You’ve probably heard us say how vital it is to take your vacation time. Taking regular breaks from work not only helps you avoid burnout, but it also allows you to go to new areas.
However, with COVID-19 regulations still in force around the world, it may be difficult to organize a full-fledged tropical trip to a foreign location. After all, you never know when a country’s admission rules will change, and your intentions could be thwarted. As a result, you might prefer to stay (relatively) near to home. Fortunately, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations in the United States that deserve your attention…and you won’t have to go through customs to get there.
1. Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska isn’t just a lovely location to visit when the weather is perfect; it’s also a lovely place to visit all year. Summer is normally the busiest travel season because the days are longer and the weather is nicer, but the winter months are jam-packed with activities ranging from dog sledding to skiing. Not to mention the breathtaking Northern Lights. Girdwood, on the other hand, is a more off-the-beaten-path destination for winter enjoyment. This gold-mining hamlet-turned ski resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. Glacier city is named after the beautiful glaciers and snow-capped mountains that surround it. Hiking, sledding, and, of course, skiing are all options. The town is home to Aleyska Resort, Alaska’s largest ski resort, where you can hit the slopes while enjoying a luxurious vacation.
2. Upcountry Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii has long been a popular vacation destination for most Americans looking to relax and catch a few waves, but there’s so much more to the island than simply the coasts. Check out Upcountry Maui if you’re looking for something a little less typical and, well, beachy. Rolling hills and tall mountains may be found in this rural area of the renowned vacation island. You can go to Makawao, an artisan village where you can help the local community by shopping at weekend farmers’ markets full of food and merchandise. You can also visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm and experience beautiful views of Kula’s rustic town. However, Upcountry Maui is best known for Haleakala, the island’s highest summit. For some visitors, visiting this dormant volcano and the national park that surrounds it is a spiritual experience. If you want to reconnect with nature — and your spiritual side — this is the place to go.
3. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
This is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, yet it’s ideal for individuals who like to get out and explore nature. A national park covers two-thirds of the island. If nature isn’t your thing, Trunk Bay, a beautiful beach with sparkling sands, is a must-see. If you’re looking for a bigger party, the island celebrates Carnival on July 3rd, the day enslaved people on the island were free. You can dress up in festive clothing and dance to local music while eating wonderful cuisine and seeing live performances to celebrate.
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
This town epitomises the word “quaint.” It has an old-fashioned vibe to it, with Victorian houses lined up and down the streets, and no cars are allowed. That’s correct, the only way to go across the island is on foot, bicycle, or horseback. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do, from boating to fishing to learning about the island’s history. You can celebrate the start of summer by attending a festival honoring the blooming of lilacs, or you can visit some of the island’s famed fudge shops. Of course, whether it’s a B&B that complements the town’s mood or a luxury resort, there’s plenty of lodging to pick from.
5. Chatanooga, Tennessee
This Tennessee city is noted for its diverse cultural offerings. With its galleries and coffee shops, it has a historic arts area that rivals Nashville’s. But it is Chatanooga’s breathtaking natural beauty that truly sets it apart. It boasts steep mountain peaks, stone cliffs, and the town’s name is derived from a long, meandering river. If you visit in June, don’t miss the Riverbend music festival, which takes place every year.
