As we continue to field calls and emails on the worries over coronavirus and how it affects potential travel to many different destinations, we would like you to know that an overwhelming number of countries remain fully open for business. We are just 2 weeks away from our own trip to France and the official advisories point to us traveling as planned right now. I have no means of predicting the path of the news, so we are taking our own advice, reading the CDC and State Dept. advisories and monitoring carefully.

For those of you who are risk averse, and we understand this, we have inspiration this week for domestic summer travel. Don't let your current summer plans be scuppered (one of my favorite British words), and consider seeing the wonders of the USA.
 

"Fear has two meanings: ‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours." — Zig Ziglar

1. Hawaii - UnCruise (below)
You may have already seen Hawaii. But have you seen four different islands in just seven days? That’s how UnCruise do it, and they’re the only company to explore multiple islands by a small cruise ship. Spend almost every day in the water. Kayak to the palms. Hike through the valleys. Do it all with an unrushed, uncrowded vibe that captures the true spirit of aloha.
Check out the UnCruise intro video to this cruise HERE.

2. Alaska - nearly every cruise line!
With many cruise lines ships redeployed from Asia back to USA early, there are several extra Alaska itineraries being added, and the season will start earlier than usual. This means there has never been better value out there if Alaska is on your bucket-list. As an example, Windstar is sending Star Breeze (below) to Alaska earlier than planned for an extended season. On this small ship you will cruise far up narrow fjords to the twin Sawyer Glaciers or Dawes Glacier, and launch Zodiacs right from the ship into the pristine wilderness. Star Breeze will get you closer to scenic shorelines along the Inside Passage, Kenai Fjords and the wildlife-rich Inian Islands, and you’ll enjoy the best wildlife viewing opportunities as Windstar are willing to adjust their schedule to linger whenever whales are present.

3. Utah's Big Five - Excursionist
Excursionist are our favorite Virtuoso supplier of high end National Park tours and they produce amazing customized itineraries following our input. Take Utah's Big Five, an itinerary that is suited to travelers of all ages and abilities. It's an exciting self-drive itinerary that traces a route through the heart of the Southwest, visiting its most captivating protected natural area along the way. Beginning in Las Vegas, journey through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks (above) with Excursionist’s renowned local expert guides, then cap off your trip with a luxurious stay at the desert oasis that is the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa (below).

4. Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Through the front gates of this ultra-luxury dude ranch lie 30,000 unspoiled acres, where you can reclaim a sense of independence while riding trails (below), driving cattle, fly-fishing or hiking 12,000-foot Medicine Bow Peak: The adventures at this all-inclusive, authentic working cattle ranch are nearly endless. Accommodations include 42 luxurious, timbered rooms, with open-hearth fireplaces and plush amenities. Families can spread out in 19th-century, restored log cabins with decks, full kitchens and expansive views, or stay in the upscale Magee Homestead, exclusively for adults ages 21 and over. This is an incredible Virtuoso property and we are able to offer these complimentary amenities:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Full breakfast, served in Trailhead Lodge Great Room Dining Hall (included in rates)
• $150.00 per person (up to 2 paying adults per room) towards ANY premium activity of his/her choice
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

5. Natural Highlights of California - G Adventures
We've highlighted G Adventures before but want to re-emphasize just what an original and inspiring company they are. With small group tours globally offered at great value, their itineraries work remarkably well for families who enjoy an active and adventurous lifestyle. This particular 9-day quest takes you through some of California's greatest National Parks, to include Death Valley NP, Sequoia NP (below), Yosemite NP and Kings Canyon NP.

Need some more USA inspiration? We've got plenty. Click here to get started planning your USA wonder trip.

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