Where Rhode Islanders Are Traveling This Summer, A Year After Lockdown

Kyle Bennett

Public Policy Director, United Way of Rhode Island

"I'm happy to say with the coronavirus restrictions lifted I will not be traveling this summer. There is no place I'd rather be than in Lil' Rhody during the summer. We have amazing weather, the best restaurants and beaches. Our arts community is thriving and our local retailers compete with an international audience for original and innovative designs and goods. I love Rhode Island and can't wait to see you all soon!"

Garry Williams

Owner, The Strand, The Rosendale, and Fish Co.

"Anywhere and everywhere! On a serious note, I will enjoy our Rhode Island summer here in the state but mostly on the beautiful Providence waterfront...but once the weather breaks anywhere and everywhere!!!

Maribeth Calabro 

President, Providence Teachers Union

"My family is fully vaccinated and are excited to be going on vacation this summer! We will be traveling to St. Martin to visit my sister and brother-in-law.  I have traveled recently for work, the planes are immaculate and they are strict about mask-wearing so that relieves some anxiety. Looking forward to crystal blue water and family time."
 

Xinsheng Sean Ling

Brown University Professor

"I'm planning to attend a big tango milonga (party) in New York City in July."

Bob Burke

Owner, Pot au Feu

"Paris - of course - and on to Avignon for a wedding of a friend… and possibly to Iceland to witness the volcano… it truly is Cooler and Warmer there."

Anthony Sanders

Founder, Awoken Apparel 

"I definitely plan to travel this summer to Florida. Most likely In a controlled environment by vehicle. We’re traveling to the amusement parks because they’re exciting & there’s plenty of air (as well as the ability to social distance)."

Kristen Adamo

President & CEO, Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau

"I haven’t been on a plane in more than 18 months but I am hoping to get out to Los Angeles in August.  There’s a few transplanted Rhode Islanders that I would love to see and I’ve always wanted to see Malibu.  Plus, I need to check out the fabulous LA restaurant called Providence and see how it stacks up to our culinary scene."
 

Dr. Pablo Rodriguez

Physician, Former Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island

"I am traveling all the way to Matunuck. Why leave Rhode Island when we have such beautiful coast? Once the leaves turn, then Spain is waiting for us."

Michael Rose

Gallery Manager, Providence Art Club 

"I am planning to do some day trips to art museums throughout New England like the MFA in Boston, The Clark in Western MA, The Currier in NH, and The Wadsworth in CT. I don’t anticipate traveling farther afield for a little while though."

Pat Paolino Cruz

Realtor, Williams & Stuart Real Estate & Founder, Rhode Island Beyond Visiting Magazine

"It was a wonderful experience to stay at the beach this summer and get to Block Island for the day with 'no masks.' Finally, a sense of normalcy after COVID restrictions have been lifted. Although there were still some people wearing masks, which was totally their option - we felt completely comfortable without them on the ferry, at restaurants, and shopping boutique stores. So nice to see smiling faces again."

Ed Brady

Restaurateur and Cranston City Councilman 

"We are looking forward to enjoying some mini-vacations this summer and fall with family and friends after almost two years of restricted travel. We have so much beauty here in Rhode Island and New England that we are looking forward to rediscovering and exploring. Our weekend bucket list adventures include long weekends in Newport, Narragansett, Tiverton, Westerly, Bristol, Block Island, Boston and Nantucket. Rhode Island has some truly breathtaking views, shopping, hikes, history, and delicious cuisine. Coming out of this pandemic we have learned to live more in the moment while appreciating the little things."

Evan Smith 

President & CEO, Discover Newport 

"So, we are very fortunate to live in Jamestown. No need to travel in July and August as there is so much to do here. Swimming, beach, tennis, golf,  biking, hiking. Conanicut & Aquidneck Islands are both recreational paradises. Not to mention a very robust summer social scene filled with colorful themed cocktail & dinner parties. It just doesn’t get any better.  All of our out-of-state friends want to come visit us during the summer months. I love to travel, and do so often,  but summer is the best time to enjoy RI!"

Mickey Lamantia

Correctional Officer and Country Music Artist 

"We might head up to New Hampshire for a few days. It’s kind of a family tradition. Then off to Nashville to record a new album in September and Alabama in October. Glad things are opening up. Everyone needs to get out and enjoy the freedom."

Cortney Nicolato

President & CEO, United Way of Rhode Island 

"During the pandemic, our family has fallen in love with hiking. This summer, we are hoping to get a hike in all New England states. And, of course, we plan to hit some new (to us) hiking trails in Rhode Island!"
 

