The United States is back: 5 bucket list destinations

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for, the White House announced that the United States will be reopening its borders to vaccinated Brits from November 2021.

Check out this list of three bucket-list destinations  from an iconic city break to an outdoor adventure, or a winter sun escape, to a great American road trip:

Pilgrimage to music mecca, Nashville, USA 

Why go: Nashville has welcomed the opening of the brand new National Museum of African American Music on Broadway housed within the new Fifth + Broadway retail and dining development. Music City has also seen more than 115 culinary offerings open their doors while the highly anticipated restaurant, Audrey, by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock, is set to arrive this autumn.

New hotels include the Gallatin boutique hotel whose Rooms for Rooms programme supports the homeless community, while 2022 will see a series of luxury hotel openings including 1 Nashville and The Conrad in Q1 2022, as well as The Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in April 2022.

Next year will also mark a number of key milestones for some of Nashville’s most iconic music venues including Historic RCA Studio B where the likes of Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded some of their most famous hits which will celebrate its 65th year, the Bluebird Cafe which has fostered the raw talent of countless songwriters and performers marks 40 years and the venue responsible for taking country music to the masses, the Ryman Auditorium, will be commemorating its 130th anniversary. 

Package: Music City break with Bon Voyage from £965pp:
Bon Voyage is offering four nights at the 4* Holston House from £965 per person, travelling on selected dates between 1 – 15 December 2021. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Nashville International Airport. www.bon-voyage.co.uk 

Discover the Capital Region on an American road trip adventure, USA

Washing DC

Why go: Home to vibrant cities, vast areas of wilderness and beautiful landscapes, the US is the perfect destination for an action-packed road trip adventure. Hit the open road and discover some of the east coast’s finest offerings such as the Shenandoah National Park which offers glorious scenery and the opportunity to escape to nature; Charlottesville’s iconic arts and cultural scene; and the US Botanic Gardens in Washington D.C., home to an exotic jungle, a tropical rainforest and more than 10,000 varieties of orchids. Traversing across Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia offer the perfect blend of American culture, heritage and the great outdoors for those looking to hit the open road and embark on an iconic U.S. adventure.

Package: America As You Like It road trip from £1,275pp:
An 11-night Capital Region fly-drive courtesy of America As You Like It based on two travellers sharing starts from £1,275 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow to Washington D.C for departures in December 2021. For more information, or to book, visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com or call 0208 742 8299.

Take a foodie tour in San Francisco, USA 

Crissy Field beach in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Why go: With more places to eat per capita than any other major city in the United States, the diversity of San Francisco’s food-scene is incomparable. Follow in the footsteps of Kamala Harris, Vice President and former San Francisco district attorney and explore the South of Market Area (SOMA) neighbourhood, an area synonymous with quirky street food trucks and unparalleled alfresco dining  options. A must-visit for art and food lovers is Palette, an edgy immersive dining experience, boasting a wide variety of fresh, quality ingredients harvested by Bay Area purveyors and fishmongers along the California Coast.

Package: San Francisco with Virgin Holidays from £1,367pp:
A seven-night holiday courtesy of Virgin Holidays based on two people sharing starts from £1,367 per person and includes flights and room-only accommodation at Handlery Union Square, departing from London Heathrow to SFO on 20 March 2022, and returning on 27 March 2022.  www.virgin holidays.co.uk.

Let dreams come true in Orlando, Florida, USA

Why go: Orlando offers families the opportunity to step out of their everyday lives and be drawn into the charm of Disney and the fantasy of Harry Potter. The resorts will be covered from head-to-toe in festive decorations and with 2021 marking the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, and the opening of an all-new Jurassic World VelociCoaster featuring two intense launches and four inversions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the energy at these iconic attractions is guaranteed to be magical. With a range of attractions such as the Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Epcot and the Kennedy Space Center which is situated just one hour out of the city, families will never be short of exhilarating rides, immersive experiences and educational offerings.

For families who are keen to venture beyond the attractions, then a city boat tour is a must, taking travellers via Lake Eola and Winter Park, to the town of Celebration, where they can indulge in the restaurants and shops.

Package: 7-night package at Universal Endless Summer Resort from £7,650 – family of 5 Prices include return flights from London or Manchester airports and room-only accommodation. The price is based on dates of travel between Sunday 26 December 2021 – Sunday 2 January 2022. Travellers can add a Disney and Universal Combo ticket for £799 per adult or £769 per child. www.barrheadtravel.co.uk.

Saddle-up at White Stallion Ranch, Arizona, USA

Why go: Escape to one of Arizona’s most popular ranches located at the foot of the rugged Tucson Mountains bordering the Saguaro National Park this Christmas. At White Stallion Ranch, families will relish the western-style horseback riding, and guided hiking, biking and nature walks along the scores of scenic trails. White Stallion Ranch boasts one of the largest selection of horses in Arizona and is guaranteed to have a horse for every type of rider, from novice to expert. The ranch informality is blended with the comforts of a top resort, offering a heated pool, indoor hot tub, tennis courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bar billiards, sauna and petting zoo. Located to the north-west of Tucson, families will find themselves in close proximity to a number of local attractions such as Old Tucson Studios or the Desert Museum – perfect for a day out. 

Package: 8-night package at White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, Arizona, from ​​£2,635 per person, and £2,430 per child under 12
This is based on sharing a family suite which sleeps up to five people. Prices include return flights from Heathrow to Tucson (via Chicago on the outbound and Dallas on the return) and transfers from the airport to the ranch; as well as full board accommodation and riding (except on Sundays) and all activities. The price is based on dates of travel from Sunday 26 December to Sunday 2  January 2022. www.americanroundup.com.