Are you dying to get away? After spending months staring at the same four walls, who can blame you for seeking unique places to travel?
The good news is, you don’t need a passport to slake your wanderlust. You can find plenty of places to go right here in the U.S.A. Here are 12 unique travel ideas in America.
Unique Ways to Travel in America
How will you reach your destination? Here are five unique ways to travel in the home of the brave.
1. Train
There’s something romantic about train travel. The sound of the cars traversing the rails has the power to lull you into a sound sleep. Plus, there are affordable options for everyone. Many trains have coach and business class seats like an airplane, although you’ll find their lower-priced accommodations more comfortable than the squeezed confines 10,000 feet above the earth.
2. Motorcoach
Are you planning a group adventure? If so, consider renting a motorcoach. You’ll enjoy the ultimate in comfort and entertainment options, and you won’t have to stress about driving — letting you kick back and take in the scenery. A motorcoach must fit at least 30 passengers at capacity, giving you and your crew plenty of room to stretch out and stash souvenirs.
3. Electric Bike
If you’ve had more than you can stand of being indoors, why not consider renting an e-bike for a weekend getaway? Many such vehicles let you travel up to 50 miles on a single charge, which is plenty for getting to that crowded nearby tourist destination you typically shun due to traffic. Some models provide up to 200 miles of power — enough to travel across some smaller states.
4. Boat
Remember reading “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in high school and envying the protagonist as he made his way down the Mississippi? It’s still possible to travel by boat on many of America’s waterways. For example, why deal with Big Apple traffic when you can see the famous city skyline on a one-day boat tour around the city? If heading south is more in your itinerary, you’ll find ample charters around Key West.
5. Private Jet
Does a private jet sound unnecessarily luxurious? If you have a group with a distance to go, you might surprise yourself. While it may cost up to $10,000 to charter a jet, that price only represents a handful of first-class tickets.
Even upgrading with miles still leaves you dealing with security and unpleasant airport crowds — a concern if you’re medically vulnerable and still taking extra COVID-19 precautions. If you have a gang of children, it might be more affordable to take them to see the world’s most famous mouse via this method.
Unique Places to Travel in America
Where should you go on your journey? Here are seven of the most unique places to travel to in America.
1. Sedona, AZ
If you’re the spiritual sort who adores the great outdoors, you can’t go wrong with this tiny town nestled among some of the desert southwest’s most stunning red rock formations. This destination is perfect for those looking to escape the big city. While you won’t find 3 a.m. takeout, you’ll find miles of trails that let you walk from one end of town to the other without your feet touching the sidewalk.
2. Hershey, PA
Are you in the mood for a sweet vacation? You can tour one of the world’s most famous chocolate factories and avail yourself of all the fudge-y goodness you like. You’ll also find one of the best amusement parks in the country nestled among the bucolic Pennsylvania countryside. Go in the fall to take the best advantage of the spectacular and highly photogenic scenery.
3. Branson, MO
Branson is another unique U.S. town with fun for the whole family. You’ll find several theme and amusement parks for your kiddos to enjoy. The proximity to the mighty Mississippi means you have no shortage of nearby river adventures to explore.
4. Breckenridge, CO
If you want a winter-weather getaway right out of a postcard, head to Breckenridge, CO. This tiny town practically screams “picturesque” — so have your phone camera ready to capture the perfect shot for your holiday cards. If you love to ski, you’ll find some of the finest and most challenging slopes anywhere.
5. Kenai Fjords, AK
Do you want to step back in time to the ice age? Norway doesn’t corner the market on fjord fun — you’ll find some of the most spectacular formations anywhere right here in Alaska. You can explore by boat or kayak or take a ranger-led tour to explore lands untouched by human hands.
6. Multnomah Falls, OR
If you want the best of city life and nature rolled into one, head to Multnomah Falls, Oregon. This tallest waterfall in the state serves as a backdrop to some of the most breathtaking hiking anywhere. Marvel at redwoods older than your grandparents. When your day is done, stay in nearby Portland, where you can enjoy all the amenities of big city life — like midnight moo goo gai pan.
7. Orlando, FL
Few places are more uniquely American than Orlando, FL. Here, you’ll find the world’s most famous mouse, Mickey, and all his crew at Disneyworld. You’ll also find various other theme parks to delight every family member. Museums and shopping opportunities abound, and the year-round warm, sunny weather nearly guarantees you’ll come back with a tan.
Try These 12 Uniquely American Travel Ideas
If you’ve got cabin fever, get a little creative when planning your next adventure. Try one of these 12 uniquely American travel ideas!