World News – AU – Bucket List Travel: Top 15 US Travel Destinations for 2021

While most are lucky enough to start 2021 with their relative health and happiness, few consider it a normal year. Especially for travel.

Globally, tourism dollar economies were slowed down in the course of 2020 as coronavirus containment measures brought the world to a standstill. The aviation industry is well on the way to losing over $ 150 billion to the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts predict it will take years for the global travel industry to fully recover from the lockdown.

On an individual level, influencers and other travel creatives were back on the ground for the first time in years. And while many say travel will bounce back by the end of 2021, the thought of jumping on a plane and flying to the next top destination seems a long way off for the average American consumer.

In the seventh year of my annual list of the best budget goals, I’ve decided to change gears. I’m highlighting select regions across the country where travel creatives have been quarantined. These international jet setters share what gave them comfort and inspiration in their hometowns while the whole world was shut down.

The list includes domestic destinations in the US and roams the country. The places on the bucket list are highlighted, from urban centers to beach excursions. Because let’s be honest – once we’ve learned something in 2020, we can explore locally and connect digitally while wearing a dang mask.

Where to go in 2021? International jet setter Jessica Nabongo found solace in her backyard in . . . [] Detroit during the coronavirus pandemic. The traveler recommends picnics on the river when visiting the Motor City.

This year I had the pleasure of quarantining in Detroit. It’s my hometown and my place of residence, but I rarely spend time there thanks to my travel. In addition to disguising for trips to Trader Joe’s, the Detroit quarantine enabled me to do various activities in the city, such as long bike rides around Belle Isle. Located in the middle of the Detroit River, the island overlooks downtown Detroit and Windsor, Canada, a place we can only dream of despite its proximity. Picnics in the park by the river were a staple again this summer, either with myself, a speaker and a book, or with members of my little bladder. One of the greatest memories was our picnic on Nov.. June organized by Flood’s, a black-owned Detroit institution that we supported during the quarantine.

Jessica Nabongo is from Detroit and is Ugandan. She is a cultural ambassador, travel writer, photographer and entrepreneur. She is the first documented black woman to visit every country in the world. In March 2019, she was named one of the 30 Most Powerful Women in Travel by Conde Nast Traveler.

She is also the founder and CEO of Jet Black, a luxury boutique travel company promoting tourism in countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. and The Catch, a luxury lifestyle brand with goods acquired during their global adventures.

When I’m not out and about, I live in Austin, Texas. Austin is home to musicians, hippies, crazy people and now me. This city has grown rapidly over the past five years and is full of startups, entrepreneurs, musicians, cowboys, beer lovers, and fitness fans. Here we have loads of wonderful restaurants, cocktail bars, and outdoor trails for hiking. When the weather is nice (which is mostly the case) there is a lake for water sports. Be sure to visit Fukumoto for the best Japanese in town and Whisler’s for the best cocktails. Austin is one of the most livable places in the United States and I like to call it home.

The ultimate budget traveler Matt Kepnes or Nomadic Matt recommends his new hometown Austin. . . . [] Texas for domestic travel in 2021.

Matt Kepnes, also known as Nomadic Matt, is the authority on budget travel. A fearless globetrotter, blogger, and author of How to Travel the World for $ 50 a day: Cheaper, Longer, Smarter, Matt and his money-saving travel secrets were featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time. The Huffington Post, The Guardian, National Geographic, and countless other publications.

First launched in 2008 to catalog his personal travel experiences, on Matt’s NomadicMatt website. com has become a valuable travel planning tool for aspiring and savvy travelers. In 2018 he founded TravelCon, a travel blogging conference.

With historic buildings and lots of taco trucks, Oakland, San Francisco is a great trip . . . [] Target for 2021.

For the first time in 14 years, I spent four consecutive months in my hometown of Oakland, California. I remembered why I like to call this place home. Time opened up so much to explore about the place I grew up in, but I don’t really recognize it anymore. From the lake to Jack London, Lakeshore and Rockridge, there is so much to explore in Oakland without breaking the bank.

