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Ready to travel with friends and family? Here are some top vacation destinations to consider.
It’s been months since many of us have been able to spend time with our loved ones in person, and we’re excited to reconnect and relax. While there are still important things to keep in mind when traveling, it’s now possible for us to see our friends and family in small groups and have a responsible getaway at the same time. And with bonus miles on purchases like gas and local transit, the new, no annual fee United GatewaySM Card can help you get there even faster when you’re ready. Whether you’re meeting up with friends for a short city break or gathering the family for a reunion by the beach, there are lots of ways to plan your trip to make it safe, comfortable, and above all, fun.
Outdoor activities are some of the safer ways for us to get together. Luckily, there are options for everyone from art-loversto hiking enthusiasts.
For those who love art, outdoor galleries are everywhere. You can check out works from world-famous artists while still practicing social distancing from those outside of your travel bubble.
Visit the world-famous Storm King Art Center in New York’s Hudson Valley to see the enormous sculptures that sprawl across its 500-acre setting. Those looking for a warmer getaway can stop by Las Vegas’ Neon Museum to see more of a distinctly Nevadan art form, including the famous “Neon Boneyard,” which houses both restored and defunct neon signs from the iconic Las Vegas Strip, as well as works from a rotating set of special exhibits.
Those on a city break can stop by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, located roughly an hour’s drive from Chicago. And if international travel is in the cards, don’t miss the UK’s first sculpture forest, the Grizedale Forest sculpture park in the rolling hills of northern England’s picturesque Lake District.
For groups that want to keep everyone entertained, there are plenty of outdoor activities that are both educational and fun. Nutkin Knoll Farm in Maine offers the chance to select your own Christmas tree, enjoy hot cider and cookies, learn about maple syrup tapping, and feed the horses — all outdoors. If you’re onthe West Coast, the charming Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort has individual cabins for easy social distancing, as well as horseback riding, barnyard tours, and more for overnight guests. And downin Florida, families can explore Zoo Miami, where you can visitwith a rhino and even feed a giraffe.
Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Grizedale Forest, England
Nutkin Knoll Farm, Newburgh, Maine, USA
For travelers looking for winter relaxation, there are tons of options available. In Vail, Colorado, you can ski and even dine on the mountain, enjoy outdoor après-ski activities, shop, and more. Health is top of mind on the mountain this winter, and Vail Mountain Resort has taken extra steps to ensure guests’ safety, with measures including mandatory face coverings inmany areas and cashless transactions.
Or head to the Pacific Northwest, where visitors can explore Seattle’s many hiking trails, go birdwatching, or enjoy one of the city’s famous breweries, like Métier Brewery in Woodinville, known for their award-winning coconut porter. Across the country in Philadelphia, you can bike, hike, or visit the city’s many outdoor historical sights, like Independence Hall or the nearby Valley Forge National Historical Park, where you can take a self-guided car tour of the area’s most notable sites.
And for anyone who’s looking for a little winter sunshine and wants to relax on a beach, there are plenty of places to accommodate. Baja California, Mexico is well-known for its outdoor restaurants and beach dining, while the pristine white beaches and blue water of Aruba will entice anyone looking for some R&R. For those visiting lush, tropical Hawaii, United Airlines is adding a pre-travel rapid COVID-19 testing program; travelers should check the website for more details.
Island paradises aren’t the only way to get your beach fix. Sunny San Diego is full of tasty tacos, blue skies, and beautiful ocean shoreline where you can sail, stroll, or just sit and watch the water.
Waikamoi Waterfall, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Renaissance Island, Aruba
San Diego, California, USA
In order for everyone to have a safe, enjoyable trip, you’ll want to check on a few basic things before you go. Is your destination experiencing elevated COVID-19 numbers? Find out. If so, take advantage of new flexible travel policies, like United’s no-change-fee policy, to reschedule.
Also check in with your travel partners. Make sure no one is experiencing symptoms or has been knowingly exposed in the last two weeks. If possible, get tested no more than 72 hours before your trip begins. And never forget that you’re a guest on your trip. Be mindful of the locals at your destination and try not to travel to isolated or at-risk destinations that don’t have adequate medical facilities to support those from outside of their communities.
Many activities are now requiring advance reservations. Checking before you go will reduce stress for you and ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy. And with new dining regulations, eating indoors isn’t always an option. If there’s a restaurant you want to try that doesn’t offer outdoor seating, see if you can bring carryout back to your room, or look up nearby parks in advance where you can have a picnic.
Finally, consider the location of your hotel or rental in relation to the activities you want to do and research the best travel methods. If you would normally be reliant on public transportation, consider walking or renting a car to keep yourself and any travel companions safe.
We all need some rest after the last few months, and with a little planning and some flexibility, you can stay safe and reconnect with your friends and family.
Get to more vacations with the new, no annual fee United GatewaySM Card.
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