USA Travel DESTINATIONS IN THE POST COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS WORLD

Are you suffering from Covid 19 cabin fever and ready to start dreaming about where to take that much needed getaway trip? If you are European, your summer vacation this year is likely to be spent in Europe because of international travel restrictions. If you are American, your travel options this summer are probably going to be limited to the USA and parts of the Caribbean.

But perhaps you are concerned that travel within the U.S. itself may be fraught with danger. If so, consider that there are always dangers when we travel – just like there are dangers when we get behind a wheel and drive, when we take an airplane, or when we simply cross a street. We travel to world capitals without knowing for sure that a terrorist attack will not occur there during our stay. So, if you have the travel bug, don’t stay home out of fear. Make your decisions based on logic and reason, not on emotions and fear. Travel wisely and thoughtfully. Decide if you will drive or fly, select your destination with care and think through the precautions you should take (you can read about some of our own travel precautions here). In effect, establish your “new normal for traveling” and then go and enjoy life. You only live once!

Here are a few destinations within the U.S. borders that offer you plenty of fresh air and room for social distancing while at the same time providing you with spectacular scenery, delicious food, and activities from cultural to adventure-style.

Blessed with 12 miles of truly gorgeous beach, the charming island of Hilton Head, South Carolina (ranked #19 in terms of states with fewest “active coronavirus cases”) has a very impressive number and variety of Vacation Villas for rent, from huge beachfront homes to small apartments, providing you with a good amount of privacy for social distancing. Voted the #10 best golf destination in the world by Golf Digest readers, Hilton Head and its off-island neighbor Bluffton have over 40 golf courses for tourists to enjoy.

We lived in Hilton Head for 11 years, and can attest to the congeniality of life there, including the super restaurants, many of which have great chefs, sunset dinners with live music and/or super water views of the intracoastal-waterway or the ocean. Then there are the fabulous bike paths with ease of bike rentals, the easy access to a variety of water sports, and the cultural offerings provided by the local Performing Arts Theater, the very popular Jazz Corner and the island’s many art galleries. Plus, should you have the desire to explore the environs, Charleston, Savannah and Bluffton all make for marvelous day trips with fascinating walking tours and spectacular restaurants. Hints … If you are a seafood enthusiast, do try an authentic oyster roast! If you don’t mind climbing over a few bluffs, a great outing is to walk the island’s delightful 12 mile beach! To help plan your trip, visit https://www.hiltonheadisland.org

A visit to South Dakota (ranked #11 in terms of states with fewest “active coronavirus cases”) is a great family road trip and an ideal experience for history buffs, both young and old. Much of the best touring is done outside in the fresh air while exploring the National and State Parks and caves, from Mt. Rushmore to the Badlands. You can also hike or drive along the Lewis and Clark trail to experience the awesome scenery. The history of our country will come alive as you learn about the famous expedition which followed the mighty Missouri river through the heart of South Dakota and led the way to opening up the wild west, identifying the best lands for future settlement and expansion of America.  Hint for after dark … make sure to spend some time outside in the evening enjoying South Dakota’s clear and magnificent starry night sky! To plan your trip and peruse various itineraries, visit https://www.travelsouthdakota.com

Las Vegas, Nevada (ranked #14 in terms of states with fewest “active coronavirus cases”) does not need much of an introduction. Whether you love it or not, you probably are not surprised that it ranks 2nd only to Orlando as the best U.S. summer vacation spot (Las Vegas Review-Journal, May 18, 2019). But where else can you go for all the fabulous “top chef” restaurants, big name performers and shows, stunning hotels with their beckoning spas, plus gorgeous scenery just beyond the Strip? And how about the awesome assortment of nightclub and night life activities, casinos, and mesmerizing designer boutiques? Just try to imagine what a gambling addict or a shopping addict must feel like in Vegas … like a kid in the world’s biggest candy shop?  Luxury, glamorous restaurants, entertainment and casinos 24/7 … tough life!

So, wear a designer face mask – or one at least that suits your skin tone and matches your outfit – use your Hand Sanitizer regularly, remember your Social Distancing, and go indulge in what Vegas has to offer. Remember … you only live once!  And while you are there in the midst of all the excitement and glamour, depart the Strip for a fun getaway outside of Vegas to take a Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam Tour with Optional Skywalk, or take a hike or a bike ride at Red Rock Canyon and enjoy the beautiful Mojave Desert famous for its gorgeous red hills!  Hint … our favorite hotel in Vegas is the Venetian where we love the gondola ride ! To plan your trip, visit https://travelnevada.com/

Hawaii has the honor of being the state with the fewest “active cases” of coronavirus, but the state has not yet lifted its 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers*. These spectacular islands boast the much desired ideal warm and dry weather typically from May through October. Four of the six major islands offer the convenience of a local airport – Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui and Kauai.

If you are after fabulous views of Diamond Head from your hotel suite and from the beach, superb food and a glorious spa, and nearby fascinating cultural activities, great golf, water sports and hiking trails, then we recommend the renowned Halekulani Hotel on Oahu where we honeymooned years ago. Situated on a stunning spot along Waikiki Beach with a commanding view of Diamond Head, the Halekulani will pamper you with its outstanding spa treatments and provide you with an unforgettable stay. Our two favorite activities outside the elegant world of the Halekulani were restaurant hopping and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center of Oahu. Hint … make sure you go to at least one authentic Hawaiian Luau! Please note that the Halekulani reopens in July, at which time we hope that the state will welcome interstate travel. To check on the current travel restrictions and to help plan your trip, visit https://www.gohawaii.com/

Stay tuned to BonVoyageurs.com for our writings about other Countries of the World as we share our joie de vivre from around the world. Luxury escapes, cruises and city breaks to Québec City, New York, Washington, Buenos Aires. In Europe and the Mediterranean, places like Paris and Nice in France, Florence, Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel. In Asia, countries like China, India, Nepal and so much more!

*All data reported are from the week of this posting.

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