Why you should consider a ‘second city’ trip in 2021

Reports suggest that the travel industry is stretched to its limits in some areas. Companies that laid off workers last year now have more customer demand, creating a predicament as they try to rehire former employees or quickly hire and train new ones. And while U.S. unemployment remains high, many businesses say they can’t find enough workers, with tourism-adjacent industries, like restaurants, especially affected.

After more than a year of restrictions and lockdowns, the hundreds of restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, for instance, might be overwhelmed with the surge in travelers. But while flashy Vegas eateries get overrun, a sleepier, less-touristy nearby town that has been catering to locals throughout the past year likely won’t feel as overburdened by your visit.

YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE TO FLY

While the CDC has declared domestic air travel relatively safe for fully vaccinated travelers, you may still be feeling hesitant.

Sure, you’ll have to fly for that trip to Mexico, but you could also consider a road trip to a second city closer to home.

If you live in Los Angeles, you might go glamping in Santa Barbara. If you live near Houston or in most Louisiana cities, it takes just a few hours to drive to the epicenter of Cajun cuisine in Lafayette, Louisiana.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP — AND TAKE A ‘WORKCATION’