From Alaska to Greece, your return to travel starts with these 5 destinations
It's finally happening: People around the U.S. are looking forward to traveling again. More and more of us are getting vaccinated each day and celebrating that fact by booking flights, reserving hotels and vacation rental homes, and drafting lists of all the things we want to see and do when we arrive somewhere new.
In 2021, wanderlust will be a real thing for people who find themselves vaccinated and ready to travel. If that's you, here are some destinations that are calling your name.
Alaska
Alaska is best for: travelers who want to see this special place at a time when traditional summer crowds will be absent
The coming summer could be a historic moment to be a tourist in Alaska. The state will be mostly open for visitors, but the crowds at such iconic attractions as Denali National Park could be near record lows. That means if you do head to The Last Frontier state, you'll be able to see it in a way that hasn't been possible in many decades.
Tourism is likely to be down in many destinations this summer, of course. But the decline is anticipated to be unusually steep in Alaska. That's because the biggest driver of tourist visits to the state -- the large cruise ships that carry thousands of travelers a week to the state in a typical summer -- might be mostly or completely gone this year.
Related: Cruise lines begin removing Alaska from their schedules for 2021
Nearly 60% of the 2 million people who visit Alaska in a typical year come by cruise ship. But a recent cruise ship ban imposed by neighboring Canada for all of 2021 will make it difficult for most cruise lines to visit Alaska this year. Already, several lines have canceled large portions of their 2021 sailings to the state.
Not that cruise lines are completely giving up on bringing travelers to the state this summer. If the idea of a summer trip to Alaska has piqued your interest, you might want to look at one of the new land-based tours that the two biggest cruise lines operating in the state -- Princess Cruises and Holland America -- just announced for the summer.
The tours, which are new for the lines, will include stays at lodges and hotels that the companies own in Alaska and draw on other land-based touring infrastructure that they own in the state, such as the bus-tour company Gray Line Alaska.
Princess and Holland America -- both owned by parent company Carnival Corp. -- normally use these assets to operate land tours of Alaska that are designed as add-ons to cruises.
Related: 8 of the best Alaskan lodges for getting close to glaciers, Denali and more
Bahamas
Bahamas is best for: travelers that want to stay close to home but get out of the U.S.
The Bahamas is one country that's been open to U.S. travelers for quite some time now. And it has a well-communicated set of entry requirements designed to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 within its borders. Visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of departure. Then, you'll need to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa, where you'll upload your negative test result and pay for the mandatory health insurance, which costs between $40 and $60 depending on how long you stay.
We recommend printing several copies of your test results, as you'll be asked to present them at multiple points throughout the journey, including before your departing flight and upon passing through immigration in the Bahamas.
If you satisfy the requirements above, you're free to explore the islands, subject to local restrictions and regulations.
The Bahamas features plenty of great places to stay; one of the best is Baha Mar, a huge complex of hotels, dining and entertainment venues, casinos, nightclubs and more. TPG's Nick Ellis visited the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in early 2021 and found its COVID-19 protocols and its "resort bubble" program easy to comply with and effective at keeping guests safe -- or at least feeling safe.
Many hotels across the island provide complimentary rapid antigen or PCR COVID-19 tests so travelers can remain compliant with the United States' recent rule requiring proof of a negative test taken within three days of departing for the country.
Greece
Greece is best for: travelers who want to experience the best of European island life
Greece will soon open its borders to all foreign visitors -- including Americans.
The nation's tourism minister said that "tourists will be welcome if before they travel, they are either vaccinated, or have antibodies, or test negative." This is great news for those who are still waiting to be vaccinated but are ready to travel. Exact details of the entry process for Greece are still yet to be revealed. When travel restarted briefly last summer, Greece required all passengers to fill out an online form more than 24-hours before their departure.
The importance of the safety of Greek citizens and potential visitors is clear as the nation is prioritizing the vaccination of its hospitality and tourism industry workers.
A great option from the U.S. to Greece would be a ride on Emirates' recently reinstated nonstop flight from JFK to Athens. Once there, you're only a hop, skip and a jump away from literally thousands of Greek islands, including the paradise that is Santorini.
Hawaii
Hawaii is best for: travelers that prefer visiting somewhere with rigorous testing requirements
Even if you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you may still be nervous about traveling once again. If you prefer a destination that requires pre-arrival testing, Hawaii is a good option. Yes, even though you're vaccinated, you'll still need to show negative COVID-19 results from a test taken at least 72 hours before your departure flight. Anyone that arrives without a negative test will be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine.
But, the state is considering a change to the COVID-19 testing policy for those who have been vaccinated. Before your trip, check Hawaii's COVID-19 update page to see the latest requirements for entry.
The fourth-largest and the oldest island of Hawaii -- Kauai -- is known as the Garden Island for its lush rainforests formed over centuries. This year, the island implemented tracking bracelets at properties that are a part of a "resort bubble" as a way to move and enjoy your surroundings while quarantining. For beach hopping on the island, start at Poipu Beach Park, popular for visits by Hawaiian monk seals, while the ocean at Lydgate Beach Park is shielded by a lava rock wall, providing tame waters for leisurely swimming.
Embark on a pandemic-friendly activity: road-tripping solo or with close companions. The 52-mile Hana Highway Route in Maui is replete with tropical views, waterfalls, the Pools of Oheo and coastal landscapes of the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.
In Oahu, Hilton Hawaiian Village, located on the widest stretch of beach in Waikiki, is known for its multi-layered Paradise Pool with dramatic waterfalls and the longest water slide in Waikiki. The resort requires validation of quarantine status using the state's "Safe Travels" QR code.
National and state parks
The great outdoors is best for: travelers that still want to preserve as much social distancing as possible
Even with vaccines being here and positive COVID-19 rates dropping, not everyone will immediately hop on a flight headed to the beach. Instead, many grounded travelers have embraced the great outdoors, such as national and state parks, during the pandemic.
National and state parks are likely going to be hot destinations in 2021 because they're inexpensive or free and it's easy to socially distance from others while you're there. According to a study from Destination Analysts, a travel and tourism market research, over 54% of Americans said they would be interested in visiting a U.S. national park in 2021, while nearly 48% said they would be interested in visiting a state, local or regional park.
If you're looking for a great park or outdoor vacation, you have tons of options around the country, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona or El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.
And the newest national park, New River National Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, encompasses three existing pieces of land — the Gorge itself, the Gauley National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River. The park itself measures about 7,000 acres, while the remaining 65,000 or so is classified as a natural preserve.
Even if you plan to spend much of your trip outside, you should still plan to take a COVID-19 test before traveling and follow the state's quarantine guidelines. If you're visiting a national park, federal guidelines require visitors to wear face masks in federal buildings, including historic structures and museums. If you're outside, face masks are required when social distancing isn't possible.
Related: 5 things to know about America's newest national park
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees