We may all be living with Covid-19, but if travel is on your wishlist for the holidays – now is the time to start planning. Early this summer, the top hotels in the US were fully booked through October.  Much of Hawaii is already booked for Christmas and New Years. Needless to say, it’s important to start thinking ahead.

Here are 5 destinations that are sure to warm your heart this holiday season (and are domestic or currently allowing Americans to travel)!

Enjoying a Luxury American Dude Ranch

Visit a luxury American Dude Ranch. My personal favorites are Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, Brush Creek Lodge in Wyoming, Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah, Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado, and Vermejo in New Mexico. Don’t miss our podcast with Vermejo’s Hospitality Manager for insider tips on this spectacularly beautiful and diverse reserve!

Winter activities on the ranches can include ice fishing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and skiing in addition to horseback riding, shooting sports, and more. What’s more – these luxury ranches make the holidays truly special with special touches, decor, and activities for all family members.

Boating in the Caribbean

Take a socially distanced yacht trip in the Caribbean. From 6-person catamarans to large power yachts with stabilizers and their own water toys – we can help match the right boat, crew, destination, and captain for your party.

A yacht trip is one of the best ways to bond with family or friends while staying socially distant. A typical charter will embark from one of the main Caribbean hubs, such as St. Lucia (open now to Americans with a negative Covid-19 test) and then island hop. You can visit secluded bays and tiny islands that you wouldn’t otherwise get to see if staying at a hotel. The crew usually has a chef on board so you can enjoy delicious food, drink, and atmosphere without worrying about a thing.

Renting a Private Villa in Cabo

We love Cabo as a Festive destination! It’s easy to get to yet feels a world away. Cabo has so much in the way of accommodation options, and boasts fun activities too.

We have access to private, fully staffed (and Covid tested) villas for large families who value safety/privacy and the ability to be together. There are also many “villa within a hotel” options that have access to amazing dining and hotel amenities. For a swimmable beach, our favorite is Montage Los Cabos. Otherwise, we are just in love with Las Ventanas, a Rosewood Resort. At the moment Ventanas is operating at 50% occupancy so there are eight pools for just 40 available rooms. That certainly allows for social distancing!

As of activities, whale watching starts mid-December and deep-sea fishing is on all year. We can also organize private tequila tastings, cooking classes, and cultural tours.

Roadtripping the Deep South

Didn’t think you’d hear me say that did you? Our neighbors in the Southeast have some fantastic luxury properties that will be cozy and waiting for you this holiday season.

We could combo something like the Thompson Nashville with Blackberry Mountain, or Montage Palmetto Bluff with a stay at the Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee. We can also add in guided tours to suit your interests – for example, The Civil Rights Trail is a very popular trip at the moment.

We’ve been planning a lot of road trips here at Bell & Bly Travel – the sky’s the limit!

Exploring a Different Side of Napa Valley

It’s not often thought of as a holiday destination, but Napa can really pack a punch – in more ways than just wine. The towns dotted along the valley really get dressed up in holiday cheer. There are plenty of activities from parades to performances, to lighting displays.

Furthermore, December temperatures range from 40 F – 60 F in the valley, meaning you can still go on some amazing hikes, go ATVing through vineyards, or even hot air ballooning. Napa has quickly become a family-friendly destination in addition to a wine mecca.

Speaking of wine – the changes that have been made for safety due to Covid-19 have actually improved the wine tasting experience. Winemakers are now allowed to serve food, allowing for fantastic pairings! Everything is by reservation only and with limited occupancy so your longer appointments are now more personal and tastier.

Though some of the area has been affected by recent fires, we can help select destinations in Napa or Sonoma that are still open for tourism. Your holiday vacay dollars can help support the people and local businesses in this wonderful part of the U.S.!

Whatever you’re in the mood for this holiday season, we’re here to help! Don’t forget that we can add on free perks at all these hotels thanks to our deep connections across the industry – like $100-$200 resort credits and free breakfast.

We want to ensure you have the best experience for your dollar so contact us now and “help us help you” by starting early!