Whether your plans abroad were canceled by COVID or you’re saving up coins for an international next year, 2020 just might be the right time to check some dope destinations off your U.S. bucket list. As you take a look at these amazing places right here in your own backyard, you’ll see just how easy it is to “travel abroad” in the U.S.
Ready to satisfy that craving for global adventure in America?! Let’s go!
Ouray, Colorado
“Passport Stamp:” Switzerland
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray, Colorado is the perfect place for adventure travelers. The area’s attractions include hundreds of miles of historic Jeep roads, a free ice park for climbers, natural hot springs and gorgeous mountain views.
Yearning for a real Swiss adventure? Check out my Switzerland blog!
Tarpon Springs, FL
“Passport Stamp:” Greece
Fun fact: Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans out of any U.S. city. Population aside, “the ‘Greek Island’ of the States” exudes the look and feel of Greece through its blue and white buildings, boats in the bay, and Greek-themed shops and restaurants.
Get inspired for your future trip to Europe with my Greece travel blogs!
Kahalu’u, Hawaii
“Passport Stamp:” Japan
Hawaii is probably as international as it gets when it comes to the States, but if you’re looking to add a touch of Japan into your trip head to the Byodo-In Temple in Kahalu’u. The Buddhist temple was built in ’68 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
Helen, Georgia
“Passport Stamp:” Germany
Helen is a charming town located in northeast Georgia. It’s known for its vineyards and Bavarian-style buildings, nestled in the Southern Appalachian mountains. There are tons of activities and festivals to enjoy like zip lining, river tubing, wine tasting, Oktoberfest and the Atlantic [hot air] Balloon Race.
Check out my Colmar, France blog to see another fairy tale-like village!
Napa Valley, CA
“Passport Stamp:” Italy
Chances are you know the world-famous wine growing region, Napa Valley. But if you have yet to go or fell in love and need another stay, California Wine Country is going to be the closest replica to the countrysides of Italy. Napa Valley boasts an array of Michelin-star restaurants, luxurious hotels and spas, and over 400 wineries and tasting rooms.
Waynoka, Oklahoma
“Passport Stamp:” Africa
Little Sahara State Park in Oklahoma was coined the name due to its resemblance to the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. Boasting over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, the main park attraction is dune buggy and ATV riding. Personally, I haven’t tried dune buggy riding but I do know ATV riding is one of my absolute favorite adventure activities. I have yet to try either on sand so this is definitely going on my U.S. travel bucket list.
White Sands, NM
“Passport Stamp:” Brazil
Excuse the double dunes but the white sands in the northern Chihuahuan Desert were too unique to not include. The White Sands National Park is known for the world’s largest and most dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. The park’s activities include sand sledding, ranger-led hiking, back-country camping, and of course some amazing photo ops.
Now that you know how to “travel abroad” in the U.S., which destination would you want to visit? Comment below!