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Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated November 2020.

These past few months, avid travelers around the world have had to cancel trips and get comfortable in the confines of their own homes. We’ve missed spring breaks, graduations and getting to see our friends and family face-to-face. But tough times don’t last; tough travelers do, and many of our top travel bloggers are already planning their next escapes. For now, the world can wait, but here’s where we’re headed as soon as it’s safe to pack up again. Plus, let us know in the comments the places you’re most looking forward to traveling next, and why!

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Eastern Europe by rail

St Sava`s temple in Belgrade

I have a pretty epic Eastern European rail and bus journey planned for fall that I’m crossing my fingers will still happen. It begins in Belgrade, Serbia and ends in Lviv, Ukraine and includes overnights in Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Krakow and other cities along the way. Meanwhile, from my home in Los Angeles, I’ve been California dreaming like crazy and am chomping at the bit to take a sun-drenched and solo road trip or two to regional places I love like Palm Springs, Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert, and Joshua Tree National Park, to name just a few.—Jason Heidemann

St. Pete Beach, FL

St. Petersburg in Florida

Since the virus has changed life as we know it, I’ve rearranged my fall travel plans from Italy’s Amalfi Coast to a more familiar spot, Florida’s St. Pete Beach. It’s drivable and there’s a great little old-school beachfront resort there called The Tahitian where I’ve stayed a few times already. It’s nothing fancy but it oozes nostalgic, mid-century charm that reminds me of simpler times, with a shuffleboard court, a heated pool and grills on its beachfront patio—Old Florida at its finest. It’s a comfy, familiar and affordable spot, drenched in sunshine year-round, which makes it a great post-quarantine destination to return to.—Martina Sheehan

Barcelona, Spain

First place I’m heading back to is Barcelona. I’m one  to usually make it a point to travel somewhere new, but during lockdown I find myself reminiscing about this quirky and whimsical city. Visiting a quiet Park Güell first thing in the morning (when it’s free) and listening to a local musician play Spanish guitar always moves me. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s a perfect city to walk around aimlessly and then take a break in a plaza and order tapas. Also, the rooftop of Casa Mila never gets old for a photographer. I’ve spent hours up there and always find a new shape or angle.—Monica Pedraja

Sedona, AZ

Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona.

As soon as it’s considered safe to travel again, I’m heading to Sedona, Arizona … alone. As much as I love my husband and our dog, we’ve been cooped up in our urban home together 24/7. I crave wide open spaces and some solitary “me” time. Revisiting the red rock landscape of this mystical corner of the Southwest always rejuvenates and restores. I look forward to taking hikes to vortex sites and indulging in spa treatments like chakra balancing and Integrated Energy Therapy. After Sedona, perhaps my husband and I can finally take that trip to Santorini—together—for some R&R along its caldera, where azure-blue waters, pink-hued sunsets and white-washed buildings absolutely kiss the eyes. We’ve been researching and discussing our ideal itinerary as a fun project while we shelter in place … even as I plan my solo getaway to Sedona.—Erica Bray

Australian wine country

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

Top of my list is Australia’s Victoria Pinot country. I’ve never been more sure in my life that all I want to do at the end of the year is drink wine in (what will be) the Australian summer. I’ve also got active plans to revisit Tokyo, which over the last few years has become my happy place. Strolling in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, sitting elbow-to-elbow at my favorite ramen spot, people watching Akihabara—it’s all been appearing nightly in my dreams. I’ve even started battling daily with the Duolingo owl, just so I’ll have a fighting chance at reading the chip packets at FamilyMart when I finally return.—Laura Studarus

The Aloha State

hawaii

My best friend recently moved to Hawaii for work. My husband and I are eager to visit her in Honolulu (it would be our first trip to Hawaii, and we’d have a free place to crash), but we’d previously been dreading the prospect of a long plane ride with our two young children. Now, after being cooped up with them 24/7 during COVID-19, what’s another 13 hours? Hawaii, here we come.—Dalia Colon

Copenhagen, Denmark

copenhagen

Two weeks before social-distancing started in Boston, my boyfriend and I moved into a new apartment together. After dating for a little over a year, we were excited for the new adventure of cohabitation—and well, we have had a crash course over the last month. On April 1, we had a two-week trip planned to his hometown of Copenhagen, to spend Easter with friends and family. Though we’ve been there together a few times already, this trip was special, since it was our first holiday with his side of the family. Plus, we had somehow scored hard-to-get reservations at The Alchemist, a 50-course tasting menu that recently earned two Michelin stars. Denmark in the spring also has a certain charm about it: After months of gray skies and short days, the sunshine surprises everyone with its warmth, and locals often have picnics in the park to celebrate the arrival of a new season. We hope to make it this fall, where at the very least, we can try and make our new restaurant reservation—and have a much-delayed (and needed!) celebration with our loved ones.—Lindsay Tigar