Mental health was extremely important during this pandemic and because I needed an electrical outlet, I became a solo marathon runner. I’ve explored so many paths right in my garden! My mom discovered this book, Secret Stairs: East Bay: A Walking Guide to the Historic Berkeley and Oakland Stairways – Finding stairs in places you’ve walked for years was like reaching the next level in a video game! As an avid taco lover, taco trucks all over town feed and share with my community not only my body but also my mind. My favorites are Tacos Mi Rancho and Taqueria El Cruzero.

Oakland, San Francisco, offered consolation to consultant and travel creator Martinique during the quarantine . . . [] Lewis.

Martinique Lewis is an award-winning travel consultant, creative director of Nomadness Travel Tribe, president of the Black Travel Alliance, and inventor of the ABC Travel Greenbook: Connecting the African Diaspora Globally. As a digital disruptor, she seeks to change the narrative by advocating for travelers who represent different demographics across multiple platforms. She works directly with tourism associations and travel brands to create content that is exciting and influential. She trusts her peers as a connector and always connects the dots to ensure the travel industry pays attention to diversity, not just as a buzzword but as an action that leads to results.

With waterways and cultural institutions, New York state is a focal point for residents . . . [] Target in 2021. The travel influencer Alexandra Baackes calls the rural landscape her home.

I spent much of the summer of 2020 in New York State. It’s both the place I grew up and a destination I saw through a new lens during the pandemic. I was freshly grateful for hike waterfalls, hit movie theaters, shop for local farms, and evening stroll through Albany’s Empire State Plaza. NEW YORK TOUGH lit up on the Corning Tower building to make me feel connected. Eventually, I was inspired to make it a goal to visit every county in New York to create a memory. I went to the Art Omi outdoor gallery in Colombia County, tried aerial yoga by the lake with Good Karma Studios in Saratoga County, and visited the Reisling Trail in Steuben County, to name a few. Twenty-three counties, thirty-nine left. I have a whole New York mind about what was always in my back yard as a result.

Alexandra Baackes is from New York and blogged for Alex in Wanderland for a decade. There she talks about her travel globe, which follows beautiful diving, moving design and great dinner party stories. She recently launched Wander Women Retreats, which combine yoga, sustainability, community and adventure in some of the world’s most magical travel destinations. You can also follow her travels on Instagram.

The pristine coastline of Malibu, Los Angeles, California is a great travel destination . . . [] 2021. Travel creator and influencer Vanessa Rivers found solace in the great outdoors in Malibu during quarantine.

I’ve lived in Malibu for two years and I feel particularly blessed to have stayed here in 2020. Now more than ever, I appreciate the natural beauty and abundance of outdoor things to do in Malibu such as: enjoying the world-class beaches, excellent hiking, and checking out friendly local shops.

The pristine coastline, celebrity sightings, and glamorous seaside homes draw people from around the world to the 21-mile scenic coastline that makes up Malibu. But there are a number of outdoor activities in Malibu (including private surf lessons with me). That’s why I recently put together a list of 30 things to do in Malibu so you can make the most of your next visit here!

Vanessa Rivers is a California surfer, writer, and entrepreneur. Her passion for travel and sustainability led her to create her eco bikini line Summerlove Swimwear (as seen in Sports Illustrated), a surfing instruction company, and her travel blog Glitter&Mud. She is a proud mother of a little travel girl and co-founder of the popular travel community We Are Travels Girls (as seen on Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Oprah Magazine). .

With museums and a beautiful riverfront, the Midwestern city of Indianapolis is a great home . . . [] Target for 2021.

When I was locked in Indianapolis, I was able to explore and enjoy the simple things this heartland city has to offer amid flat cornfields. Often overtaken by cabin fever, I jumped in the car and drove about 20 miles in no particular direction. I once found a tiny town with a quaint main street lined with antique shops. Another day I drove north to what might be the prettiest town in Indiana, possibly even the Midwest – Zionsville – which, with its brick streets and upscale stores, could be a movie set.

