Taryn Shorr-Mckee

When you think of a classic cabin escape, a few destinations probably come to mind: upstate New York, the Great Smoky Mountains, Big Bear, just about anywhere in Colorado or Maine – or heck, nearly all of New England. Those places are rightfully popular; they’re fantastic. But if you’re craving tranquility, somewhere a bit more remote, less crowded and, often, easier on your wallet, it’s time to look beyond the usual suspects.

The first time I visited Branson, Missouri (many years before my family moved to nearby Springfield), I expected flashing lights, dinner shows, and theme park-style attractions—and sure, they’re all part of the scene. But what surprised me was how much this town of just 13,000 leans into its Ozarks heritage. You can have scenic adventures on Table Rock Lake, hike along winding mountain paths, or support small businesses run by people who love their hometown. Branson gracefully balances kitsch...

Once a hub of meatpacking and industrial warehouses, the West Loop has transformed at a dizzying speed over the past 15 years into one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Today, tech giants like Google and LinkedIn occupy formerly dilapidated buildings alongside Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy rooftop bars.

It’s easy to see how San Diego's La Jolla translates to "the Jewel." Here, in the northern end of the Southern California city, rugged coastline meets upscale boutiques, breezy cafes and some of San Diego’s most celebrated dining – all accompanied by legendary surf breaks and resident seals and sea lions sunbathing year-round.

Stretching between Bozeman and the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park is aptly-named Paradise Valley, where the jagged Absaroka and Crazy mountains tower above vast ranches and the wild Yellowstone River. Here lies Livingston, Montana, the kind of place that even the most avid travelers return to again and again. A former stagecoach stop turned railroad boomtown, it still hums with its old frontier spirit. But these days, alongside Western grit, you’ll find art galleries, excellent f...

That same all-in energy spills over into just about everything else Kansas City does. Yes, it’s a sports town through and through, but it’s also well-known for a few other things: barbecue that borders on religious devotion, a colorful and storied jazz scene, and a healthy dose of that famous ‘Midwest nice.’ Spend more than a few hours there, and you’ll see how KC’s passions — sports, food, music and hometown pride — intertwine in surprising ways.

Some 40 miles (65km) off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatán is a dream for diving enthusiasts.

The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatán is fringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-largest in the world) – and beckons to scuba divers, snorkelers and others who want to spend their days in or on the sea.

In the soft folds of Missouri’s Ozark Highlands, where fog clings to rocky bluffs and ancient oak and hickory trees shade narrow roads, sits a town so small you can drive through it in under three minutes. This is Augusta, population 264. Its claim to fame? It was America’s first official wine region. It happened long before Napa, before Sonoma, and long before Texas Hill Country.

People come to Florida for the sunshine and wide beaches, and they are often surprised by the vast differences from town to town. From pastel-painted bungalows in the Keys to Italian-inspired downtowns and laid-back islands in the Gulf where dolphins outnumber chain restaurants, every destination in the Sunshine State has a personality all its own. To help you narrow down your options, here are 12 of Florida’s best beach towns.

There’s a subtle kind of magic to arriving at your destination unburdened, hands-free and shoulders light. Whether you’re taking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with several suitcases, wrangling young children or simply wanting to avoid navigating your stuff through a busy airport, shipping your luggage is a smart, stress-reducing – and potentially money-saving – travel hack worth considering.

If you're interested in camping but don't want to sleep on a tree root, check out our guide to some of the region's dreamiest glamping spots.

Starry summer nights and crisp fall evenings beg for campfire chats and waking beneath a canopy of leaves. But then again... there are the downsides. It might be too hot, too cold, too buggy, too muggy. You don't have the gear. You're not that outdoorsy. And that's where glamping comes in.

The US Gulf Coast spans roughly 1680 miles from Texas to Florida, offering some of the most pristine beaches in the US. With its signature sugar-white, superfine sand (comprised almost entirely of quartz) and crystal clear emerald green water, the entire region is a beachgoer’s dream.

From Florida’s famous Emerald Coast to under-the-radar gems in Mississippi, the Gulf Coast has beaches ranging from lively, lined with bustling restaurants and resorts, to completely undeveloped, sheltered along...

Live music isn’t just a weekend event in Texas’ capital city – it’s part of its DNA. Dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World" (yep, the city has it trademarked), Austin pulses with sound and is home to more than 250 venues.

Whether you think queso, a Tex-Mex staple, borders on Americanized blasphemy or you would happily bathe in it, there’s no denying its status as Austin’s unofficial, official cuisine – right up there with Texas BBQ.

New Mexico’s volcanic past left something of a steamy legacy: dozens and dozens of mineral hot springs scattered across its beautifully rugged, dramatic landscape. The state certainly earned its "Land of Enchantment" nickname, with colorful canyons, steep gorges, obsidian-studded terrain, and even waterfalls hiding these geothermal treasures.