Not long after 2021 Summer travel The season seemed useless. The first COVID-19 vaccines were given in December, but most people were not expected to be available until July. For many, that meant the second socially distant summer in a row. But President Biden A recent advertisement That all adult Americans will be eligible for vaccination by May 1 changes everything. Suddenly, Summer travel You’re back, but that doesn’t mean you should book trips with wild desertion.
Remember when President-elect Biden promised to distribute 100 million COVID-19 vaccines in his first 100 days in office? With the current average of over 2.3 million doses taken each day, this goal has already been met. Now, Biden says he hopes Americans can celebrate the Fourth of July in small groups. This accelerated schedule may seem ambitious, but as a White House adviser Andy Slavitt He said, “We are not used to exaggerating promises.”
Here’s what you need to know for summer travel this year.

1. The main direction: domestic travel on international flights
Where do Americans go this summer? It will be largely local, according to experts. Travel restrictions for other countries are constantly changing. There are some places you cannot go and others that you can go, and these places are constantly changing. To be clear, this may not be the year you head on a euro trip and the only way to enter New Zealand is if you are a citizen or permanent resident. On the other hand, countries like Seychelles, Cyprus, and Poland are already open to fortified travelers. And popular destinations for Americans like Mexico and the Caribbean have no travel restrictions related to COVID-19. With international travel, keep in mind the advantages of a particular destination and, most importantly, whether they will let you in.
2. Best Summer Travel Destinations 2021: Warm weather and wide open spaces close to home
Travelers want to go where it is warm, and it is no surprise after last year that they are in the great outdoors.
“Destinations that receive a lot of attention fall into two categories: beach or nature, such as national parks, mountains, and lakes,” says Kristi Hudson, senior public relations manager at Expedia.
On our June top 10 list of applications for residency at Expedia, Florida was totally dominant. The Sunshine State occupies seven locations with the control of the Saint Petersburg / Clearwater region.

Want to avoid Florida for something more rugged? The US national parks will also play prominent roles. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge – only miles apart from each other in Tennessee, adjacent to both Great Smoky Mountains National Park And Dollywood – second on the list. Only two locations below is St. George, Utah, the gateway to Zion National Park.
Airlines are adapting to this new interest in domestic travel by adding new destinations that lead outdoors. Added Alaska and Southwest Airlines Montana It tracks to their schedules, bringing travelers closer to Yellowstone And the ice National parks. Meanwhile, Delta is expanding direct flights to Alaska from cities across the country.
3. Be flexible and cautiously optimistic
“We’ve recently seen an increase in reservation windows, which indicates that travelers are starting to cement their summer vacation plans,” says Hudson. “People are optimistic about their ability to take their long-awaited vacation sometime soon.”
Of course, a return to travel will be a major boost to the US tourism industry. US tourism revenues fell by more than $ 500 billion in 2019, according to the American Travel Association. And while there are many signs, the 2021 summer travel season could be fruitful (TSA It has hired 6,000 new screening agents at airports to help deal with the influx, and health experts are still urging caution. Remember, this epidemic has not left behind (yet).
“We are really trying to restrict travel in this current time period, and we hope that our next set of guidelines will contain more knowledge about what people who have been vaccinated can do and maybe travel between them,” said Rochelle Wallinski, CDC director at home the White Press Conference In February.
minimum: With a “wait-and-see” mindset towards travel, be flexible. Expect adjustments and cancellations, and above all, prioritize the health of yourself and others first. That city or boardwalk will still be around six or 12 months from now.
4. If you have been vaccinated and want to travel, make those reservations now
If you choose to travel, try to finish your plans as soon as possible. The dramatic increase in vaccinations and the continuing decline in COVID-19 cases mean more potential travelers looking to book hotels and flights. And only in this case, look for refundable options that allow free cancellation or provide you with the option to book now and pay later.
Also, be sure to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention And the World Health Organization For the latest COVID-19 alerts and updates. Also review any travel advisories related to the destination (s) you plan to visit, and keep yourself and others safe by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and bringing food, drinks and other appropriate supplies when possible.
To access exclusive videos about equipment, interviews with celebrities, and more, Subscribe to YouTube!