Minocqua, Wisconsin

The last few weeks have given me a unique chance to slow down and look back at my most memorable trips—Slovenia, Peru, and Wisconsin are top of my list of places to revisit.  As soon as it’s safe to travel again, I’m looking to book a weekend in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Minocqua is one of those special places that’s straight out of a postcard. The quaint downtown area is full of charming shops, local eateries, and some of the best fudge you’ll ever try. No matter where you wander you’re never more than a couple blocks away from the shores of Lake Minocqua. Best of all, it’s driving distance from my hometown, Chicago. I visited two years ago and can’t wait to go back and spend some quality time outside.—Sarah Mack

Turks and Caicos

turks and caicos

We usually try to take an end of winter/early spring trip somewhere tropical, to escape the cold and soak up the vitamin D. Since that wasn’t possible this year, we’ve moved our warm weather vacation to fall (fingers crossed) and booked some ultra cheap flights to Turks and Caicos. It’s been years since we visited and the memory of the stunning white sand beaches, cerulean waters, and delicious fresh seafood is luring us back big time.—Lindsay from Compass + Twine

Marrakesh

Marrakesh

Marrakesh has been on our bucket list for years and all this quarantine-ing is just exacerbating our wanderlust. Exploring someplace brand new, with a totally different culture and an exciting food scene is just what the doctor ordered for us once we’re able to travel again. At the top of our Morrocan to-do list? Visiting Le Jardin Secret, wandering the medinas, shopping for beautiful rugs at Galerie Le Pacha, and eating all the tagine we can find!—Sarah from Compass + Twine

Yamagata, Japan

Okama Crater

I go to Japan half a dozen times per year for my Japan travel blog, and one of those trips always takes place in spring for the sakura. This year was to have been my most comprehensive cherry blossom trip ever but, alas, it was not meant to be. I plan to go back as soon as Japan’s borders open back up. And I mean literally day-of: I live in Taiwan, so I can fly in easily. If this takes place in fall, I’ll head to the Tohoku region’s Yamagata prefecture (which I’ve previously only visited in winter) and hike down to the colorful volcanic lake of Okama Crater, or up 1,000 steps to mysterious Yamadera temple. Or, there’s a chance I’ll return on my annual autumn color trip, if I can.—Robert Schrader

Montana

After being stuck between the same four walls for weeks, I want to go somewhere rural, somewhere expansive, hence Montana. I’ve always wanted to visit a dude ranch, but now I want to go there more than ever. I’m envisioning days spent horseback riding through mountainous landscapes, white water rafting with my family and the fanciest glamping experience I can find.—Danielle Braff

New York City’s 5 Boroughs

My home base of New York City has been hurting a lot lately but we’ve also been seeing the good in people—we’re tough but helpful. While the city may look a little different when visitors start trickling back in, many of New York’s great attractions won’t have changed, and fortunately, many of them are out in the fresh air, so I’ll be able to start exploring again fairly soon. Of course, there’s Central Park but I also look forward to revisiting the High Line in Chelsea, the waterfront aligned Hudson River Park and heading uptown to Fort Tryon Park. Other great walks include a more leisurely stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge and the George Washington Bridge, where you can view the Little Red Lighthouse. For meals, I prefer to skip the chains and spend money at locally-owned restaurants. I’ve missed the city’s delis, bagels and pizza, and cuisines from around the globe that make dining in New York such a treat.—Michele Herrmann

Tagged: City, Destinations, International, Seasonal, Top 10 list, Types of Travel

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

CheapTickets Blog Editors

CheapTickets Blog Editors

CheapTickets editors are a diverse group of writers and bloggers who live and work all over the world and who have a passion for student-friendly budget travel coursing through their veins. Whether it's finding the most Instagrammable yurt in the Coachella Valley or uncovering dirt cheap eats in expensive cities like Tokyo and Paris, our writers take the road less traveled to uncover the world's best deals and destinations.
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Photo courtesy of Lake Placid Office of Sustainable Tourism

Photo courtesy of Lake Placid Office of Sustainable Tourism

With barely 1,000 miles of highway to Alaska’s more than 570,000 square miles, dog sledding is not only a popular sport, but a convenient means of transportation throughout the state.

It is a tradition for most and a lifestyle for some, namely those who take part in the treacherous 1,150 mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome (which is basically the Olympics of dogsled racing). There are companies in Alaska that offer a taste of that brutality year-round, allowing tourists to take dog sleds out for a spin.

But lucky for those of us that live in the lower 48, you don’t have to traverse the Great White North to try your hand at mushing. Here’s a look at the best places to ride a dog sled this winter that are a little closer to home.

Wintergreen Dogsled LodgeEly, Minnesota

The folks at Wintergreen invite people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in their dogsled experiences, which take customers through the boundary waters in northern Minnesota. The tours are crafted according to the customer’s skill levels, but no experience is necessary. Wintergreen’s website says its been operating for more than 25 years and had customers as young as 6 and old as 85 riding across the frozen wilderness.

Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge.

Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge.

You can go full Balto and do multiple-night trips where customers dog sled from lodge to lodge, or opt for a simple day trip. There are dozens of trips to choose from that vary in length, skill level, and route. There are parent-child trips, where the pair gets their own dogsled on which to explore. There are even trips aimed at improving customers’ photography skills.

