A collection of love letters to America

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that America’s love for travel hasn’t ended. In fact, it’s the absence of travel that is only making our hearts grow fonder. As an ode to all the cities that were ‘love at first visit’, we’re sharing some of the sweetest love letters to America, written by our lovesick travelers.

You can read more #LoveLettersToAmerica and share your own on our social channels.
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Dear New York

Dear New York,

Where do I begin? After I didn’t get into medical school the first time I applied, you took me in. You taught me that if I truly wanted to realize a dream…I would have to wake up to work for it….and now here we are.

From the best pizza on the planet to being one of the most culturally diverse places on earth, I love you. So this Valentine’s Day, when Booking.com asked me what city I would want to show some love to, it was New York or nowhere. NYC is an absolute must if you haven’t been and I can’t wait until you all can travel to see it again.

So until then….. Keep your masks on…get vaccinated….and soon enough we’ll all be traveling to our favorite destinations.

Love, Dr. Elvis (@doctor.elvis.francois).

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Dear LA

Dear LA,

We were all destined to at least be curious and a bit intrigued with a name like “La La Land,” or “The City of Angels,” or the real ringer, “The City of Dreamers.”

Those of us that have taken the time to truly get to know you, appreciate your nuances and understand that you are more than your best attributes. We also understand that you are more than your flaws – of which, sure you have a few, but they are nonetheless part of your charm.

You’ve never strived for perfection, you’ve strived only to be unlike any other. Your strengths and flaws combined are what give us our backbone, our scrappy meets glamorous attitude, and our passion for creation and community like nowhere else on earth.

Travel might look different for the moment but I am grateful for every single sweet memory of our time together. You’re an important part of my story and the same for so many others.

Love, Caroline (@loveandloathingla).

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Dear San Antonio

Dear San Antonio,

It’s around this time when I start gearing up for Fiesta, so when Booking.com asked me to think of a travel spot to write a special love letter for Valentine’s Day, I had just the place.

I get so excited for ornate parades, multiple days of celebrations, and all the colors! When the time is right, I hope you’ll consider visiting San Antonio during this special time of year – it’s a blend of San Antonio Mexican-American culture that I hope everyone gets to experience, not to mention, a festival that does so much good for our community! I can’t wait to wear all my medals, grab a chicken on a stick, and dance to the music with flower corns in my hair! Even if you don’t happen this year, I’ll still make sure to spread some Fiesta cheer!

Love, Jessica Serna (@mycurlyadventures_)

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Dear Atlanta

Dear ATL,

I miss you. I miss being able to freely roam your cultural streets without a care in the world. To hug a loved one tight while digesting the newest exhibit at the High. Catching up with friends over tapas and cocktails at day parties. Meet ups at CurlFest and dancing all day and night at summer music festivals. There’s no place like you, ATL. I’m excited about the day where travel resumes, and others can enjoy and experience this city as much as I have. 10 years of memories down and more to come soon.

Love, McKenzie Renae (@mckenzie_renae).

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Dear Lake Tahoe

Dear Lake Tahoe,

In honor of Valentine’s Day Booking.com invited me to pick my favorite travel destination to pen a love letter, and to say you are my favorite destination is an understatement. It was love at first sight, your magnificence leaves me in awe, from your shining pristine lake to the peaceful snow-capped mountains.

We got married on your shores 14 years ago (ah! Incline Village, how I will always stay inclined towards you!) and return with the family to show off the unparalleled beauty you hold. I cannot wait to get back and soak in the crisp, fresh air, the aromas of pine and the crystal clear waters and the shining mountain caps!

Love, Maneet Chauhan (@maneetchauhan).