Back in the USA
With the announcement that the US is open to Irish travellers from this month and 50 states to choose from, there’s a dizzying choice of destinations. Here are the hot spots to consider for your first trip back to America
Shenandoah National Park
It’s been a long time coming, but news that vaccinated travellers will be able to enter the US from the EU from November onwards has been met with applause. A firm favourite with travellers, it’s likely to be a popular holiday option for the winter season and throughout 2022.
Already, many operators have received an influx of bookings.
“Arguably the most well-known country on earth, the USA is abundant with once-in-a-lifetime sights, from sweeping landscapes to cosmopolitan cities,” says Kerry Golds, MD of travel company Abercrombie & Kent. “We’ve seen a boost in enquiries overall with vaccine confidence, but one country that stands out for travel later in the year is the USA .”
If you are seeking inspiration, here are a few trips to consider.
>>CELEBRATE THE HERITAGE OF THE CAPITAL REGION In November, America’s oldest national museum, the Arts & Industries Building, will reopen for the first time in 20 years for the Smithsonian Institution’s 175th Anniversary. New exhibition FUTURES will feature more than 150 objects, ideas and installations that fuse art, technology, design and history. But don’t spend all your time indoors. Shenandoah National Park is ablaze with gorgeous autumn colours at this time of year.
>>SKI INTO THE FUTURE IN ASPEN SNOWMASS Aspen Snowmass celebrates 75 years of skiing and riding this winter season, when ski lifts open on November 25. Along with covering the heritage and history of skiing in Aspen, celebrations and events will also look at innovation in ski racing, sustainability, art and athletic achievement.
>>SEE YELLOWSTONE FROM ABOVE Next year celebrates the 150th anniversary of one of America’s greatest national parks, which was established in 1872. Popular with hikers during the summer, Yellowstone’s two-million-acre landscape is also captivating in winter months, when wolves can occasionally be seen hunting bison. Appreciate the scale and size of the place on an air safari, also visiting Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Track bison and bears, explore with private guides and visit rarely seen corners of the popular parks.
>>GET ON TRACK IN UTAH
In August, the famous Rocky Mountaineer train began a new two-day rail route through the American Rockies between Denver in Colorado and Moab in Utah, travelling along the Colorado River. Irish people visiting in November will be amongst some of the first people to experience the epic route through striking mountains and steep rock canyons – some only accessible by road or river. Admire the scenery from glass dome coaches and enjoy regional cuisine.
Fewer domestic tourists at this time of year will also make it much easier to access national parks.
>>CRUISE CALIFORNIA’S GOLDEN COAST With a coastline of exciting cities, sun-kissed beaches, world-class wineries and soaring redwood forests, California’s iconic Pacific coastline is popular at any time of year. Named ‘The Golden State’ after the 19th-century gold rush, it still has plenty of treasures to share. Sample fi ne vintages in Sonoma and Napa Valley, cycle across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and follow in the footsteps of showbiz greats on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
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