Many of us are certainly ready to travel after a long break from normalcy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some will choose to resume life as usual and book a vacation without hesitation that includes roundtrip airfare. But others might feel more comfortable getting to that first post-sheltering in place destination via road trip. Rob Merlin (@smartflyerrob) with SmartFlyer compiled a list of his favorite places to drive to that don’t feel like it would take an eternity to get to!

1.  Stonewater Cove - It’s like finding Fiji in Missouri! Situated just a little farther west from Branson, Shell Knob is still on the beautiful Table Rock Lake. In just under five hours, you’ll uncover where rustic elegance meets modern luxury on Table Rock Lake. @stonewatercove

2. Salamander Resort and Spa - June 18 is the day this lovely Virginia getaway reopens for the summer. Get there from St. Louis in about 12 hours and be ready to enjoy fine food, wine, wellness and authenticity. @salamanderresort

3. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - This luxury resort is just ten hours from St. Louis, located on a beautiful landscape of 2,000 acres in Southwest Pennsylvania. The resort has spa, golf, shooting, fishing, a Wildlife Academy and skiing in the winter. @nemacolin

4.  Primland Resort - The Virginia mountains are calling! Just eleven hours from St. Louis, Primland Resort is about simple pleasures in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountain focused on luxury and nature. @primlandresort

5.  Sea Island - A personal favorite of both Rob Merlin and Sophisticated Living, this oasis is a little farther but so worth the drive. In just under 14 hours, you’ll arrive in the southeastern coast of Georgia where you’ll be greeted with five miles of private beaches, tennis, a Yacht Club, Shooting School, and Camp Cloister.  @seaisland

6. Kiawah Resort - Not too far from Sea Island but also about 13.5 hours from St. Louis you’ll find Kiawah Island, SC. Restaurants serve food with local ingredients, there are two oceanfront pools, a spa, and five golf courses. @kiawahresort

7. Inn at Perry Cabin - Guests are already staying again at this getaway, situated 14 hours from St. Louis in St. Michaels, Maryland. Turndown service includes freshly baked cookies, the spa uses local ingredients and you spend time relaxing in Adirondack chairs. @innatperrycabin 

8.  La Cantera - Open for guests! It’s a bit more of a trek but tack this 14 hour trip onto another stop and enjoy Texas Hill Country. It has golf, 12 restaurants and bars, pools, cabanas and a spa.  @lacanteraresort

9. Ritz Reynolds - It’s paradise wherever you go at Lake Oconee, just ten hours from St. Louis. Guests golf, fish, shop and spend time in the lake. @ritzcarltonreynoldslakeoconee@staceycoco 

10. Four Seasons Resort Dallas - It’s hard to believe Dallas is just ten hours from St. Louis. So pack up the athletic gear and use the golf courses, pools and sports facilities to relax. For a more exclusive and private experience, inquire about the stunning villas available.  @fsdallas@fdoulcet