Exploring new places and trying new things is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Even though travel looks a little different these days, it’s a worthy pursuit. Learning to adapt to life’s challenges is part of being human. We’ve done it before, and we will do it again, because we are resilient AF.
Don’t let the world keep you down! Domestic travel might fill the travel void in your heart.
It’s still possible to chase your travel dreams—you just need to shift your approach. Domestic travel in the USA is full of wonderful opportunities for people looking to get out of the house and discover parts of the country they’ve never dreamed of. From domestic exchange programs to seasonal work, there are so many ways to explore your own country.
You’ll still be able to travel in meaningful ways, you just need to move your focus to domestic travel programs. It’s imperative to travel responsibly, so make sure to use proper precautions and follow CDC travel advice for the USA.
Download Our FREE Covid Travel eBook
Is domestic travel in the USA worth it?
YES, domestic travel in the US can be a great way to fill the travel void, especially if you’ve never had the chance to travel the US in the past. We get it, state to state travel probably didn’t sound as exciting to you when you were dreaming of Thailand’s beaches and Norway’s fjords.
But did you know that there are beaches, volcanoes, mountains, and more right here at home? AND you can probably drive to some of these destinations! #VanLife anyone?
8 best options for domestic travel in the US in 2020 (and beyond)
1. The Work Nomads
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your domestic travel in the USA and make a little moolah to support your adventures, The Work Nomads is the program you’ve been looking for! The Work Nomads have hundreds of guaranteed opportunities all around the U.S., and most of their employers hook you up with free airfare from your location to your new work destination. They also throw in things like housing assistance and cash bonuses, and will support you along the way. Work and travel in the USA for the chance to take your adventure into your own hands.
- Program highlights: make $$$ AND travel domestically, choose your own adventure, 24/7 support, free airfare
- Where? All over the U.S.
- Learn more about The Work Nomads
2. The High Desert Center: 9 Affordable Months of Adventure, Travel, Community & Growth
If you’re feeling a little lost, you might need to travel. People travel for many reasons: adventure, community, self-discovery...you know, that touchy feely stuff that we all crave. Domestic travel in the USA with The High Desert Center brings just that: an enriching, life-changing experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
This is an out of the ordinary gap year experience for people who don’t want to follow the rules: skinny dipping, dumpster diving, and plum picking, these programs are meant to take you by surprise. You may not need to go far to find yourself if you stick to domestic travel this year.
- Program highlights: affordable travel, wide range of activities, cooking to canoeing, connecting with local communities, and making new friends
- Where? Colorado, Arizona, Mexico, Guatemala
- Read the High Desert Center reviews
3. Institute for Global Studies: Marine Research
State to state travel seems much more attainable for most of us, and going to Hawaii to study marine life is a great way to explore the US responsibly. If you’re a student looking to snag a dreamy marine research internship, this is the program you’ve been searching for.
Institute for Global Studies brings together top university researchers to help students research turtles, study coral ecology, and participate in studies that contribute to scientific journals!
- Program highlights: snorkel with dolphins, take a vacation with an internship, explore pristine islands, learn alongside expert biologists
- Where? Hawaii
- Read Institute for Global Studies reviews
4. Volunteer World: Volunteer Programs in the United States of America
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a plane ticket to work with exotic animals abroad: become a volunteer in the US and explore with a purpose. From New York to Hawaii, Volunteer World sets you up with meaningful volunteer work and travel opportunities in the USA.
These programs are focused on animal care and rehabilitation, and offer opportunities to work with exotic beasts like tigers, lemurs, monkeys, etc., to horses and huskies. Spend your days caring for these creatures, and explore in your off time.
Visiting the Alaskan Husky Ranch? Free time could mean dog sledding! Want to work at an exotic animal sanctuary in Florida? Explore the everglades on your weekend. Note: Most programs are reopening September 2020.
- Program highlights: work with exotic animals (lemurs, tigers, wolves) in the USA
- Where? All over the U.S.
- Read Volunteer World reviews
5. Pacific Discovery: Western United States Semester Program
Domestic exchange programs offer students a chance to gain inspiring and enriching experiences, no passport required. Pacific Discovery offers gap year, summer, and semester programs for students looking to shake up their routine and connect with nature.
You’ll get to go kayaking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting through the stunning and varied landscapes of the Western US. Combining service learning with blissful outdoor adventures, these programs are ideal for high school graduates, gap year students, and university students and recent grads.
- Program highlights: backpacking, mountain biking, hiking, yoga, rafting
- Where? Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
- Read Pacific Discovery Reviews
6. Outward Bound: 30-Day Adventure for Young Adults
There’s something magical about exploring the great outdoors. It’s rejuvenating and cleansing, even though you may be covered in dirt and sweat by the end. Outward Bound expeditions are designed to provide clarity and purpose to young adults who may be feeling a little lost.
Luckily, navigating state to state travel is easy! Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, and more, with an added bonus of self-discovery, goal identification, and a big dollop of confidence.
- Program highlights: self-discovery in the rugged outdoors, adventure travel, life-long skills
- Where? California, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas
- Learn more about Outward Bound
7. EA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training: Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor
Work and travel in the USA should be fun, so hit the slopes in Lake Tahoe and become a ski or snowboard instructor! EA helps fast track your ski instructor career and gets you working as soon as possible.
The fees cover a season lift pass, exam and training fees, lodging while training, and a guaranteed paid job offer. So, if you’re a skilled skier and want to make money doing something you love, consider Lake Tahoe as your next domestic travel destination! Note: On schedule for late 2020 and 2021.
- Program highlights: guaranteed job offer, access to the slopes, season lift pass
- Where? California
- Read EA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training reviews
8. ARCC Programs: California: Urban and Wilderness Service
Community service and volunteer experiences are perfect for people looking for domestic travel programs. ARCC connects you with volunteer opportunities like homeless outreach centers, park rangers, trail maintenance, and more.
When you give back to the communities you visit, you really earn your adventure. Explore California’s sublime National Parks, stunning cities, and alluring beaches with a sense of humble appreciation and community connection.
- Program highlights: volunteer with rangers in Yosemite National Park, learn to surf, kayak down rapids, explore San Francisco
- Where? California
- Read ARCC Programs reviews
Feeling overwhelmed? Compare these programs side-by-side (for FREE!) with MyGoAbroad
Hit the road and find domestic travel programs
There’s a ton to discover and explore, right in our own continental backyard.
Have you ever discovered a new corner in your hometown that you never knew existed? Domestic travel is kind of like that. You think you know a place so well, until you decide to turn left instead of right one day, and discover a hidden gem right under your nose.
Domestic exchange programs are the perfect way to discover those hidden gems, a little closer to home. Just be sure to follow travel advice! The USA is full of adventures, what will you discover?
Keep reading! Explore more of our COVID-19 travel articles →
This article was written with help from Alliance Abroad. Alliance Abroad has connected over 100,000 students with meaningful work and travel experiences since 1992. Typically offering teaching posts, job opportunities, and internship placements across the U.S. and Australia, they have now partnered with The Work Nomads to bring American travelers opportunities that are closer to home.
Look for the Perfect Program Abroad Now
Start Your Search
