Summer is the time when everyone starts thinking about vacations and the places where they'll spend their free days. If a trip to the United States has been part of your plans for a while now, 2024 might be the year when you make it a reality. However, what do you do if nobody's available to go on a trip with you? It's common for adults to discover that their schedules and plans don't align with those of their friends and relatives. Does this mean that you should postpone your holiday altogether? Not at all. In fact, you ought to see this as an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. 

Traveling alone lets you build your confidence since you can rely on yourself and your abilities. You also get to do everything at your own pace, and you don't have to follow anyone else's schedule, which can feel incredibly liberating and relaxing. With that in mind, let's have a look at some of the destinations that should be on your bucket list for your trip to the United States. 

Door County, Wisconsin 

Door County is home to six state parks, four of which are on the peninsula and two situated on Rock Island and Grand Traverse Islands, so if you're a lover of the great outdoors, this destination must absolutely be on your itinerary. There are fifty-four beaches, and the weather is perfect for lounging around in the sand since the summer temperatures are typically pleasant instead of scorching, and there is not much rainfall throughout the year. Door County is also home to a large number of bird species, with approximately 170 different species inhabiting the area. 

If you have birdwatching as a hobby and want to share your pictures with people back home, remember to look into Holafly's online eSIM to discover the best offers available for you. This way, you get to enjoy reliable and fast internet connectivity at all times without worrying about roaming charges. The Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area is home to the largest population of Hine's Emerald Dragonfly, an endangered species with the main culprit being motor vehicles. The region is also home to maple syrup production and mushroom hunting in the spring, while in the summer, farmers focus on growing cherries, strawberries, apples, and plums. By the end of June, fireflies become common in Door County, and you can spot their glow after dusk. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 

When you think of  California, you most likely think of Los Angeles and San Francisco. But if you visit the state this year, you should make time to see Carmel, a town with a population of 3,220, according to the 2020 census. Although not a big, bustling metropolis, Carmel-by-the-Sea is an incredibly scenic destination famous for the beauty of its natural landscapes. The location has earned a reputation as both a seaside resort and an art colony, a place where artists get together due to an auspicious combination of beautiful surroundings and lower living costs. 

Watch a play at the Forest Theater, a historic institution established in 1910 that offers a wide range of musical and presented plays performed both on an outdoor stage and the smaller indoor theater. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also home to some peculiar things, including the lack of street addresses. There is also no home mail delivery, and the municipal code prohibits wearing heels that are more than 2 inches tall, a law believed to have been authored in 1963 to avoid lawsuits in case someone became injured on the irregular pavement. There's no need to worry, though, as the local police are highly unlikely to consider this a violation of the law. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

The capital of the state of New Mexico, Santa Fe is known for its unique architecture designed in the adobe style, with the Pueblo Revival and Territorial Revival architecture being the most common styles. It is widely considered one of the greatest art cities in the United States as a result of its large number of installations like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the IAIA, the Institute of American Indian Arts. At the Santa Fe Plaza, you can shop from local vendors, while the Bandelier National Monument will provide you with a history lesson. The monument preserves the homes of the Ancestral Puebloans, with the structures dating to the centuries between 1150 and 1600. 

Of course, a visit to Santa Fe is a wonderful opportunity to familiarize yourself with New Mexican cuisine. Breakfast burritos, sopaipillas, carne seca, posole, carne adobada, and flan are some of the most iconic dishes you should try when in the state. 

Sedona, Arizona 

The city of Sedona straddles the county line between Coconino and Yavapai in the northern Verde Valley. The main attractions in the region are the red sandstone formations that seem to grow brilliantly when illuminated by sunlight. They are a popular destination for tourists seeking athletic and spiritual pursuits. Located in the heart of Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is a popular attraction throughout the year. You can relax in the water or have a picnic. 

Arizona is well-known among connoisseurs for its high-quality vineyards and wines, with the Verde Valley region having the added benefit of rich volcanic soil and microclimates. You can sample some locally produced beverages yourself and even take a bottle or two back home as a gift. At Tlaquepaque, an arts and crafts destination resembling a walled community, you'll enjoy cafes, colorful shops, and art galleries. Relax by the water fountains and under the shade of the trees before setting out on your next adventure. 

There are so many different options when looking for a summer destination that it can be difficult to focus on only one. This list should provide you with some inspiration if you want to get plenty of sunlight, enjoy nature, and also take part in some cultural activities during this holiday season.