Since the mandatory lockdown in March 2020, people have been looking forward to a return of normalcy. Zoom calls and working from home have had the opposite effect on social life. When all of this is over, you deserve to celebrate! Here are a few ideas to make sure your first night out is a success.

Make it Count

For more than a year, people have been asked to socially distance themselves from friends and family. It has been hard to feel connected in a world where we cannot interact with each other. In anticipation of your freedom, create a list of the people you want to see the most. According to Corona Pointe Resort, these are the people that make you the best version of yourself. In an epic return to normalcy, make sure you spend the night celebrating with these people. There is no reason to socially distance yourself anymore!

Get a Designated Driver

You are finally out with your friends, making up for lost time. Having fun is important, but having fun responsibly is even more so. If you plan on drinking, make sure you coordinate a designated driver for the night or plan on getting an Uber or Lyft. Yes! Ride companies are still operating post-pandemic. Failure to establish a plan can lead to serious consequences which will feel even more isolating than quarantine. Not to mention, according to Rogers Beltran, a DUI is a serious offense that will require a good deal of legal defense to get out of.

Visit Places Locally Owned

When the world returns to normal, you should book that trip you have been dying to take. But for your first night out, according to Why I Love Where I Live, you should consider supporting local businesses. Locally owned businesses have struggled the most to keep their doors open during COVID. The revenue they depend on has been curtailed. To show your support for their persistence in staying open, be sure to visit them and thank them for their provided entertainment. By supporting locally owned businesses, your community will be strengthened socially and economically.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone. Everyone deserves to congratulate themselves for surviving an unprecedented time. Before you change out of your pajamas and step out into the world, plan your outing to be epic. Think of who you want to be with the most, plan your transportation, and connect with your community by supporting their business. You deserve it!

Read this next: Features That Will Help Your Living Room Stand Out