5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Sleep on Domestic Travel!

​The international travel wave is booming.  More are more people are deciding to embark on the unknown and explore other countries and lands. I can’t explain how much this excites me as a experienced world traveler, however I also wanted to come and remind you all to not forget this beautiful country we reside in. There are so many cool things to do and see right here in America! Brand USA, or visittheusa.com is active in their mission to bring more travelers to U.S. destinations.  Check out their resources to discover new places and help plan your next domestic trip. If you need any added motivation, here are 5 reasons why I feel you shouldn’t sleep on U.S. domestic travel: 

Sausilito, CA

​You get to explore this beautiful country

​I think the beauty of the United States is underrated.  There are so many breathtaking, spectacular, “bucket list” sights right here in America! There are countless museums, national parks and monuments, that I feel are all worth seeing. When visiting these sights you get to learn the history of where you live which is can be empowering and inspiring.  Here a few must do’s of the United States:

• Yosemite National Park (California)
• Big Sur (California)
• Horseshoe Bend (Arizona)
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Hollywood Sign (California)
• South Beach (Florida)
• Times Square (New York)
• Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)
• Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)
• Statue of Liberty (New York)​

• Millennium Park (Illinois)
• Golden Gate Bridge (California)
• Griffith Park (California)
• Central Park (New York)
• Las Vegas Strip (Nevada)
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
• Niagara Falls (New York)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
• Road to Hana (Hawaii)
• Smithsonian Museums (Washington D.C.)

Horseshoe Bend, AZ

Your planning and preparation process can be less stressful
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​When leaving the country, there are added stress factors that just aren’t present during domestic travel. I don’t know about you all, but having to keep track of my passport or the possibility of it being stolen is anxiety inducing.  I appreciate not having to worry about it traveling domestically. There is still a need for cancellation insurance, but medical travel insurance is not a necessity while domestic if an emergency happens. Your phone pretty much works everywhere without extra charges and you don’t have to worry about going through customs, visas or medications that wouldn’t be accessible abroad.  

Point Reyes, CA

Seattle, WA

You support local tourism 
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​According to the US Travel Association, “In 2017, domestic and international travelers spent $1,036 billion in the U.S. This spending supported almost 8.8 million jobs directly, and generated $259 billion in payroll income and $165 billion in tax revenues for federal, state, and local governments.” Travel is vital to the American economy.  Most jobs can’t be outsourced and are highly dependable on human labor. Consider the jobs and lives you are impacting by choosing to travel domestically. 

Miami, FL

New York, NY

Your domestic air travel tickets are becoming cheaper 
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Domestic travel airline tickets are not known for being particularly affordable, but if you’ve been paying attention, the U.S airline competition has intensified in recent years.  Low cost carriers like Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant and Spirit have shaken things up a bit even causing, “The Big Three,” to create fares that mimic the low cost model.  This ultimately results in lower fares for the consumer and more choices with whom to fly.  

Napa, CA

You spend less time traveling 
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In February, I took a trip to the Las Vegas area.  I had a super early flight and when I arrived, I still had that entire day to sightsee and explore, while feeling rested. Compare that to my Iceland trip, where even though it was a direct flight, I lost a total of 15 hours for flight time and time zone change. I was also completely exhausted and cranky and wanted to rest as soon as we arrived to the hotel.  Traveling international is a time commitment to say the least! By spending less time actually traveling, you maximize your time exploring your destination.  

Los Angeles, CA 

St. Thomas, USVI 

Domestic traveling is lit! Don’t miss out on exploring this beautiful country you live in. Let me know if you have any domestic travel plans coming up! I want to hear them. Thanks for reading!