worthwhile, and if it’s not a giant PITA to make sure test results are available in the necessary timeframe. However, most of the places that have kept COVID numbers solidly down are in places that will be hotter than Hell in July/August, which sounds even less fun in a mask.
Maybe we should just find a cabin on a quiet lake somewhere within driving distance and veg out for a week? Any specific suggestions?
Maybe you should tell us what you normally like to do on vacations. It’s a pretty wide question.
Also, it’s pretty hard to say where Covid will be at 5 months from now. Kind of pointless to guess which destinations will have vaccinated locals or mask laws.
Normally I like to do urban cultural things, but that seems less feasible. Although right now, if I had my druthers, if not for COVID, I’d probably be on the beach in Mexico right now. Part of the reason for the “no more than 6 hours flying time” restriction is that I’d love to go somewhere in Europe, but that’s not really feasible because they won’t let me in. I’d like to feel like I’m away from home.
Lots of European countries are desperate to get tourists back. I would surprised if a fully vaccinated person couldn’t visit Greece in August.
Puerto Vallarta is nice, if touristy.
I’ve got my eye on Greece this year. They creating ‘covid free’ islands, by vaccinating whole populations of certain smaller islands rather than just age-specific groups.
I’m actually excited about a staycation we are planning. My daughter (a nurse) and her fiance (an MD) are both fully vaccinated and are two of the coolest people we know. My gf’s second dose is scheduled (mine is Friday) and 3 weeks after we are having them over for a week.
They both love doing “farm chores”. We have enough kayaks for all of us, as well as our pontoon boat. They are bringing some recipes they are wanting to try but are afraid they’re too difficult, so we’ll tackle them together. I’m making a Dutch Baby for breakfast at least once (they’ve never had) as well as shakshuka and lox/bagels.
We have a list of restaurants to check out. It’s going to be a blast, and we’ll be able to be close without masks. 
I would pick a cottage almost anywhere. There is a place in Virginia that lets you feed and interact with goats.
Also Cumberland Falls in Kentucky . May be too late to get a reservation for this year.