I found myself often in downtown Indy, with its complex of museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums in White River State Park, near the walkway next to the restored canal. A benefit of this otherwise difficult year was the new understanding of having Indianapolis as a home base: the reasonable cost of living and excellent public and private schools, sports teams, nightlife and medical facilities, and its central location make it easy to travel to Chicago and beyond Midwestern cities make it a good home for residents of all ages.

Charlotte Simpson aka the Traveling Black Widow recommends her hometown of Indianapolis as great . . . [] Domestic target for 2021.

Charlotte Simpson, also known as Traveling Black Widow, is a retired counselor and special education teacher. After losing her 31-year-old husband, she decided to make solo world travel a central part of her retirement life and has now been to over 80 countries. She documents her trip on Facebook and Instagram as @TravelingBlackWidow, where she is currently over 13. Has 000 followers. Charlotte has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, Essence, Travel Noire, AARP, and many other publications.

With its great beaches and long skate paths, San Diego is a dream destination for active travelers. . . . [] Professional skater and yoga teacher Coco Franklin loved the California city during quarantine.

California had one of the toughest lockdowns in the United States. As a professional roller skater and yoga instructor, I have to exercise daily to maintain my roller skating conditioning, so I decided to quarantine for two months in San Diego. I liked the endless beach walkways that were clear enough that I could skate on a daily basis while keeping social out. I was also able to keep my yoga practice going by using empty beaches and even spent a week camping in a close friend’s RV while we skated in Mission Bay’s empty parking lots at night.

During this lockdown, it is very important that we stick to our physical routines to promote mental health and not allow the locks to reach us mentally. If you see me on the beach walk, say hello, but don’t forget social distance!

Coco Franklin is a full-time roller skating and yoga instructor based in Long Beach, California. After living in Europe for 6 years, she decided to return to the United States and travel between Europe and North America to teach roller skating and yoga retreats and workshops. Check her travel calendar to see which city she is in next to book your spot!

The country’s capital is a top travel destination for 2021 thanks to its great free restaurants . . . [] Museums and beautiful architecture. The world traveler Jessica van Dop DeJesus found many international cuisines in the quarantine.

Washington, DC is a great place to live and be a tourist whenever I want. With its numerous museums and cultural activities that are free or inexpensive, there is always plenty to see and do in the capital of our country. For delicious, affordable bites, head out to the local neighborhoods beyond Georgetown and the National Mall. From El Salvadoran students at El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan to Nashville hot chicken sandwiches in the roaming rooster on U Street to Peruvian-style fried chicken at Peruvian Brothers at NoMA, there is tons of great food that won’t break the bank. When I’m looking for a luxury experience on a budget, I like to go to the upscale downtown restaurants like Fiola or the Oval Room, which have lunch prix fixe specials.

The food and travel writer Jessica van Dop DeJesus was able to go on culinary “excursions” throughout . . . [] Washington, D. . C.. . during quarantine.

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a travel and food writer, founder of The Dining Traveler, and author of The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, daughter, and cat.

The international jet setter and influencer Oneika Raymond stayed in New York City and explored everything . . . The Big Apple has to offer in 2021.

I have been quarantined in New York and there has been no shortage of activity during this unprecedented time in history. Avoiding public transportation for the most part, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the five boroughs of the Big Apple on foot: One of my favorite walks was over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. Even after living in New York for five years, it still takes my breath away!

With dining indoors being banned for most of the year, one of my favorite summer pastimes was picnicking at the newly constructed Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City. There was no need to pack a basket either – I just picked up food from one of the many food trucks on nearby Center Blvd.. before you hit the park. Now that it’s colder, I’ve really enjoyed all of the super unique, socially distant dining experiences in town, like the rooftop huts at Pier 17’s The Greens. While the New York City quarantine can be described as a lot of things, it certainly wasn’t boring!

Oneika Raymond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle expert, journalist and television presenter whose adventures have taken her to over 115 countries on 6 continents. As the NBC New York correspondent and host of two series on the Travel Channel, she is dedicated to inspiring women and people of color to live their best lives at home and abroad. Oneika is an accomplished writer whose work has been featured in publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Ebony Magazine, and Lonely Planet. She is also the voice behind the respected travel blog Oneika The Traveler, which was named Best Travel Blog in 2018 by the Society of American Travel Writers. Follow Oneika’s exploits on Instagram @oneikatraveller or www. oneikaraymond. com

With multicultural neighborhoods and great museums, Chicago is the perfect domestic destination for . . . [] 2021.

