Erica Lamberg
Special to USA TODAY
For decades, thousands of vacationers have boarded cruise ships for the winter holidays, enjoying festive splendor, elevated dining and entertainment experiences and unequaled value.
Well, they did up until 2020, anyway.
Unfortunately, holiday cruises to the tropics are suspended this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So where can travelers in search of warm-weather destinations spend their holidays?
Here are four U.S. warm-weather spots to try this year for relaxation, social-distance experiences and value.
Our fingers are crossed for a return to the high seas for holiday cruises next Christmas.
Texas Hill Country
Less than an hour from San Antonio, Texas Hill Country doesn’t offer a beach, but the distance away from the city and the mild temperatures are still a welcome escape from winter. The elevation of the region boasts fresh air and opportunities for ample outdoor experiences.
Space camp blast rockets virtually due to virus
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering children nationwide the chance to bring the wonder and excitement of space exploration into the comfort and safety of their homes. (Dec. 21) AP
Oklahoma Students Get The Trip Of A Lifetime To NASA, SpaceX Launch bigcountry995.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bigcountry995.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
History happened when SpaceX launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
This historic launch happened in November when the first operational crew was sent to the International Space Station on a commercial spacecraft.
And a group of Oklahoma students had the chance to watch the launch in hopes of inspiring them to new heights.
The students all attend different schools in Tulsa, but they have one thing in common: they love math and science.
Bill Martin volunteers with the students as part of an after-school program called Youth Works, and Martin is friends with NASA Administrator, and Oklahoman, Jim Bridenstine.
Martin wondered what it would be like to take these students on the trip of a lifetime to watch history happen with the launch of the SpaceX rocket.