Post-Pandemic World: Which Places In The U.S. Should You Now Visit
Who would have thought even a few months ago that a vacation today may seem like a luxury? While most people have set travel off their tables, some remain positive – and are looking to travel once the pandemic restrictions ease.
With the U.S. flattening the coronavirus outbreak, many States are getting back to business as usual and opening to tourists.
Want to visit the U.S? You have different cities and places you can go to. While attractions like Disney World and Grand Canyon National Park are likely to remain closed for a while, there are other mind-boggling places to visit when the world rises back from the pandemic.
From the Eastern seaboard or the southwest desert life, the U.S. has plenty to offer for everybody. Whether it is a weekend getaway, ticking off places to go from your bucket list or an international travel plan with family, you have somewhere to go.
Planning Your Trip to the U.S.
If you are planning for an international trip, there are certain things you need to check. For instance, if you are a citizen of any of the Visa Waiver Program designated countries, you can get authorization to travel to the United States with an ESTA Visa. You can apply online on their official website.
What do you need?
You will need a valid passport from a VWP country, an active email address, home address, and telephone number. In some cases, travelers may also be requested for their National ID or U contact name, along with other details like a phone number.
ESTA makes determining your admissibility to travel to the U.S. much more comfortable but remember to check for the validity of your ESTA visa. It expires in two years. You can go to the U.S. for up to 90 days. The entire process of application is online, and there is no physical documentation involved.
For the VWP countries, you can travel to the U.S.US with ESTA for medical treatments, business, or even tourism. However, keep in mind that every individual traveler must have their applications, and it cannot be a group request.
ESTA helps you get the right to travel to the U.S., but you may still be subjected to go through the Border Patrol agents when you arrive. The agents follow strict security measures and are likely to query you regarding your length of stay, or purpose.
In case you do not belong to any of the VWP countries or your ESTA application is unapproved, you can always apply for a Visitor visa for a brief visit from the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
Where should you go when you visit the U.S.?
Not every place is the same in a post-pandemic world. Remember, the U.S. Coronavirus cases by States vary widely. For instance, Montana is the lowest with 466 cases, while New York is the worst hit with 346K active cases.
Although the United States has diverse destinations from big cities to coastlines, our recommendations are of places that are safer to go to.
Let us begin with a list of the cities and towns that just must be on your travel radar.
#1 Kansas
Nicknamed the Sunflower State, Kansas flows with endless fields of wheat and corn. It is a place for music and art lovers. Be it the State Capitol, the Boot Hill, the Speedway, or the Spencer Museum of Art; it is going to be nothing short of heaven.
#2 South Carolina
Almost like a gracious welcome, South Carolina is all about carriage rides and a dash of history to it. Get to the Myrtle Beach, the Caesars Head State Park, the Fort Sumter, and Charleston Harbor or even the plantations for an unmatched experience.
#3 Athens, Georgia
Who does not want a hip trip to Athens?
With exceptional Victorian era vibrancy nestled at the foothill of Blue Ridge Mountains, Athens is the perfect blend of a rich heritage and Southern culture.
#4 Florence, Alabama
Whether you plan to stay at The Gunrunner or not, you still have way too many things going around in Florence.
Check out the Forks of Cypress, the Wheeler Lake Cruise, or the heavenly coffee at Rivertown, and you will never go back displeased.
#5 Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is the place to be along the barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Sparkling waters, historic forts, and campgrounds make for an exceptional experience here.
#6 Bentonville, Arkansas
Begin with the Crystal Bridge museum as you move to the Frank Lloyd Wright house, then for a bike trek to the Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park. Whether you say food or travel, Bentonville is one of those introvert beauties that is sure to appeal far from the city buzz.
Plan Out Your Visit
Step out on the right foot when you are making travel plans in a post-pandemic world. Remember to get the right documents for travel, and ensure you pick a place you will have fun in!
Alton Clarke was born and raised in Syracuse. He has written for MSNBC, The Business Insider and Passport Magazine. In regards to academics, Alton earned a degree from St. John’s University. Alton covers entertainment and culture stories here at Diving daily.