In a year that ditched my international travel plans, I found a way to fill that void by exploring the multicultural neighborhoods in my hometown of Chicago. From being educated about Mexican-American culture to the Pilsen murals to tasting the spicy Szechuan cuisine in Chinatown and traditional Swedish pastries in Andersonville, I “traveled” the world without a passport required. Repeating that feeling of traveling to a new place as a tourist in my own city showed me a new side of Chicago that I had never taken the time to explore before 2020. If you’re looking for recommendations on how to travel the world in Chicago off the beaten track, be sure to check out my Chicago Multicultural Neighborhood Series or use this as a setting to explore your own hometown.

Alle Pierce is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, host in front of the camera, and founder of the brand and blog Alle Abroad. She empowers over-the-top, luxury-loving, independent women to delve deeper into their next adventure in her weekly YouTube videos and Instagram.

Austin, Texas has something for every traveler, making it the best place to travel in 2021. . . . [] Influencer and global jet setter Jeff Jenkins loved exploring this destination while in quarantine.

Austin has been my home for eight years. This is the first time I’ve been forced to get to know my city in a more intimate way, as my job as an international travel journalist keeps me traveling around two to three weeks a month.

During the Austin quarantine, I built amazing relationships with local restaurant owners, tour operators, and our city’s visitor bureau who all needed help during these times. I love this instead of asking myself, « What’s the next country? » I said, « Who in my city can I help today? »

I was able to visit the Mesermize art exhibition and relax in the Auditorium Shores Park where you can see the entire Austin skyline. I also discovered some amazing dishes like Bird Bird Biscuit, Anything’s Baked Potato, and Charm Korean BBQ.

Jeff Jenkins is an award-winning writer, speaker, and founder of the Chubby Diaries. Chubby Diaries is a digital space that provides a community for plus size travelers looking to make friends, discover travel tips, and redefine the world that tried to shut them out.

Preethi Chandrasekhar was busy exploring the rural areas around San Francisco during the quarantine. . . . The influencer and photographer found solace in California Gold Country and recommends it as the best travel destination for 2021.

This summer I took a quarantine road trip through the underrated Gold Country, just hours from San Francisco in Northern California. I discovered quaint towns like Murhpys, Placerville and Sonora that struck me with their 19th-century balcony buildings and antique shops. Take the century back to the time of the gold rush. Murphys, home to 25 wine tasting rooms, is a town not to be missed. Aside from boutiques like Moon Alley that sell unique handcrafted handles, you can find delicious puttanesca in Sarafina’s Italian cuisine. Feel like you’re in Tuscany with a wine tasting at Newsome Harlow Wines and Ironstone Vineyards.

If you want to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is just 20 minutes away. I strongly recommend hiking the North Grove Trail through the impressive giant sequoia trees in the morning. When you’re done, head to the Sourgrass Recreation Area. With its numerous fishing spots, swimming holes, picnic tables, and grills, it’s easy to create social distance here.

Preethi Chandrasekhar is an Indian-American writer, traveler, photographer, and public speaker from San Francisco, California. Her mission is to inspire women to push boundaries and explore nature, regardless of age, ability or fitness. When she’s not out, she cooks delicious Indian recipes, hikes with her husband, and spends time with friends. You can follow her travels on Instagram or at www. theeagertraveler. com

I live in Portland, Oregon, which gives me unparalleled access to the lush, year-round natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest Coast – just a short two hour drive from downtown. We spent a lot of time at Salishan Coastal Lodge because the original 1965 architecture feels like it was growing naturally out of the coastal forest, creating a truly magical backdrop for any occasion.

Located on the coast of central Oregon, the rustic Salishan Resort is a sprawling coastal cabin destination that is in true harmony with the seascape. The Oregon Coast is the ultimate natural oasis and a perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking to revive and heal the beauty of nature.