Each of those categories has options for different skill levels, of course, and offers training – not just in dog sledding, but in dog care and harnessing, snowshoeing, camping, outdoor cooking, winter ecology, backcountry skiing, cold weather comfort and more.

The prices vary among experiences, age of participant and time of year, but an 8-hour day trip costs about $250 and the multiple night trips can cost more than $1,000. Prices for children are discounted. Book in advance, as some experiences are already full.

Nature’s KennelMcMillan, Michigan (Upper Peninsula)

One owner of this dogsled business has raced in at least seven Iditarods, which means the place is legit.

If you are looking for a small taste of dog sledding and don’t want to spend more than $100, Nature’s Kennel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may be your best bet. They offer a slew of sledding experiences, but the best deal is the half-hour trip.

Photo courtesy of Nature's Kennel

Photo courtesy of Nature’s Kennel

During the half-hour trip, which cost $75, guests are given a ride around Boyne Highlands Resort near Harbor Springs, Michigan. This option is available on all winter weekends and holidays. Pay double the price for the full hour.

Nature’s Kennel is owned by a husband-wife duo (and their two toddlers). They spend most of the summer getting ready for the winter, when they bring in a couple people to help guide the tours. This year, the helpers are a woman from Newark, Ohio, who owns her own kennel of Alaskan huskies, and a woman from New Zealand, who names the Himalayas as one of the most beautiful places she’s ever been.

Adirondacks region – New York

Home to the first Olympic dog sled demonstration and its own popular dog sled race, theAdirondacks can be the perfect place to take to the sled. Several resorts throughout the mountain towns offer sled rides to their guests, and some year-round residents still use dog sleds as a reliable form of transportation.

Photo courtesy of Lake Placid Office of Sustainable Tourism

Photo courtesy of Lake Placid Office of Sustainable Tourism

And the sleds they ride on are often made near home. Local craftsmen fashion sleds out of strong and lightweight ash trees native to the Adirondacks, ranging in size from children’s sleds to those meant to carry heavy loads.

Winter in the Adirondacks is a thing of beauty. There are cozy towns and inlets around nearly every remote turn. It’s hard to pick one little town in which to stay (they all have their allure at any time of the year, really), but Lake Placid is by far one of the most visited cities in the mountains.

The quaint town, populated with outdoor gear shops, snug breweries and inviting coffee shops, envelops Mirror Lake, which freezes over in the winter. When the snow falls and the lake freezes, dog sled drivers line Main Street and offer passers-by a ride across the lake. Prices vary, and mushers always check the safety of the frozen lake before taking out passengers. Notable places to dog sled: Golden Arrow Dogsled Rides and Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours.

Yellowstone Dog Sled AdventuresBig Sky, Montana

In Yellowstone National Park, winter is a nine-month experience, making the terrain excellent for mushing. In the high altitude and cold, the Alaskan Huskies thrive. Even during the three blissful months of “summer,” when most of the snow melts, Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures is operational and the dogs are running.

Photo courtesy of  Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures

Photo courtesy of Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures

This company offers two options – a one-hour trip and a half-day trip (cost is $95 and $195, respectively, for adults. Kids rates are $45 and $150.) The half-day trip seems the more desirable of the two. It takes riders through the mountains of Montana and offers scenic views and photo opportunities. There are different options within the half-day trip, in which patrons can choose to ride with a guide (cuddled up in a sleeping bag on the back), tandem (you drive while another person in your group rides), or drive your own sled.

The owners warn that these trips are not for the faint of heart or lung. Even at the lowest altitude in Yellowstone, you are still at an elevation about a mile high. Although the sledding trips probably won’t take you from the highest to lowest point in the park, the high altitude and thin air make the trips inhospitable to inactive folks.

Mountain Musher Dog Sled RidesVail Valley, Colorado

The Mountain Musher tour runs a private trail through Aspen groves and pine forests in the Rocky Mountains. The trails aren’t shared with snowmobiles or cross-country skiers, although they may be shared with wildlife such as elk, fox, coyote and deer.

There are several sledding businesses operating throughout the Rockies, at least one of which recently underwent animal abuse accusations. Mountain Musher has been in business since 1989 and often receives positive reviews.

Photo courtesy of Mountain Musher Dog Sled Rides

Photo courtesy of Mountain Musher Dog Sled Rides

Two trips leave daily – once in the morning and once in the afternoon – and last about two hours. Two people (or one adult and two small kids, or three small kids) are allowed per sled, and a musher stands behind the passengers and controls the dogs. The ride is about six miles and costs $175 a person. But you get a snack of homemade pumpkin bread and hot cocoa midway through the trip, plus a nice photo opp. If you want the sled to yourself, it’ll cost you the price of two people ($350). Holiday prices are also elevated, so if you’re looking to get the experience on a budget, avoid the end of December, MLK Day weekend and Valentine’s Day weekend.

Reservations are required, but make sure you’re committed – you’ll be charged if you cancel your trip.

Tagged: Family, Sports, Tips & advice

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.