Hankering after a luxury city break getaway this year that’s a little further afield than Europe? As travel restrictions slowly but surely begin to lift, we could soon see a return to trips to the USA – and with a plethora of vibrant and exciting cities to choose from across the pond, each with its own unique personality and culture, there’s no better place to quench your travel thirst than here.
From culinary hot spots to cultural sights, the USA has plenty to offer whatever your vibe happens to be, and with more luxury hotels and fine dining eateries than you can shake a stick at, you’re guaranteed an opulent experience wherever you choose.
You may still need to follow some Covid-19 related health restrictions when you travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the break you deserve. Whilst it’s important to check out the latest travel advice before boarding your first-class flight, we’re hoping for quarantine-free travel by the end of the year.
To enter the country, you’ll need an ESTA – an electronic visa issued by the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. ESTA United will help you to get your ESTA USA, and comes highly recommended by the foreign offices in both London and Berlin – plus, with email and telephone support (it’s the only company that offers the latter) and online chat, will help to make the process as stress-free as possible. Expect validation checks, but no hidden costs for travellers, giving you one less thing to worry about when planning your trip.
Got your visa sorted and your five-star hotel suite booked? Then you’re good to go. Here, we’ve rounded up five of the best cities to add to your travel itinerary in 2021 and beyond – from big hitters like New York and LA, to rising stars such as Nashville and New Orleans.
New York City
The Big Apple is an obvious inclusion, and somewhere you simply have to visit if you haven’t made it there yet. This intoxicating city is a cultural melting pot and offers one of the best designer shopping scenes in the world – head straight to Manhattan if you’re looking to soak up the glamour factor, where alongside the high-end boutiques, you’ll find plenty of swanky restaurants and wine bars to choose from.
Although Broadway is temporarily closed due to the current pandemic, we’d put our money on it being open again by the end of the year, and booking yourself in for a show is a must while in New York City. Spend the rest of your time wandering Central Park, visiting some of the city’s many museums and art galleries, and checking out some of the main sights. The Empire State Building is a prime spot for taking in the most breath-taking views of the city, and although touristy, is well worth a visit.
Chicago
Pizza might not be the most sophisticated of fare, but goodness knows, in Chicago, they do it so well. Thankfully though, this exciting city is about much more than the deep dish and offers a vibrant party scene on its famous Rush Street if you happen to be that way inclined.
Sports fans will be spoilt here, too, as Chicago is home to some of the nation’s biggest teams spanning baseball, football (soccer), American football, basketball and hockey – so book yourself some VIP seats at a match to enjoy the frenetic atmosphere that comes with game day.
New Orleans
This 300-year-old city has been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent years and has quickly become one of the top cities to visit in the U.S.A – especially for those second or third timers, who have likely already taken in the more obvious spots and are looking to delve a little deeper into the country’s rich and diverse culture.
New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music and mouth-watering Creole cuisine, so foodies and fun-lovers alike will enjoy the compelling vibe. The French Quarter is a must-visit, famed for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and the vibrant nightlife scene of Bourbon Street.
Nashville
This quirky city is perhaps best known as the capital of country music, so if it happens to be your cup of tea then head to the city’s Country Music Hall of Fame of the famous Music Row district to get your fix. But Nashville can do much more than just carry a tune, and although its honky-tonks are an essential part of any visit to the city, you’ll also find plenty of museums and art galleries, lots of family-orientated attractions, and some incredible southern cuisine to feast on, too.
Los Angeles
In search of a little excitement? If you haven’t made it to Los Angeles yet, then get those flights booked now. Home to the Hollywood movie scene, it’s the perfect place to do some celebrity spotting, and with opulent fine dining restaurants, trendy cocktail bars and long stretches of golden, sandy beaches, this is a city that has it all.
From surf lessons in Malibu and shopping on Rodeo Drive to movie studio visits and tours, there’s plenty to suit all tastes in this buzzing city, which is known for its beautiful people, glamorous lifestyles and multi-million dollar properties alike.
