Top 4 U.S. Vacation Destinations for New Travelers

Traveling for the first time — whether on your own, with friends or with loved ones — comes with some unique challenges. From planning and budgeting your trip to navigating transportation and adjusting to new cultures, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Before you jet off to somewhere that you may face big cultural or language barriers, why not test the waters with a domestic adventure to an exotic or unique destination? Keep reading to learn four of the top U.S. vacation destinations for new travelers.

Washington, D.C.

One must-see destination for any new traveler in the U.S. is Washington, D.C. Our nation’s capital is home to a massive collection of museums, monuments, and government headquarters with cultural, historical, and political significance.

From see the world-famous blooming of the cherry blossoms in the spring to taking a walking tour of the numerous monuments and other sites scattered around the National Mall, there’s a lot to see across the city. Touring even just one of the Smithsonian museums can easily take up an entire day. But with so much to see and do, there’s something to pique everyone’s interest, making it easy to customize your visit, no matter how long you have to explore.

Alaska

If you love nature and wildlife and want to experience landscapes unlike any you’ll find elsewhere in the country or even in the world, a visit to Alaska certainly deserves a spot on your bucket list.

With stunning glaciers, exotic wildlife, and unique towns, the state is an outdoor lover and adventurer’s paradise. It’s also very big, with distances from one city to the next easily stretching into the hundreds of miles. If you’re new to traveling or short on time, an Alaska cruise is a great way to take in the sites and explore as much of the state and its many landmarks as possible, without having to worry about long road trips or difficult driving conditions.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon often earns a spot on the list of top travel destinations in the U.S., and often even the world. This incredible natural phenomenon is more than just a site to see; it’s also a haven for hiking, and a chance to learn more about the history of the canyon and how it was formed, the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area, and the rich history of tourists to the canyon.

While the Grand Canyon covers an area that’s more than 1,900 square miles, there are a few key spots that draw most visitors. Some are located within Grand Canyon National Park, while others are still owned and managed by Native American tribes.

Hawaii

If you’re dreaming of jet-setting off to tropical destinations around the globe, it’s best to dip your feet in the water with a visit to Hawaii first. This beautiful state is a truly unique U.S. destination. With pristine beaches, jungles teeming with wildlife, and no shortage of friendly locals and delicious foods, it’s truly paradise—and one that you won’t need a passport to get to.

Choosing the Best Vacation Destinations in the U.S. for New Travelers

While many aspiring travelers dream of setting off to exotic destinations, it’s always best to get used to the unique challenges of traveling by visiting a few U.S. destinations first. From the wilds of Alaska to the stunning views of the Grand Canyon, these are just a few domestic destinations every traveler should experience at least once!