Like so many of us, you’re probably yearning for the chance to travel again—more often and to farther-flung destinations. While there are a limited number of global destinations that are open to U.S. travelers, there is still a bit of a road ahead of us before the world fully opens up again. In the meantime, whenever the time may be right for you, there are are countless incredible places to explore within the United States.

Domestic travel is sometimes overlooked and underappreciated, especially when overseas destinations beckon. But the U.S. is a treasure trove of delights for the restless traveler. From coastal retreats and temperate rainforests to National Parks and exclusive resorts, there’s something for everyone here. Take a moment to discover the wonders that abound right here in the U.S. (we promise you’ll feel like you’re worlds away!).

And remember, just because you aren’t traveling internationally doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice any of the comforts or elevated experiences you’ve come to expect from “bigger” journeys.

No adventure is too small, too short, or too close to home. You deserve the best, no matter where or how you travel.

We can introduce you to destinations, experiences, and properties you might never encounter on a typical DIY trip. With the guidance of a travel professional, you’ll discover wonderful opportunities for tailor-made experiences and bespoke itineraries you simply won’t find anywhere else. Think day-to-day itineraries, guided or self-guided tours, private chefs, food experiences, exclusive services, and the like.

In this post, we’ve specifically featured several destinations that may not be on every “U.S. top-ten” list out there while also highlighting some favorites. The less-traveled gems are often the best ones! Keep reading as we uncover seven of the most beautiful, unique, and memorable destinations and experiences the U.S. has to offer.

Hawaii

If you’re longing for a getaway to a far-flung locale like Tahiti, Fiji, or Bali, consider a visit to Hawaii.

It’s no secret that Hawaii is beloved by travelers all over the globe for its natural beauty, dynamic local culture, delicious food, and rich history. It’s also a wonderful destination for health and wellness-minded travelers. The landscapes alone are enough to heal a tired body and revive a weary spirit.

Hawaii boasts gorgeous seascapes, waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains, canyons, beaches, and rainforests. Special experiences abound (like hiking across the crater of a volcano!), and it’s a wonderland for active, outdoorsy travelers.

Everyone should visit Hawaii at least once. And each of the islands has its own vibe, so depending on what you’re looking for, chances are the Aloha State has an island that’s a perfect fit for you.

Alaska

Perhaps someplace more rugged and snowy is calling to you. For travelers interested in Canada, the Arctic, and Norway, Alaska makes for a marvelous domestic destination. And like Hawaii, Alaska is one of those places where everyone should travel at least once.

Alaska is a great choice for all sorts of travelers, especially those who like nature, wildlife, and the captivating beauty of wide-open spaces. It’s a massive state with countless different regions to explore, and it’s a perfect place to indulge in a special, bespoke travel experience.

Though cruising may naturally come to mind, Alaska boasts absolutely amazing land-based experiences. Here are just a few:

Active adventures
Hiking
Biking
Arts and culture experiences
History museums and tours
Water and land experiences
Glaciers and fjords
Flightseeing (by float plane, helicopter, or small plane)

And although Alaska may not be the first place that comes to mind for most honeymooners, this stunning state could be a great option for a honeymoon full of awe-inspiring moments in one of the most pristine places in the world.

For more on what makes Alaska so special, be sure to check out this blog post from February 2020: Unforgettable Moments in Alaska.

The Pacific Northwest

While some travelers might think of the Pacific Northwest as perpetually rainy and grey, the landscapes and climate are just as varied as any other place in the country. Both Oregon and Washington are home to temperate rainforests, quiet coastal towns, high deserts, mountains and lakes, rich valleys packed with orchards and vineyards, and rolling prairies teeming with wildlife.

The Pacific Northwest is the place to be, especially if you love the outdoors, great food, and even better coffee. And the region’s wines easily compete with the best that Napa and Sonoma have to offer. If you love a good wine tasting or food experience (or both), look no further than the Pacific Northwest.

Travelers interested in Australia may find the Pacific Northwest to be a great alternative closer to home. The food and wine scene is fantastic, and the natural beauty will take your breath away.

New Mexico

One of the most unique places in America (and in the world) is New Mexico. This incredibly special place often flies under the radar for some travelers, but Santa Fe in particular is not to be missed.

New Mexico’s Native culture, rich history, outdoors experiences, natural beauty, and fantastic arts and culture scene make it a destination sure to delight virtually every traveler.

The food here is also spectacular, especially the local New Mexican cuisine (don’t leave home without a jar—or ten—of Hatch green chili!).

And like Hawaii, New Mexico offers wonderful access to health and wellness experiences, as well as ecotourism and conservation opportunities.

Discover the majestic Southwestern landscapes, warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and understated elegance of New Mexico for yourself.

