Safest Travel Destinations in the U.S. for Your Next Luxury Vacation

It may be a while before many of the places Americans relied on for luxury vacations are ready to receive international travelers. The European Union, for example, remains largely closed to tourists from outside of the union itself. And while some countries on a global scale are more open than others, many still require a two-week quarantine for outsiders. This means that any international travel plans people have for now must be made with longer trips in mind. Fortunately for Americans, there are plenty of places to visit within the country that are diverse, interesting, and certainly worth the trip.

Of course, no matter where a traveler visits, they want to be not only entertained and accommodated but kept safe as well. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is principal in the minds of most Americans, there are issues of safety that should be considered as well. With that being said, below are some of the best vacation spots in the United States where you can take a trip that is both safe and luxurious.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina has long been regarded as one of the most hospital cities not only within the United States, but in the world. Furthermore, its rich cultural blends and beautiful historic architecture and beaches have made it a hotspot for luxurious vacations. The city is not home to theme parks, but rather an antique look combined with a genuine welcome from locals, high standards of living, and luxurious hotels. The city has a low crime rate and though its most famous beach, Folly Beach, can still get a bit crowded for COVID standards, there are also plenty of things to do in the city away from the beach. Museums, as well as its famous open air market and its battery that overlooks the water, are popular among visitors. Furthermore, it’s known for its exceptional cuisine, good old-fashioned Southern fare, and seafood. Those who’d like to be even more distanced from the city proper can visit nearby Kiawah Island, home to beach houses and a more private beach that is easier to socially distance on, as well as untouched beauty and wildlife. As with any city near the water, travelers should try to schedule their visits away from hurricane season, but experience has made the city well-equipped to deal with storms. Ultimately, it’s a classic mixture of small-town and city that keeps people hungry for more.

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico

For those who’d like something a bit more on the Southwest side of things, with a good mixture of American and Mexican heritage, Santa Fe is ideal. The city is known for being quite clean, as well as having a good amount of peace and quiet. Furthermore, it has the benefit of being in a part of the country that tends to have less traffic. As around 10 million car crashes go unreported annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s clear that this can be a big factor on a city’s safety levels. Santa Fe is known for a heavy Mexican influence, which makes it a more unique destination for those traveling within the United States. Furthermore, the city has fantastic shopping as well as interesting Southwestern architecture and an intense artistic scene. Certainly, it’s a perfect trip for people who want a more modern vacation.

3. Denver, Colorado

Although Denver is often seen as a location for a winter vacation, anyone can potentially travel to and enjoy the city at any time of year. One of the advantages of the city, much like that of Santa Fe, is that it’s highly walkable. Much can be done in Colorado, should the right lodgings be secured, without the need of a car. As the third leading cause of death in the state is car accidents, with Denver otherwise being considered quite safe, this only renders the city itself safer. During the winter, it’s a great ski city, and in general, it is considered to have quite a high standard of living. For those who’d like to venture somewhat outside of the city, summer offers a lot of nearby Colorado dude ranch opportunities, while winter features sledding as well as the chance to travel by horse-drawn sleigh. The area is full of natural wonder that simply cannot be missed.

4. Seattle, Washington

For those looking to experience the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is perhaps one of the best vacation spots. The city is known for being quite safe, despite its rather busy exterior. People tend to be happy and calm in Seattle, and it is known for having high standards regarding law and order, and holding its authorities responsible. This is clearly becoming an issue that many Americans care about; though in 2000 just 11% of state police and highway patrol vehicles had in-car cameras, it’s estimated that today 72% of all state patrol vehicles utilize these types of systems. Seattle is not only known for these high standards but a strong coffee culture. Visitors can find some of the best coffee in the country in Seattle, as well as beautiful mountains nearby, and the opportunity to go whale-watching. Visitors can again experience either a metropolitan city or the nearby wilderness, a hallmark of a good vacation spot.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is known for having exceptionally friendly people, as well as both remarkable mountains nearby and a busy restaurant scene. Perhaps most noteworthy in the city, of course, is the country music scene. The Grand Ole Opry as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame can be visited in the city. It’s also an easy city to travel within, and home to many shuttles that can easily usher visitors about, ensuring that people are less likely to drive drunk. This, and a strong positive attitude, makes the city quite noteworthy.

There are so many cities to visit within the United States that are both safe and exciting. The great thing about the nation being so large is that Americans truly are overwhelmed with options. Why not take advantage of them?

Feature Photo by Owen Lystrup on Unsplash