One of the greatest perks of the holiday season is taking advantage of the time off and traveling to see family.
But where can you go that won’t require a jab or endless coronavirus testing on you and your children, completely interfering with the joy of the season?
Well, we have the perfect destinations for holiday travel that are fun, unique, and most importantly – stress free!
Flying internationally has become such a hassle that it’s deterred a lot of US citizens from traveling abroad.
However, traveling within the United States and its territories gives way for freedom – in more ways than one.
Catching a flight domestically may still require you and your loved ones (2 years-and-up) to wear a pesky mask, but you won’t have to endure pricey COVID-19 testing or be forced to get an experimental vaccine.
So does this mean you have to spend your Thanksgiving shopping part of the 700 mile-long flea market in Corridor, Michigan, or celebrate Christmas in Mesa, Arizona – both voted among Movoto’s top boring cities?
No way! Unless you’re into that kind of thing – which is cool too.
Stress-free doesn’t have to mean boring. You can visit somewhere new and exciting without the crowds and the hassle – like any one of these great destinations.
1. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
This exotic island probably wasn’t a top contender for your holiday travel plans – but only because you hadn’t thought of it!
St. Croix has endless outdoor activities to experience with the family such as private sailing tours and night horseback riding.
Even better? Flying to St. Croix is considered domestic travel for US citizens.
Anna Brown, PR manager for Expedia U.S. One, says about the Virgin Island in the Caribbean Sea, according to Travel Pulse:
“This warm weather destination continues to be a great option for crowd-averse travelers. With plenty of white sandy beaches to explore, visitors can enjoy the outdoors and steer clear of crowds.”
2. Monteverde, Costa Rica
Who wouldn’t want to escape the increasingly colder temps of the fall and winter season with a trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica?
A true oasis, the average temperature this time of year in Monteverde is a balmy 80 degrees with exotic and adventurous excursions that’ll make even dull Uncle Martin perk up.
As Brown puts it:
“Nothing says crowd-free quite like zip-lining through a Costa Rica rainforest.”
While this trip will require a COVID-19 test one day prior to departure and one upon coming back into the United States, reports the US Embassy in Costa Rica, you won’t have to wear a mask for all the great outdoor adventures.
3. Boulder, Colorado
You may be wondering why we’d recommend this liberal state on a list of stress-free destinations.
Well, it’s because Boulder, Colorado has a plethora of exciting outdoor activities and has not yet recovered from all the travel restrictions, according to Travel Pulse, so it won’t be very busy these upcoming holidays.
And yes, there is more to do than just ski. Although, Winter Park Resort is phenomenal.
Depending on whether or not you bring grandma along, there is hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing – and then sipping on the best pale ale in town at Mountain Sun’s Brewery after your day of outdoor thrills.
4. Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee, North Carolina has remained “slightly under the radar,” attests Travel Pulse, which makes it a smart getaway for the holidays.
It’s only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains where you can catch breathtaking waterfalls, or choose to stay local and explore the more than 800 miles of hiking trails offered.
Attention all bird watchers – Cherokee is home to over 200 species of birds and six state-recognized official birding trails.
And if birds aren’t your thing, head to Cashiers, North Carolina to experience the awe and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall season – it’s one of Proud American Traveler’s top picks too!
So don’t let the media scare you into bunkering down alone for the holidays.
This short list gives every family member something they can enjoy and remember for a lifetime.
There is still so much to see and do that the government hasn’t prohibited us from – yet.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)