There are such incredible places on your list, Jack! I think you're right that this is a unique opportunity to get there before the large tour groups resume leading masses there. However I haven't figured out the tricky "balancing test" to make sure that the COVID risks are manageable (Omicron is making everyone uneasy!) but the crowds aren't back yet.

We are leaning toward canceling our Christmas trip to Canada because we don't want to be stuck outside the US in case of another surge...Even though the adults are fully vaccinated and boosted and my teens are vaccinated (but not boosted), I worry more about logistical headaches (e.g., can we get the appropriate test within 24 hours of departure? what if one of us gets sick?). Alas, there are no easy answers.