Lauren Dana

Few travel experiences capture the spirit of adventure quite like a road trip—and in America, it's practically a rite of passage. With thousands of miles of scenic byways, historic highways and wide-open roads, the United States, in our opinion, is best explored via four-wheel drive. While there are many reasons to love road trips, it's the freedom to roam that makes them truly special. Without the rush, distractions, or rigid schedules that come with pre-booked flights or train tickets, travelers can explore at their own pace—lingering where they want, skipping what doesn't interest them and embracing spontaneity. So, instead of racing to an airport or train station, travelers have ample time to explore, be it strolling through small towns, pulling over for a scenic hike or making a beeline for quirky roadside attractions. Whether you're weaving through coastal cliffs along the Pacific Coast Highway, winding through the Smoky Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway or cruising through red rock arches on Utah's Route 12, there's a scenic and spectacular route for every kind of traveler. Here are 20 of our favorites across the country, each offering picturesque landscapes and postcard-worthy views.

Planning the perfect vacation can be challenging, regardless of who you're traveling with, be it a partner, a group of friends or your entire family. Finding destinations that cater to everyone’s unique interests often takes a significant amount of time, and it's only one piece of the puzzle since you still need to book hotels, activities and dining reservations. So, why not simplify the process and book an all-inclusive resort? For many, these properties are a no-brainer since they bundle activities, lodging, food and drinks into one flat rate. And while it may seem like a hefty upfront cost, knowing everything is covered means you can breathe a sigh of relief. Plus, many activities are offered right on-site, and if not, the property will arrange everything for you, allowing you to truly unwind. Whether you're seeking a Western-inspired adventure in Montana, a food-forward getaway in the mountains or a relaxing beach retreat in Florida, the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. cater to every type of traveler. Here are a few of our favorites. RECOMMENDED: The best solo trips in the USA

Family vacations are a rare opportunity to escape the daily grind, reconnect and create lasting memories. That said, finding a perfect spot that's fun for everyone can be overwhelming, and, let's face it, life is stressful enough as-is. To take the guesswork out of the equation and help you plan your next adventure, we've compiled a list of the top family vacation destinations in the U.S., where both the young and young-at-heart will find something to enjoy. While amusement-park-central Orlando makes an appearance, we've also included more under-the-radar destinations that promise plenty of fun for every type of family, regardless of age, budget or interest. Whether strolling the streets of San Francisco, soaking up the sun in Oahu or hiking in Yellowstone, these spectacular spots offer endless ways to play, learn, and relax together. RECOMMENDED: Cheap family vacations in the U.S. for 2025

For many, summer is synonymous with BBQs, swimming and soaking up the sun at camp. But just because you grew up doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the good ol’ days. (Cue the nostalgia.) If you find yourself yearning for carefree adventures and nostalgic activities, consider signing up for an adult-only summer camp. These retreats bring back classic outdoor activities like kayaking and archery, albeit with an upscale grown-up twist—think mimosas or Bloody Marys at breakfast, evening cocktails, and even arts and crafts paired with spirits tastings. Whether you’re looking for a rustic escape or a luxury glamping experience, there’s an adult summer camp experience in America to suit every style and budget—from actual camps to rustic-esque resorts and hotels, some with an ultra-luxe flair. Excited to experience the magic of summer camp again, this time without the curfews and cafeteria food? We’ve rounded up the best adult summer camps across the U.S., from adventure-filled retreats to indulgent getaways. RECOMMENDED: Cheap family vacations in the U.S. for 2025

Between booking, packing and activity planning, organizing the perfect, cheap family vacation in the U.S. can feel like an Olympic sport. That said, it’s well worth the hassle. There’s something special about whisking everyone off to a new place to explore, away from the hustle of daily life, to create new, lifelong memories. To help alleviate extra stress and make your 2025 travel planning easier, we’ve compiled over 20 of our favorite family- and budget-friendly spots nationwide to appease an array of interests. Outdoor-loving families, for example, can take their pick of renowned national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Alternatively, those craving an urban escape teeming with history, art and culture should consider major metropolises like Washington, D.C., or Chicago, IL. Last but not least, sun-seekers can post up on the sand along oceanfront locales like Destin, FL. Keep reading to discover our top picks—and start planning, STAT.

While private social clubs are not exactly new, they've certainly seen a surge in popularity in recent years. They attract a new generation of members enticed by the promise of community, exclusivity and breadth of luxurious amenities (think members-only beach clubs, well-stocked wine cellars, and tranquil spas, to name a few). The top membership clubs in the USA also feature innovative dining and drinking programs curated by award-winning chefs, carefully selected art collections, and diverse social events to cater to every interest—whether it's DJ pool parties, expert-led lectures, or rare wine tastings. Keep scrolling to discover which members' clubs made our list, and be sure to explore our favorite private members' club hotels across America for some travel inspiration.

