Although Hilton Head’s famous lighthouse rises in the distance across the water, Daufuskie is a step back in time. Arrowheads dating back over 9,000 years point to ancient Native American hunting parties, though one of its most intriguing eras takes place after the Emancipation Proclamation, when recently freed enslaved individuals purchased small plots of land and worked for the island’s large landowners.

In spaces where the traffic eased on I-95, we followed the speed limit of 70 mph. But it seemed we were crawling along, compared with other drivers who apparently thought this was the Indianapolis 500-mile race as they roared past us going at least 80 -90 mph. Many cars had darkened windows, as if they were exhibiting the stereotypical Miami Vice drug dealer or convicted felons escaping from the law.  Conversely, Florida – as a well-known retirement haven --  also has its share of slower drivers, going 30 to 35 mph, well under the minimum speed limit.

As the weather heats up — and fear of pandemic travel continues to fade — adventure seekers, families and travel enthusiasts alike are trading in their winter jackets for hiking boots and bathing suits and getting ready to get back outdoors. According to Penn State's Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, almost half of adults in the U.S. now participate in outdoor recreation at least once a month; that’s up from 20% pre-pandemic.

The Lafayette, which is in the middle of a top-to-bottom renovation, is restoring the bar just in time for the release of a “Top Gun” sequel in May. Hissin says the timing is right to bring ’80s-loving tourists back to the Lafayette. He’s not the only hotel general manager wondering how to get travelers back. “Hotels are getting creative,” says Jennifer Dohm, a spokesperson for Hotels.com. As resorts look to the summer travel season, they are adding new room experiences, introducing promotional rates and waiving fees.

When it comes to air travel, hotel stays and car rentals, Americans are prioritizing warm, tropical and entertainment-focused destinations, such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico and Orlando. Florida, in particular, is a traveler favorite right now. The Sunshine State dominates the top-10 destinations across all three categories with at least four cities on each list.

Even though it comes with its own constraints and challenges, road trips and short flights within the U.S. are how many people will ease into traveling again. The emphasis for airlines and accommodation providers will be on cleanliness and social distancing. In many cases, these enhanced health and safety measures will stick around as a way to prevent future outbreaks and bolster consumer confidence.

Established in 1791, the Nimmo United Methodist Church building included a slave balcony that still exists today. By 1829, a small group of white members and people of color formed a separate congregation together. A parcel of land across the road from Nimmo was acquired by the new congregation’s trustees and a church was built there, later known as Olive Branch Methodist Church. The group reunited with Nimmo in 1894.

Doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, serving selflessly on the front lines. In the spirit of hospitality, InnisFree Hotels opened up their rooms to essential workers who need to isolate from their families for safety, allowing them to fully rest and recharge. Additionally, the hotels were staffed with team members who received supplemental training on critical health and safety measures to ensure the safety of all guests.

The airline industry was highly regulated until the late 1970s, when deregulation in the United States started a trend to liberalize air traffic around the world. Until then, ticket prices and the destinations an airline was allowed to serve were the main subjects of regulation. Airlines were regarded as important agents for economic growth as well as ambassadors of their home countries abroad, and regulation was to provide stable economic conditions for this promising new industry.

So where are people going? Michael Heflin, president of Andrew Harper Travel, says his customers are defining “remote” differently. It’s not that they want to leave civilization behind. Quite the contrary, they want to take a little civilization with them. “Travelers are discovering the beauty of remote spots that are perfect for social distancing,” he says. “And many of them are in the continental United States. Remote doesn’t necessarily equal roughing it, though.”