Daryl Jamieson

Chief at Eastern Medicine Singers & Black Eagle Productions

"I will be traveling this summer -- most likely Maine, where there are plenty of outdoor activities. But my travels will be off the beaten path where all the tourists go. I am more apt to go on mountain trips or beaches that are not tourist destinations. I'm hoping to also visit North Conway, NH & Saco River canoe trips."

Gary Sasse

Founding Director, Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University

"We plan to do traveling to visit family in Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and New Jersey. We also plan to be traveling to various places to watch a grandson’s ball games."

Barbara Ann Fenton Fung

Nurse & Rhode Island State Representative 

"Allan & I are heading off to Philadelphia, bookending work commitments with some fun at Reading Market & catching a Phillies game.  We’ll also head up to Lake George & Burlington VT, horseback riding, zip-lining, and just generally having a lot of fun in open-air situations.  We’re still pretty cognizant of the potential for variants, but want to live our lives & balance it all by following smart, common-sense measures."

Keith Oliveira

Executive Director, RI League of Charter Schools

"My wife and I will be traveling to the west coast this summer for our first anniversary. Flying to Los Angeles and then driving the PCH to San Francisco with stops in Santa Barbara and Monterey along the way."

Dr. Michael Fine

Physician, Author, Former RI Director of Health

"Just went to New Orleans by train. I went because it cost $50 to go -- and because of the music and the vibe. I also may go to Cape Verde to help immunized people. I mask indoors home or away."

Janie Seguí Rodríguez

Founder, Stop the Wait RI

"I am traveling to Aruba this summer. A group of friends started planning the vacation and after this incredibly long lockdown, I couldn’t say no. My 12-year-old will be going to her first overnight camp this summer. She’s excited!! But as a family we decided we would take small day and maybe weekend trips throughout the summer, go to museums, the zoo, aquariums, parks, and beaches in RI, CT, and MA."

Rob Horowitz

Democratic Consultant & GoLocal Contributor 

"Spent a delightful week on beautiful Block Island at the beginning of June. Chose it, in part, because a 30-minute ferry ride sounded better to me than a long plane trip to Santa Fe. I must be becoming a real Rhode Islander. Going to Longport on the Jersey shore for the annual Horowitz family weekend later in the summer -- beach, great food and like all good Jewish families-spirited discussions.  If all goes well, looking to spend the last week of August in Ireland, beginning in Dublin-because I have always wanted to go and have never been."

Will Morgan

GoLocal Architecture Critic

"No plans, as of yet, but as the bumper sticker says, "Why would you ever leave Rhode Island?" -- especially in the summer? So our back porch, where we will eat veggies grown in our garden."

Nellie Gorbea

Rhode Island Secretary of State 

"Secretary Gorbea has one trip planned this summer to visit family where she will travel by air. She is fully vaccinated and will follow the travel guidelines set by the CDC," said Gorbea's office, who noted the trip is to Washington State for a wedding. 
 

Robert Rutley

Blackstone Team, Mott & Chace Sotheby's International

"Being vaccinated, I feel perfectly safe traveling again. While I usually avoid summer travel because of crowds, fellow tourists might be a little light this year and we’ve got Iceland and Portugal in our sights."

Nick Landekic

Retired Scientist and Biotechnology Executive & GoLocal Contributor 

"I will not be flying for the foreseeable future, both because of the increasing incidence and risk of variants, as well as the rise in aberrant behavior by passengers on planes.  I won’t fly, or stop masking in indoor spaces, until the vaccination rate reaches 80-85%, and the infection rate has been below 1.0/100,000 for several weeks. 

We will be taking a few driving trips, in our own car. The planned destinations are Maine and Vermont, both because they are beautiful areas we love to visit, and also because the governments in those states have shown they take the pandemic seriously and abide by prudent, science-based safety measures and precautions."

Katrin Schnippering

Award-Winning Baker 

"We never travel further than day trips. Too beautiful here to leave. Just exploring beaches. We always travel in cold months and have a Mexico trip in February lined up."

Ed Iannuccilli 

Former Chair of RI Hospital Board, Author, and GoLocal Contributor

"Diane and I will be spending many of our summer days at our cabin in The Berkshires. It is a beautiful area with much to do, or not do, depending on our mood."

Sabina Matos

Rhode Island Lt. Governor

"The Lieutenant Governor is taking a family vacation. I believe they are going to Massachusetts or New Hampshire. I don’t think they have decided, but that is where they normally go -- the Cape or the mountains," said Matos' office. 

