UK travel to USA: Best places to visit when borders open in November

It’s been a long time coming, but news that vaccinated travellers will be able to enter the US from the UK and EU from November onwards has been met with applause.

A firm favourite with travellers, it’s likely to be a popular holiday option for the winter season and 2022.

If you’re seeking inspiration, here are a few trips to consider.

Capital gains

In November, America’s oldest national museum, the Arts & Industries Building, will reopen for the first time in 20 years for the Smithsonian Institution’s 175th Anniversary.

New exhibition FUTURES will feature more than 150 objects, ideas and installations that fuse art, technology, design and history.

But don’t spend all your time indoors. Shenandoah National Park is ablaze with autumn colours at this time of year.

How: Bon Voyage offers a new seven-night trip from £1,255 per person (two sharing), including stays in Washington DC, Charlottesville, Virginia and Annapolis, Maryland. The price covers accommodation, flights and car hire. Valid for travel November 1 to December 17.

Sci-fi skiing

Aspen Snowmass celebrates 75 years of skiing and riding this winter season, when ski lifts open on November 25. Along with covering the heritage and history of skiing in Aspen, celebrations and events will also look at innovation in ski racing, sustainability, art and athletic achievement.

How: Ski Safari offers a seven-night B&B stay at the Limelight Hotel Aspen from £2,275 per person (two sharing), including flights and transfers. Based on travel from December 1-8.

On track in Utah

In August, the famous Rocky Mountaineer began a new two-day rail route through the American Rockies between Denver in Colorado and Moab in Utah, travelling along the Colorado River.

UK tourists visiting in November will be among some of the first people to experience the epic route through striking mountains and steep rock canyons – some only accessible by road or river.

Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.

Admire the scenery from glass-dome coaches and enjoy regional cuisine. Fewer domestic tourists at this time of year will also make it much easier to access national parks.

How: American Sky offers a 14-day Self-Drive Utah Mighty Five + Rockies to the Red Rocks by Rail itinerary, which travels onwards from Moab to explore Utah’s spectacular national parks.

Prices from £2,849 per person (two sharing), including room-only accommodation, car hire and flights.

Yellowstone from above

Next year marks the 150th anniversary of one of America’s greatest national parks, which was established in 1872.

Yellowstone River near Tower Falls in Wyoming.

Popular with hikers during the summer, Yellowstone’s two-million-acre landscape is also captivating in winter months, when wolves can occasionally be seen hunting bison. Appreciate the scale and size of the place on an air safari, also visiting Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.

How: Abercrombie & Kent can tailor-make an air safari. POA, dependent on group size and aircraft.

Coast cruising

With exciting cities, sun-kissed beaches, world-class wineries and soaring redwood forests, California’s iconic Pacific coastline is a popular choice at any time of the year.

Named “The Golden State” after the 19th Century gold rush, it still has plenty of treasures to share. Sample fine vintages in Sonoma and Napa Valley, cycle across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and follow in the footsteps of showbiz greats on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

How: Cox & Kings offers a nine-night California’s Golden Coast escorted trip from £3,295 pp (two sharing), including flights and some meals. Various dates, April to November.

P.S.

Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the USA every year. From November, the US Government is set to lift travel restrictions for foreign citizens who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Visitors should consult the US State Department website to check whether they need a visa or an ESTA visa waiver.