Erika Richter is Senior Communications Director at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), a leading global advocacy group that represents 80 percent of all travel sales in the United States. S.. . through the travel agency’s sales channel. In her role, Erika is a travel expert and a spokesperson for society, where she is often asked to weigh the most pressing issues facing the travel industry.

Newport Beach, California is a top water sports destination for 2021, which makes it a great place . . . [] to travel in the new year.

Newport Beach is a perfect local destination, just an hour south of Los Angeles, and the place I’ve been quarantined since moving in early 2020. This beautiful beach town became even more famous in The OC and has plenty of outdoor activities and activities to keep you busy for days. Plus, you’re just a short drive from nearby Laguna Beach, home to some of California’s most beautiful coastlines.

While in Newport Beach, don’t miss a day on the scenic Balboa Island! This little island is full of cutest beach houses and one of my favorite places to walk around and dream of living here one day. During your walk, be sure to stop by Dads Donuts or Sugar and Spice for a famous Balboa Bar, which is a delicious ice cream dipped in sprinkles.

After you’re done on Balboa Island, you can take a ferry to the other side of the peninsula for a great bottomless brunch at a local cafe called Woody’s or the more upscale Malibu Farms or Zinque on Lido Island. After brunch, walk or ride a bike along the miles of pristine beach and watch the boogie boarders and surfers at The Wedge, one of the most unique (and dangerous!) Surf breaks in the world.

Finally, I would recommend booking a duffy boat with a group of friends for a sunset cruise around the harbor. From there, you can see the beautiful waterfront houses, enjoy wine and cheese on the boat, and even watch a sea lion or dolphin!

Becky Van Dijk is the founder of the female travel blog We Are Travel Girls and the curated group tour operator Travel Girls Getaways for women. Becky left her 10 year private banking career behind in 2016 to pursue her entrepreneurial goals and grew those platforms into a six figure company.

She also shares her business and blogging knowledge and advice on Beckyvandijk. com and teaches creative entrepreneurs the art of blogging profitably through their online signature course The Blog Elevation Program, their group coaching programs and training courses. Becky is half English, half Dutch and has traveled to more than 65 countries. She currently lives in California.

Dallas is a great place to travel in 2021 for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Dallas is a great place to start whether I travel the way I would like to be or how I am now. There are nearly 400 parks and seven lakes within the city limits, so there is plenty of room for walks, runs, biking, or picnics. Klyde Warren Park and White Rock Lake are options that include recreation with views of the downtown skyline. Minutes outside of Dallas, Grapevine Springs Park was a former campground that was used by Sam Houston in 1843 during contract negotiations with Native Americans. Remnants of the campsite remain in the park.

For history buffs, there is a lot to discover in my back yard after the JFK assassination. Dallas was a freelance destination in Texas after emancipation. The Deep Ellum District was one of the many liberated communities in the area. The blues was born here and you can still see great local live shows.

For quick day trips from Dallas by car, check out some state parks with great views. I can only recommend Eisenhower State Park with a view of Lake Texoma. If you head southwest to Glen Rose, you can feed giraffes from your vehicle at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Just down the road, you can search for easy-to-find dinosaur footprints in Dinosaur Valley State Park. Tip: While most options are free, parking at Texas State Parks may cost less than $ 10.

Calvin Hearns loves photography, travel, history and uses every opportunity to combine all three passions. After an early impression of international travel as a military child, a new passport set off the international travel bug again. In 2019 he left a great corporate job to tour Southeast Asia. As a visual journalist who believes that opinions are shaped by life experiences, he strives to give his audience a front row seat for his adventures from around the world and across the block. You can keep up with his chronicles on Instagram.

Alexandra is an award-winning journalist and travel writer and reporter. As a series expat, she has lived on three continents and dedicated herself to a life full of adventure. Your

Alexandra is an award-winning journalist and travel writer and reporter. As a series expat, she has lived on three continents and dedicated herself to a life full of adventure. Her travel writing appears regularly in Playboy Magazine, Outside Magazine, Daily Beast and National, among others. Before becoming a full-time writer, she was the founding editor of StepFeed in the Middle East.

2021, Tourist Destination, Tourism