Robert Whitcomb

GoLocal Contributor; Former Providence Journal Editorial Page Editor

"I will not fly anywhere this summer. Too crowded and crazy with pent-up demand. Will wait until fall. Will make several business trips to NYC and Boston by train. Will drive to see friends in Maine, N.H. and Vermont."

Dan McKee

Rhode Island Governor

"The Governor will be enjoying the Ocean State this summer," said his office. 

Kate Nagle 

GoLocalProv News Editor

"Apart from just enjoying all Rhode Island has to offer in the summer, we'll be going to Charleston, South Carolina later in the month, where there are new direct flights starting from "Rhode Island International Airport." On that note, we're looking forward to international travel once again direct from the state -- hopefully soon!"

Omar Bah

Executive Director, The Refugee Dream Center

"My wife and I plan to take a road trip to various states. This is more of a celebratory move after being stuck in the house for so long. Thank God travel restrictions are lifted and we are able to get around. It is a happy moment."

Kenneth Zorabedian

Owner & President, United Parking Valet & DASAP

"I am going to explore New England middle of July. Think it's a great time to explore 'our backyard.' Usually, we think to hop on a plane and go somewhere exciting but who is to say we can't have the same feeling with a road trip here. Going to take the ride North to Bar Harbor then shoot west with a few stops before we hit upstate New York. Hopefully, end with a weekend in Saratoga then head back to Providence. Hop in a car, nice, easy and local. We chose this location because of its natural beauty, wide range of offerings in terms of outdoor activities, and mild climate with respect to the summer season."

Maria Tocco

Founder, Providence Flea

"We canceled a trip to Paris and Amsterdam last year and haven’t yet rescheduled. We typically don’t travel in the summer beyond renting a beach house in-state. We rather enjoy Rhode Island during this time and New England in the fall, and travel out of state in the winter or spring seasons. We’re waiting it out while the variant makes its rounds."

John Crowe

GoLocal Sports Contributor

"Staying local this summer. Doing a few staycations like our first visit to Polar Park for the WooSox, a couple of days at Great Wolf Lodge and others to plan."

Larry Sullivan 

Director of Technical Services at Net Compliance Solutions

"We are going to Zanzibar and Mongolia both because we planned the trips before the pandemic. Everyone we paid, airlines and hotels were very accommodating for rescheduling the dates. All of them were willing to go out two years.  It is easier to go to Zanzibar than it is to visit family in Switzerland right now."

Dale Venturini

President & CEO, RI Hospitality Association 

"I will be staying in Rhode Island for any vacation days this summer.   Looking forward to taking day trips to rediscover the wonderful and unique places and activities in our great state."

Steve Feinberg

Executive Director, RI Film Office  

"I love Rhode Island too much to leave during the summer. I will be enjoying a staycation in my beloved Ocean State!"

Ken Hopkins

Mayor of Cranston

"[Going to] Orlando. My happy place. Plenty of friends, golf, Disney and Universal."

Rupa Datta

Co-Founder at Dance Bollywood Fusion & Fitness & MBW Ambassador/Instructor at Masala Bhangra

"We are traveling within driving range. Still a little cautious. Going to upstate New York."

Eric Handwerger

Owner, Ocean State Sandwich Company

"We’re going to Vermont to see family. It’s the safest place around. Also camping in Maine for a weekend. Also very safe. But also going to Florida in September for a Disney 40th birthday celebration. I’m a little more wary about that trip but feel safer because we’re vaccinated."

Conrad Ferla

Action Sports Industry Consultant 

"I am staying local for the most part...I live in beautiful South County. I might take a trip to Block Island soon.  We are taking the family to Story Land in New Hampshire in August.  and we did a day trip to The Dinosaur Place in CT. We chose these places because we have young kids and it is really fun to see them smile and be outside doing all the fun things that we all enjoyed growing up."

Lynn Singleton

President, Providence Performing Arts Center 

"Going to the midwest to visit my sister and my nieces and nephews and their kids who I haven’t seen in over two years. The nieces and nephews are all in their 30s so you can imagine how their life has changed!"
 
 

Eric Weiner

Owner, PVD Food Trucks Events

"Well, I will be taking a working vacation all summer long. I am fortunate enough to produce food truck events all over Rhode Island at some of the most beautiful locations. Hanging out with Rhode Islanders and visitors often feels like a little mini-vacation at each event."

Brian Heil

Legion Thirteen Director of Creative Services, Founder of Fierce for Shannon Foundation

"We were set to travel to Mexico in July to visit family. However, we were just informed that COVID restrictions were getting tighter because of an outbreak so we decided to not go. We are now planning a road trip to the Carolinas instead. We have decided to drive instead of fly because of cost flights are more expensive than driving at this point in time."