The 5 ultimate USA holiday destinations as doors flung wide open

The US border reopened at 5am this morning to vaccinated travellers from the UK, and the first transatlantic flights took off from London Heathrow at 8:30am. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps dubbed the occasion a “historic event”. Now British travellers can travel to the US, what are the top 5 holiday destinations? And how much does a flight to the US from the UK cost?

Transatlantic flights leaving the tarmac at Heathrow Airport this morning is a promising step towards US-UK travel returning to ‘normal’.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are even synchronising the take-offs of their first flights, to mark this significant moment for the aviation industry.

Before the pandemic, an estimated 22 million people travelled between the two countries every year.

British Airways are stepping up the number of flights to popular US destinations, for example, there will be five flights a day to New York in November, which will increase to eight per day in December.

Travellers from the UK will have to show proof of their Covid vaccination and a negative Covid test or proof of recovering from Covid within the last three months.

In addition to coronavirus entry requirements for travelling to the US, British travellers will also need the correct visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Now Britons can travel to the US for leisure, only one question remains: where in the US should you visit first?

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4 – Los Angeles

Take a trip to “La La Land” and visit the “City of Angels” Los Angeles.

Home to Hollywood stars, tiny dogs and huge handbags, Los Angeles is a must-see.

Soak up the sun while you head out star-spotting in this Californian city.

A return flight to Los Angeles from London costs £383 on average.

5 – Washington, DC

Politicos, history buffs and culture vultures will adore a trip to the US Capital.

The White House and the US Capitol might be the stars of the show but there’s plenty more to see and do in Washington.

The Smithsonian Institution boasts 19 incredible museums to get lost in.

For the evenings, check out the city’s lively jazz scene, or catch a play at one of the world-famous theatres.

According to Kayak.co.uk, the cheapest time of year to visit Washington DC from the UK is February. Otherwise, flights are an average of £493 from London to Washington.