So after a year of lockdowns and quarantines, travel has been a very popular activity in 2021. Whether it’s a trip to visit the grandparents or engaging in a five-state road trip, it’s never been more appealing to be somewhere else.
Travel has been so appealing that many have been participating in “revenge traveling,” wherein anxious travelers have become less willing to cancel their vacation plans because a year of binge-watching and cooking experimentation has led to the worse case of cabin fever ever known in the 21st century.
But with the fall school term starting up and pandemic challenges still being addressed, it’s still possible to get out of town before the start of football season. It should be noted that international travel may still be problematic, so we’ve compiled a list of stateside travel destinations.
Quick note: the list includes destinations that tend to be very popular during the summer, but it should be stated that every one of the suggestions do offer air conditioning.
1. Tennessee
What do you get when country music, southern cooking, and a fancy mix of rural/urban living? The state of Tennessee. Whether it’s the colorful blitz of music and food in Nashville or the mountain ranges outside downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee offers everything from cave exploration to zip lining down a mountain. And if your vacation plans lean towards fine dining and spirits, the cuisine offerings range from high-end steaks to some of the best biscuits and gravy available in the U.S.
2. Florida
Land of theme parks, beaches, and more tourist attractions than you can shake a snake at, the Sunshine State offers excellent (by which we mean hot) weather and endless activities. Want to sit on a beach? Come to Florida. Want to park hop between Disney World and Universal? Come to Florida. Want to tour art museums and visit historical sights? Come to Florida. Want to go swimming with the sharks, snakes, and alligators? We don’t advise it and we can’t offer any recommendations for places that do those things legally, but odds will be good you’ll be able to SEE these animals in Florida.
3. West Virginia
While not an obvious choice compared to the previous suggestions, West Virginia does offer greater versatility in travel options, particularly in the northeastern part of the state. In addition to fine weather and a variety of historical sights, West Virginia provides ready access to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Maryland. And anyone who enjoys history will have access to places like Antietam, Gettysburg, and Harper’s Ferry.
4. Louisiana
Granted, low lands and swamps may not sound appealing without the benefits of beaches and theme parks, but Louisiana makes up for those perceived shortcomings by way of its energy, food and music, and rich culture. And we don’t just mean New Orleans, either. The state offers breweries, historical sights, and some of the best food in the country. And if you do get to New Orleans, don’t just visit the French Quarter. The Garden District alone will be worth the trip.
Of course, any last-minute trips don’t have to be limited to these suggested areas, but remember to take safety precautions no matter where you go. And remember to relax; any vacation should be about enjoyment and recharging. And if you’re flying, remember to follow airport pandemic rules and arrive an hour before the flight; those TSA checkpoints can get crowded.