Like most travelers, the pandemic has changed how I'll approach future travel and, understandably, the travel experience itself. However, I do believe safe vacations are possible.

One day while perusing the Hilton Grand Vacations app and dreaming of our next getaway, we noticed Elara on the Las Vegas Strip was reopening June 18 after being closed for nearly three months. We'd spent some of our most memorable vacations at Elara and, feeling confident in our efforts to stay safe during coronavirus, my wife and I scheduled our first trip in months.

Knowing we'd be safe and eager to reconnect with family, we planned to celebrate Father's Day at the Elara. We were elated. 

We love the consistent level of hospitality at Hilton Grand Vacations and the energy of being in the center of everything that Vegas offers. However, even though Las Vegas was reopening, the Strip in the midst of a pandemic is a vastly different experience. 

A few times at the airport and on the plane, we questioned our decision to charge out and restart our life, but I knew that we'd be safe once we got to Elara. 

After all, it was Father's Day, and I felt like this time together would be memorable. We had booked a 3-bedroom suite with more than 1,200 square feet so my family could safely stretch out and not be top of each other for the next seven days.

When we arrived, we knew things were different. Due to elevated safety standards, amenities like valet parking, bars and some restaurants were temporarily unavailable. 

Naturally, that was a little disappointing, but the Elara team made up for it. Despite only having been open three days, the team at Elara made us feel welcomed and appreciated as Elite Owners.  

They went above and beyond to ensure our trip was just as memorable as we hoped. 

The experience reminded me again of why I value my ownership so much, and why I put so much trust in Hilton Grand Vacations to host my family during our most important moments. 

Other than a few small inconveniences, like the closure of many stores in Miracle Mall, which was a bummer for my wife (but great for my wallet), we had a great time being together and knew we were safe with Hilton Grand Vacations. 

Read Holiday Family Travel at Elara for more family travel ideas.