The 22 Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2022
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Loading... - Kendra Cox
- 13 Apr 2022
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Every year, I round up the best places to visit in the U.S. and around the world. This year, in honor of Women’s History Month in March, I tapped into leading women travel experts and influencers to find out the best places to travel in America in 2022. I also opened my own little black book to give a sneak peek at the destinations that I’m most excited about. The picks are vast, from buzzing cities to mountain getaways to some up-and-coming locations that you might not know—but that you’ll want to put on your own travel wish list.
For those of you who want to explore beyond the U.S., check out “The 22 Best Places To Travel Around The World In 2022,” where travel experts select the year’s most compelling destinations, from Europe to Africa and beyond.
And a note: Travel in the U.S. is still in a state of flux. So if you’re planning a trip anywhere these days, you should check travel restrictions for the destination you are hoping to visit and consider warnings from the CDC.
The Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2022
Where: Alaska
Chosen By: Laura Cole, Top Chef season 15 alum, three-time nominee for a James Beard Best Chef Northwest award and owner of 229 Parks in Denali National Park.
Why: Alaska has always been popular as a cruising destination, but 2022 is the year to get out and explore on land. “Travel throughout the state is allowing people like myself to explore Alaska through the lens of both adventure and food, enjoying fishing, farming and foraging,” says Cole.
Luxury lodges with new year-round experiences include Tordrillo Mountain Lodge on Judd Lake, Eagle’s Nest by Third Edge Heli overlooking the Knik Arm in Wasilla and Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, as well as luxury tour operators like Pelorus offering experiences to see rare wildlife and wonderful landscapes in remote Alaska.
“I highly recommend visiting Sheldon Chalet in 2022 as they now offer ice cavern exploration in Denali National Park and you can see the aurora from the comfort of your bed from September through April,” says Cole. “It is a truly unique and life-altering place that connects the awe and scope of Denali and the extreme of the range; fosters a connection to natural splendor, engineering and architecture; and allows visitors to indulge through food, wine, hospitality and Alaska history.”
In other exciting Alaska news: This May will see the release of Sanctity of Space, a new movie that will share the adventures of alpinists Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson as they explore the Moose’s Tooth and the history and wonders of Denali National Park, giving a great perspective on the last frontier.
Where to Go: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Chosen By: A self-described “California girl making her way around the world,” Mia Herman is a writer, traveler, eater, drinker and part-time flight attendant. Follow along on her journey at @travelwithmia or travelwithmia.com.
Why: Made famous by the movie Sideways, the Santa Ynez Valley is the buzzing wine region for 2022. It’s best known for the Danish-themed village of Solvang, but there are also plenty of other small towns connected by rural roads, sprawling farms and vineyards—all just two hours north of Los Angeles. “The Santa Ynez Valley feels like classic California wine country, but with a more laid-back, approachable vibe,” says Herman. “It’s less crowded than the other wine regions and still feels like an undiscovered secret, making it the perfect go-to for new wine enthusiasts and devoted wine lovers alike.”
Besides the wine, the food here is spectacular. “Many chefs moved to the area in recent years, and this influx of diverse artistry coupled with the chef-inspired local agriculture allows the Santa Ynez Valley to rival any metropolitan city,” says Herman, who calls the smoked brisket sammie at Industrial Eats in Buellton a “don’t miss.” Other essential stops: Casa Dumetz Wines, Babi’s Beer Emporium and (dim)SAMA in Los Alamos, “which is worth the trip in and of itself.”
Where to go when it’s time to put your feet up? “At Hotel Ynez, you’re in the middle of it all (minutes from Solvang), but you’re tucked away in your own little oasis with a rustic outdoor pavilion, fire pits and a private patio with a hammock,” says Herman. Coming soon: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, opening this spring in an 1880’s stagecoach stop in Los Olivos. The historic site is being reimagined with a modern farmhouse design set amid acres of old-growth palm trees.
Where to Go: Palm Springs, California
Chosen By: Melissa Curtin is a freelance travel and food writer who madly loves California. She is the founder of LaLaScoop.com. Follow her adventures at @lalascoop
Why: Long revered as California’s resort oasis and a hub for arts and design, Greater Palm Springs is the desert hot spot for 2022. “I adore Palm Springs for the peace and quiet, the nonstop fun you can easily seek out and the perpetual sunshine,” says Curtin. “Palm Springs feels like a small community, but has the culture and vibrancy of a large city. There is always something new to discover.”
In 2022, Greater Palm Springs will welcome a number of new hotels and resorts. “I’m super excited about several new properties coming to the desert this year like the 14-room Azure Sky and Hotel ZOSO’s revamped design and refresh, with a new food and beverage program.” Also on the horizon: Sensei Porcupine Creek, Hermann Bungalows and The Paloma Resort, each offering their own unique vibes, from ultra-luxe to wellness-minded.
From Coachella to the BNP Paribas Open, world-renowned events are also coming back on the scene and better than ever. “Modernism Week has expanded to offer more special programming and exclusive tours and events by extending dates to other months like May 12-15 this year,” says Curtin. “Plus, a new Modernism Museum highlighting the best of the modernist era from the 50s to the early 70s is coming soon as an inspirational modernist hub.”
Additionally, in late 2022, the new Coachella Valley Arena will open, serving as the future home of the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL), residencies and major concerts. Another exciting arrival: “Soon surfing in the desert will be possible as the Palm Springs Surf Club arrives—designed by surfers for surfers,” says Curtin. Read More…
