Where to go on vacation in winter if COVID-19 pandemic doesn't end? Can I plan a vacation trip this winter and spring? The situation with the spread of the coronavirus is constantly changing and we cannot know anything for sure. We recommend following state guidelines and travel safety requirements. Let's be optimistic.
Find a vacation spot closer to where you live. There are certainly interesting and attractive places. Try to be where there are no large groups of people.
See also:
USA travel destinations map.
Mexico and the Dominican Republic are great winter getaway destinations.
If you look at the results of various polls, discussions on the Internet, you can come to the conclusion that a significant part of US residents are still planning to go on vacation this coming winter and spring. Roughly half of Americans have no plans to travel abroad (to other countries), even if it is allowed.
Americans will most likely prefer domestic travel this year. What else can be said about safe travel due to COVID-19?
If you are planning a trip the distance you can travel in a day, driving is probably safer than flying. On longer journeys, the risks for each mode of transport are probably very similar.
What kind of transport to use? It would be wise not to mingle with large groups of tourists. This means that driving on your own car has the least risk of contracting the virus compared to flying an airplane.
Perhaps this could explain why American travelers are planning trips much closer to home this year. So that you can get there by your car.
If you travel so far that you have to stop at a motel to rest, then the advantage of the car is reduced. For distances beyond about 500 miles, it is advisable to travel by plane.
Where to stay on vacation? Many travel enthusiasts find that renting a vacation home or apartment is safer than staying in a large hotel. At the same time, hotels are making great efforts to provide a safe stay.
US winter vacation destinations
Ski centers are very popular with fans of a sporty lifestyle in winter. Maybe you should consider going to the ski resort too? You don't have to go in for sports. You may enjoy hiking in nature.
For nature lovers, National Parks remain a priority. There will be no crowds of tourists in winter and this will benefit security.
Florida
Florida is a favorite winter vacation destination for Northern states. Canadian Snowbirds love to spent winter in Florida too.
Miami, Miami Beach, Orlando are the most visited places. But this year, it would be safer to choose a vacation spot with fewer tourists.
You can try to rent vacation home in Florida near the seaside. It is better to do in advance.
Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States.
During the winter months, visitors can spend time walking along the hiking trails that may be good for your health.
There are several locations around the Great Smoky Mountains for skiing and other winter activities.
The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is one of the most popular winter sport destinations in the region. It is a small ski resort with just 4 ski lifts. Small resort and few tourists, this is an advantage sometimes. (If you want to get away from the crowd of vacationers.)
Rent a smoky mountain snow cabin in advance.
McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the closest airports to Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area (Great Smoky Mountains).
Yellowstone
Yellowstone was the first national park established in the United States and it remains very popular today. Most tourists come in July and August, so in winter you will not be disturbed by the crowds of tourists. You need to see amazing geothermal sites if you haven't visited it yet.
The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers great skiing spots in an incredibly scenic part of the country. It is a ski resort located just 90 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone.
The closest air transport is available by way of Bozeman (Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport), Billings (Billings Logan International Airport).
- You can order a transfer (taxi) from the airport to the hotel.
- The rental car can be reserved in advance.
- Places to stay online booking.
Rocky Mountain
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The national park can be recommended for visiting at any time of the year. Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park is a great time for vacation. Try snowshoe hiking. Visit Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake and othe places.
The national park is located approximately 76 miles northwest of Denver International Airport.
The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is located on the south side of United States Route 36 near the principal eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a great winter getaway. It is located between California and Nevada, approximately 100 miles east of Sacramento.
Much of the area surrounding Lake Tahoe is devoted to the tourism industry. There are many ski slopes and golf courses. During ski season, thousands of people flock to the slopes for downhill skiing. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest ski area in California and Nevada.
Squaw Valley is the second largest ski area located near Tahoe City.
- You can order a transfer (taxi) from the airport to the hotel.
- The rental car can be reserved in advance.
- Places to stay online booking.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah. Winter sports (skiing and snowboarding) are popular activities in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City. Eight ski resorts lie within 50 miles of the city. Alta, Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird lie directly to the southeast in the Wasatch Mountains.
Park City. Park City is known for its ski resorts. The city is located 32 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City. The city has two major ski resorts: Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort.
Salt Lake City International Airport is 4 miles west of downtown.
Whitefish
Whitefish, Montana. This is a great place for a winter vacation. Whitefish Mountain Resort is located at The Big Mountain, approximately 7 miles north of Whitefish town.
U.S. Route 93 and MT 40 run through Whitefish. Commercial airline service is available at Glacier Park International Airport.
Beach vacation in the Caribbean
Where could we go on vacation other than the USA this winter? If no COVID-19-related bans will be introduced, the Caribbean will be the best destination. Among the best countries for oceanfront vacations most of us would name Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica or maybe Brazil.
- You can order a transfer (taxi) from the airport to the hotel.
- The rental car can be reserved in advance.
- Places to stay online booking.
See also: USA travel destinations map.