Catherine Ryan Gregory

If you’re looking for family time ideas, this post will show you why travel is so amazing for bonding with your kids. More than half of kids say that spending time as a family on vacation is a way to make up for not enough together time at home. The pandemic has also demonstrated that it’s not only the quantity of time but the quality of time we spend as a family. It’s easier to spend undistracted time together, which is one reason why it’s my favorite way to bond with kids.

And believe me, you do not want to skip Smith Rock State Park, one of Oregon’s most beautiful destinations. When to visit: Smith Rock weather + more Smith Rock State Park is open year-round—and can be explored any time of year! Other things to do in Terrebonne, Oregon Smith Rock State Park is a 5-minute drive from Terrebonne, Oregon. Like the rest of Oregon’s High Desert, Smith Rock State Park is home to wildlife.

So we went on a camping trip to the Cove Palisades State Park on Lake Billy Chinook, instead. If you’re looking for Lake Billy Chinook camping, direct your attention to the Cove Palisades State Park. As you drive to the Deschutes Campgrounds within Cove Palisades State Park, you’ll cross a striking bridge spanning the Crooked River portion of the lake. We all are hoping to return to Lake Billy Chinook and Cove Palisades State Park soon.

That’s why I’m sharing these 2021 travel tips. Point is, I know I’m not alone in that I ended up having to cancel a lot of trips, flights, lodging and other travel plans. 2020 problem: A spike in cases throws a wrench in your plans 2021 fix: Keep an eye on infection rates. (And if you’re looking for a bucket list trip to take with your besties, check out my post on the best girls trip destinations for 2021!)