My 2021 Travel Wishlist

Yes, I am still making a travel wishlist for the new year because no travel isn’t dead! I just had to put more thought and creativity behind the locations and I had to do a bit more research into the safety measures being enacted at each destination. But all that is worth it for the opportunity to continue to travel and to travel safely. My list this year doesn’t look the same as previous years- there won’t be an Asia or Europe destinations- because many countries still have travel bans against US citizens since our country has basically the highest Covid case rate in the world. Instead, my list this year will include plenty of Texas cities (If you haven’t checked out my recent blog posts, they have all been about my explorations in my home state of Texas) and a few other US spots I’ve been wanting to check out. Covid isn’t going anywhere anytime soon (although the recent vaccine distribution has been exciting news!) and I don’t think it should force us to stop traveling. Travel is what heals the soul! However, keeping yourself and others around you safe should be a top priority. I’ve chosen the locations below while keeping in mind that a mandatory mask mandate should be in place (I excluded states where masks aren’t mandatory because it honestly really scares me to see an unmasked person in public now) and that the location shouldn’t be too crowded (the ability to social distance is a must). Hope you guys can draw some inspiration below!

Corpus Christi, Texas

I have wanted to head to this Texas beach town for a while now because I’m dying to stay at the Lively Beach hotel. Lively Beach has its own private beach access (making it easier to avoid the crowds) and the rooms are spacious enough to enjoy time on your private patio or indoors as well. There are activities in Corpus Christi like horse back riding on the beach (!) and checking out the Selena Museum (owned and operated by her family to keep her legacy alive) and eating a lot of seafood!

Ennis, Texas

Ennis is famous in Texas for its bluebonnet trail, which comes into full bloom in the spring. There are tons of bluebonnet trail maps and guides online that identify where the ultimate viewing areas are and I’m hoping that next year I’ll be able to enjoy the emblematic Texas state flower as well. Ennis also hosts a bluebonnet festival every April, although due to Covid the festival was canceled this year and I’m not sure it will be held in 2021. But even without a festival, the town promises lots of gorgeous flowers and plenty of space to enjoy them.

Spicewood, Texas

In October of 2020 I visited Marble Falls which neighbors Spicewood, but didn’t have enough time on my weekend trip to check Spicewood out as well so I knew that I had to come back to the area in 2021. There is an adorable airstream available for rent on Airbnb that honestly seems like the coolest experience ever. Other things I would love to do on this trip include wine tasting at Spicewood Vineyards, filling up my stomach at Opie’s BBQ, and swimming outdoors at Krause Springs.

Wimberley, Texas

Another town with plenty of adorable Airbnbs! My best friend and I loved staying at a tiny Airbnb in Waco this past year so when I discovered that Wimberley has even more tiny Airbnbs available, I was to add the town onto my 2021 travel wishlist. While I would be tempted to just stay indoors all day enjoying the Airbnb, I would definitely try to force myself outside of the house to enjoy things like the swimming spot, Jacob’s Well, hiking Mount Baldy, and exploring Blue Hole Regional Park.

Boerne, Texas

This small town is located an hour outside of San Antonio and is often overlooked due to its popular neighboring city, but definitely has a lot to offer on its own. My goal when visiting here is to stay at this Airbnb airstream (yes airstreams are my newest obsession) which comes with its own kayaks and to check out the Sister Creek Vineyard, Cave Without A Name, and Cibolo Nature Center. During the summer, Boerne City Lake even has SUP yoga classes on Saturday mornings!

Vermont and New Hampshire

The photos of the fall foliage in Vermont is enough to make anyone want to visit the state! Currently, both Vermont and New Hampshire have quarantine rules for incoming visitors so hopefully by next October these rules will have been lifted or at least eased a little. I want to start my trip in Stowe, tasting ice cream at the Ben and Jerry’s factory, and make my way to Montpelier for fall foliage viewing against the backdrop of their white church, all the way staying at the Sound of Music family’s Von Trapp Family Lodge. I am a huge fan of Sound of Music and can’t wait to experience the hotel created by the real family behind the musical. New Hampshire will hopefully cap off my trip with its beautiful lighthouses and coastline!

Sedona, Arizona

Arizona is the ultimate hiking destination and I’m shocked at myself that I’ve never been! From Cathedral Rocks to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend and also the Grand Canyon, the state is full of outdoor hiking opportunities and experiences that don’t involve being in crowds. I’m excited for a hiking and outdoor yoga tour to a vortex (areas of spiritual energy), horseback riding under the Arizona sun, and lots of relaxing in an amazing resort!

Jamaica

After extensive research, which included reading Jamaica’s 150 page safety manual, I decided that Jamaica would be my first international trip in over a year. I chose this country because they are open to Americans and have some very strict safety protocols that all visitors must follow. Masks are required everywhere in public and everyone has to obtain negative Covid test results within 10 days of boarding the flight to Jamaica. A lot of resorts have enacted safety measures to ensure that guests have fun while remaining safe and that has done a lot in making me interested in visiting this beautiful Caribbean country. I can’t wait to relax on a white sandy beach and gaze out at clear blue waters!

For international travel, its worth it to check out the CDC’s page on travel to see which risk level a country is in. Otherewise, use your own judgement based on your own health and those you live with to make decisions on travel! Covid tests continue to be covered by most insurances and there are a lot of free testing spots around the country so its a great idea to get tested before meeting with others after you have been traveling. Remember to always wear your mask (masks have been proven effective!) and social distance! Happy traveling!