Operation Getaway: Midwest is top travel destination during pandemic as travelers explore nature
Across America, a "do not travel" list will be expanding. The state department says it will be updating travel advisories this week as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local tourism, however, is a different story.
As summer approaches, folks at Quatman Cafe in Mason expect to be flipping a lot more burgers.
"We're just excited and we're preparing for a very busy spring and summer," said Matt Imm, owner of Quatman Cafe.
Quatman is in an ideal location not just for locals, but tourists as well.
"Right now, the Midwest is number one in terms of desirable areas to visit," said Phil Smith, president and CEO of Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
That's in the United States, pulling ahead of the south, west coast and northeast.
Smith says the pandemic is playing a role in how and where people travel.
"The rural and suburban areas are much more attractive to travelers right now. That's Warren County," Smith said.
Instead of crowded big cities, Smith says people are booking destinations where they can enjoy nature — where they can kayak, camp, hike or head to an amusement park.
Smith says boomers are leading the pack in terms of who is traveling.
"I think because they're the ones getting the vaccine first. They're ready to go," he said.
And they're opting to drive rather than fly. Imm recently met someone from Michigan who changed his travel plans.
"The same thing... He was a little leery about getting on a plane. They actually cancelled a trip to Disney World and ended up at Kings Island," he said.
Smith says another boost to the local economy is expected to come from youth sports. Warren County's new sports park already booked all summer.
"This year, our youth sports program alone should generate 100,000 room nights," he said. "So we expect to have a good summer here in Warren County."