Arizona

More than just desert and cacti, Arizona is home to a surprisingly beautiful array of landscapes and climates. From the forests and mountains of Flagstaff to the spectacular red rocks of Sedona, Arizona delights at every turn.

It’s home to the iconic Grand Canyon National Park and the beautifully bizarre Petrified Forest National Park. Arizona’s Saguaro National Park spans six biotic communities and features several cacti species besides its namesake.

Looking for something a bit more luxe than a National Park cabin? Scottsdale and Phoenix are fantastic destinations if you’re looking for access to both beautiful outdoor adventures and luxury accommodations. The resort scene in both cities is top-notch, and so are the restaurants.

Colorado

If the Alps and Switzerland are calling to you, look no farther than Colorado’s incredible Rocky Mountains.

The state certainly comes to mind as a ski destination, but there’s so much more to Colorado than skiing and snowboarding! Here, you’ll find a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking and rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and fishing. You can even go sand sledding or sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Colorado offers year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and the accommodations are second to none. You’re sure to find your home away from home here, whether at an incredible mountain resort or at a private stay in a gorgeous, secluded mountain retreat.

Take in the fresh alpine air, stretch your legs, and see for yourself what Colorful Colorado is all about.

The West

Thanks to John Denver, “Rocky Mountain High” Colorado lands on most travelers’ radars for a variety of reasons. And rightly so. But there’s so much more to the West than Colorado!

We can’t get enough of the astonishing expanses of natural beauty that stretch all across Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. The West offers some amazing experiential resorts, lodges, retreats, and ranches that combine the hospitality and comforts you’ve come to expect with the stunning locations you simply can’t miss.

And of course the National Parks here are particularly spectacular.

Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the 5 national parks in Utah

Stretching across Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is world-renowned for its geysers and other eye-popping natural phenomena. But just a stone’s throw away is Grand Teton National Park, and it’s worth as much of your time and attention as Yellowstone. The region is an absolute delight for nature lovers, history buffs, geology enthusiasts, and active adventurers.

While Montana shares Yellowstone with two other states, it has exclusive bragging rights to Glacier National Park, a spectacular expanse of Rocky Mountain peaks, glaciers, and lakes covering over 1 million acres.

Only California and Alaska have more National Parks than Utah. It’s home to five incredibly diverse parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks. With canyons, arches, monoliths, rivers, and more, Utah’s geography is nothing short of spectacular.

The Takeaway

For your next adventure, remember to consider seven of our favorite destinations:

Hawaii
Alaska
The Pacific Northwest
New Mexico
Arizona
Colorado
The West

Hopefully, these places inspire you to dream about your next travel experience. This is a great opportunity to schedule a consultation where we can explore some ideas together.

No matter how far (or close) you travel, you deserve an adventure as special and memorable as the international travels you’ve come to love.

Whether you plan to travel as a family, as a couple (or even honeymooners!), or as a small group/travel pod, these U.S. destinations lend themselves wonderfully to travel experiences that make you feel like you’re a world away.

With the right care and attention, you can have incredible travel experiences right here in the U.S., just like you have when traveling globally. A trusted, experienced travel professional can transform a “basic” domestic trip into an energizing, memorable, custom-tailored travel experience unlike any you’ve experienced this close to home.

Special Considerations

It’s important to note that any travel in the foreseeable future should be considerate of the CDC’s current guidelines, as well as the requirements/restrictions of both your state and any state that you are considering traveling to. Travel is complicated right now, and that will remain the case for some time.

Anyone considering travel should be aware that requirements and protocols vary from state to state and even from city to city. We encourage all travelers to adhere to all recommended/required protocols and to travel safely for themselves and others.

There is also no universal set of standards or rules among airlines, hotels, accommodations, travel providers, etc. As such, protocols vary across the industry.

Circumstances are continually changing, and new information is being made available daily. So it is important to always stay tuned on the latest developments, right up to the time of travel. For this reason especially, we recommend you consider using a travel advisor, even for domestic travel. We can help you navigate the complexities of travel. Still not sure? Here are 5 Benefits You Miss Out On When You Don’t Work With a Travel Advisor.

Start Dreaming Today

Maybe you prefer to stay closer to home. Maybe you’d rather drive than fly. Maybe you’d like to spend time on a beach or in a city. Whatever the case, be sure to reach out. We’re here to help.

When the time is right, you deserve to have a travel dream-come-true waiting for you. Not sure about dates? Not sure about where? No problem! We’re working with clients on “dateless” travel planning so that you can start dreaming and planning preliminarily, And, we will also work with you to help you explore ideas for your next journey.

Now is a great time to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Go ahead. Give yourself something amazing to look forward to.