6 Best Places for Millennials to Travel in the US

America is currently in time out. Which means that international travel is, for the foreseeable future, not a possibility. However, travel is still an option domestically, and this may very well prove to be a blessing in disguise! Because, the truth is, there’s so much to see and do in America that not even Americans make the time or effort to appreciate. It’s truly as diverse as the entire European continent.

But, truth be told, there’s plenty of reason to be concerned while traveling America. After all, our current travel restrictions are all related to COVID and a collective mismanagement of this crisis. It’s important to remember there’s no guarantee of safety. But, if you’re like many 20-somethings, you may be feeling restless. 

If you’re up for it, traveling in America is a wonderful experience. And it may even engender a newfound appreciation for the country, which may be a much-needed reminder of what we’re striving to redeem and renew in our nation.

So, where are the 6 best places to travel in your 20s in the US? Well, we know what’s on your mind before that...

Should I travel in the US right now?

While there are, undoubtedly, innumerable trips to take in your 20s in the US that you could be capitalizing on, this very much comes down to you. During such a time, safety is not guaranteed, and this kind of thing incontrovertibly increases your chances for exposure to the coronavirus.

But, if you really want to travel, there are plenty of great trips to take in your 20s in the US (just be sure to follow all proper preventative measures and to brush up on state laws regarding quarantine).

Of course, anything more or less isolated is ideal—like maybe a road trip or camping. Just keep in mind that these kinds of trips will present their own risks, and aren’t necessarily for everyone.

6 best places for millennials to travel in the US

1. California: Yosemite National Park

Beautiful coasts, dry deserts, reaching mountains—California has it all.

• Why? Yosemite National Park is a place that offers multitudes of outdoor activities. It has everything, which makes it one of the best places to travel in your 20s in the US. It has a stunning landscape that offers granite cliffs, meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and gargantuan sequoia groves. There’s also plenty of space to distance safely and comfortably. It’s the perfect sanctuary from a world that’s seemingly eating itself alive.
• When? May and September.
• What? Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, horse back riding, or rafting—there’s something for you to do. 
• Recommended Program: California: Urban and Wilderness Service

2. California: Pacific Coast Highway

• Why? California is pretty widely renowned for its natural attractions, and for good reason. It sits on the precipice of our Pacific shelf, and it’s truly one of the best places for millennials to travel in the US, especially for those seeking a road trip! The highway snakes along the coast and offers unparalleled vistas, internationally or domestically. It’s a trip that can be tailored to fit what you’re looking for; you can make it as remote as you’d like, though it’s highly recommended to stop in some of the awing cities along the way.
• When? Late spring, summer, and early fall—but July and August are the sweet spots.
• What? There are plenty of beaches and beach-related natural activities, like surfing, swimming, boating, etc. The Pacific Coast also hosts a stunning archipelago of cities, from L.A. to San Luis Obispo to San Francisco and so on. Also, there’s wine country and whale-watching. The choices are practically interminable!
• Recommended Program: San Diego: Community and Sustainability Volunteer Projects

3. Colorado: The Rockies

Colorado is basically hiking nirvana.

• Why? People have a tendency to leave America for jaw-dropping experiences, and those same people often overlook the rich nature and culture America harbors! The Rockies are one of best places to travel in your 20s in the US, especially for those struggling to find anything to appreciate in the country. The Rockies host the highest peaks in central North America!
• When? From June to September—this is when the majority of snow has melted and the hiking trails are unobstructed and safely reachable.
• What? It’s pretty self-evident that the best thing to do is to explore the breathtaking nature this mountain range and national park offer. This could be in the form of wildlife watching, hiking, biking, camping, and so much more!
• Recommended Program: 72-Day Wilderness Semester from CO Rockies to Southwest

4. Minnesota: The Great Lakes 

• Why? The Great Lakes are one of America’s unsung destinations—maybe this is more true for Europeans, but there are even many Americans who haven’t been or even entertained the notion of visiting! The awing natural beauty and relative isolation (plus a nightly natural, variegating sky-show) make this a must-see. And, honestly, it’s one of the best places to travel alone in your 20s in the US for those looking for some sanguine, tranquil soul searching (who doesn’t need some of that these days?). There are still some, er, civilized amenities and you won’t be completely on your own. 
• When? People rave about the fall colors, but it’s also great during the spring and summer.
• What? There’s plenty to do on the water, whether it’s luxuriating on the coast or going for a swim or fishing at historic sites. There are plenty of trails and a beautiful old lighthouse one could hike to. Plus, the food is stellar—especially if you like fish.
• Recommended Program: Explore Rugged MN and TX Wilderness and Get College Credit

5. Louisiana: New Orleans

New Orleans is everything a millennial traveler could want!

• Why? While it’s probably not the safest choice of these in terms of COVID, it’s a place every American should visit. It’s truly one of the richest and most unique cultural hubs we have. It’s truly incubated its own, practically autonomous, identity. New Orleans is unlike anything else in the world, and it doesn’t even feel like it’s a city in America. It’s its own insulated thing. Plus, the drinking and eating experiences are unlike anything else, which makes it one of the best places to travel alone in your 20s in the US. It’s hard to feel lonely when you have a belly full of gumbo and are nursing your nth drink of the night!
• When? February to May and December to January for more moderate weather.
• What? Food, drinks, music. There are also an abundance of museums that document its rich culture.
• Recommended Program: World’s Number One Affordable Volunteer Program 

6. Florida: The Florida Keys

• Why? The Florida Keys is the kind of paradise even God would envy because there’s way more fun. Plus, it’s affordable, and it has a definitely unique vibe from anything else on this list. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the water and tropical atmospherics, and also those who enjoy a drink; those who enjoy both will likely never want to leave. Strangely enough, Florida’s best attraction is relegated to its bottom-most tip, or Mile Marker Zero. But that’s the kind of stuff that cultivates a truly unique identity. Plus, driving from island to island is a surreal experience everyone can enjoy.
• When? Between March and May.
• What? There’s almost too much to list—from the ocean to drinking to good food to an Underwater Jesus (the kind of Jesus practically everyone can get behind—maybe even he needs a holiday like this sometimes), there won’t be a dull moment. 
• Recommended Program: Discovery Campus: A New Kind of Campus for Today’s Student

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There’s a ton to see in the US—go find it! 

Once you figure out the best places to travel in the US, you’ll want to figure out the best *ways* too.

America is truly unique in that it literally offers everything. Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, an excursion through the mountains, or a city experience—and everything in between—there’s literally nothing you can’t do.

And, considering the current political climate, a solo trip could help some folks who are disillusioned rediscover what’s great about our country. You’ll understand exactly how much we have to salvage out of this cultural (and viral) firestorm we’re enduring.

Be safe when traveling, and adhere to all recommendations and regulations.