Sweeping mountain views, incredible slopes and wide-open terrain: It's all yours to experience at the best ski resorts in the U.S. Come winter, there are few things more thrilling than zipping down a snowy run with the wind blowing in your face—and the sense of accomplishment after is nothing short of spectacular. But beyond the slopes, the best ski resorts in the U.S. offer a slew of amenities, be it additional winter activities like snowboarding and snowshoeing, a charming downtown area, buzzy drinking and dining venues, luxe accommodations and/or top-notch après ski where you can let loose. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite ski resorts across America to inspire your winter travels. But there is one thing to note: As you scroll through the list, you’ll definitely notice that most of our top picks can be found out West. That’s because the region offers towering peaks and high elevations, which are—you guessed it—ideal for skiing, along with significant snowfall and powdery snow courtesy of the cold, dry air. RECOMMENDED: The best ski resorts for non-skiers

If you're planning to fly anytime soon, be prepared for potential delays—or even cancellations—for a myriad of reasons, be it staffing shortages, weather or mechanical issues. With that in mind, you’ll run the risk of getting to your destination late, or skipping vacation altogether. To mitigate your chances of delays or cancellations, it’s worth springing on an on-demand, semi-private flight as opposed to standard commercial airlines. While these tickets don’t come cheap, they may be more affordable than you think, especially if you book at the last minute. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover our top picks on the best semi-private flights in the U.S.—and get booking! RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful airports in America  

This year's unprecedented travel boom is poised to continue in 2025 as more and more hotels across the country prepare to open their doors to trend-forward travelers. What’s more, dozens of new properties are slated to debut all across the map in the year ahead, meaning there are plenty of options for your next vacation. From lavish urban escapes in the heart of New York City (hello, Waldorf Astoria) to glamorous alpine retreats (we’re looking at you, White Elephant Aspen) and serene desert hideaways (cue Utah’s Black Desert Resort), the year ahead promises a fresh crop of properties that cater to every craving for luxury, adventure, and style. Here’s a sneak peek at the most anticipated U.S. hotels opening in 2025 to inspire your future travels. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in America

The Heart of America doesn’t get the attention afforded to larger Midwest cities like Chicago and St. Louis, but the best things to do in Kansas City showcase a town packed with character, culture, and culinary charm. Sports, music, food, and arts take top billing, and the city is filled with gorgeous walks and beautiful fountains. They don’t call it the City of Fountains for no reason. KC embraced free public transportation in 2020, making it incredibly easy to get around to see the city’s attractions. If you want to punctuate your sightseeing with delicious food and crisp craft beers, you are on the right track. This is Kansas City, a city of heritage, history, and a whole lot of fun. 🛏️ Check out the best Airbnbs in Kansas City🏨 Check in at the best Kansas City hotels

While solo travel definitely isn’t a new concept, it’s grown increasingly popular in recent years—and for many a good reason. While vacationing with your friends, family, and significant other can be fun, you’re often forced to follow a stricter schedule at the behest of others. Solo travel, however, offers more flexibility and free time to do exactly as you wish—be it dining at a new restaurant, strolling through a scenic park, exploring an interesting museum, or simply relaxing in your hotel room. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far from home to enjoy an epic solo sojourn. Whether you’re an experienced solo traveler or completely new to the whole “party-of-one” thing, we’ve rounded up the best U.S. cities for every type of solo traveler—foodies, art enthusiasts, adventure-seekers and more. RECOMMENDED: The 15 best secluded Airbnbs in the USA for the perfect remote escapeThe best destinations for female solo travel in the U.S.

The age-old saying really does hold true: The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. Soak up the holly, jolly vibes at one—or more!—of our favorite Christmas cities across the U.S., which out all the stops to deck the halls (ehr, streets) in dazzling decor and offer plenty of holiday cheer via a slew of special events and activities. Take North Pole, Alaska, for instance: At this aptly named city, visitors can check out the world's largest Santa and walk down Kris Kringle Drive, outfitted with candy cane-striped street lights. Alternatively, make a beeline for Santa Claus, Indiana (yes, that's really the name), where local "elves" volunteer at the post office to answer buckets full of children's letters to Santa every year. Other must-visit locales include a seaside New England city with a rich history and a charming South Carolina mountain town, to name a few— all of which offer festive programming, be it magical Christmas markets, impressive Christmas light displays or must-visit Christmas stores. For a fun-filled holiday escape, keep reading to discover our favorite Christmas cities in the U.S

While major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston and Miami all offer plenty of Fourth of July fun, they can get quite crowded. Instead, escape the throngs of travelers by embarking on a last-minute getaway somewhere nearby. Below, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite Independence Day weekend getaways within easy driving distance of the aforementioned U.S. cities. From an oceanfront SoCal retreat to a quaint Rhode Island town steeped in history, these last-minute July 4th vacation destinations truly offer something for everyone.  Traverse City, Michigan Situated along the coast of Lake Michigan just four hours from Detroit and five hours from Chicago, Traverse City goes all out for Independence Day, with free events like an elaborate fireworks show, which, in our opinion, is best enjoyed out on the water via this Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. The Fourth of July also coincides with the city’s weeklong National Cherry Festival. Taking place from June 29 through July 6, this fun, fruity festival celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, vibrant culture and natural beauty (fun fact: Traverse City produces nearly half of the tart cherries in the U.S.). As part of the fun, visitors can partake in events such as the National Cherry Festival Airshow; live musical performances, parades, races and family-friendly programming are available, too. Also, be sure to carve out an afternoon to stroll through the city’s bustling downtown area, which is lined with ecl

Memorial Day weekend may be less than a week away, but it’s not too late to plan a last-minute escape. Fortunately, you don’t need to venture too far from home to experience an epic weekend getaway to ring in the unofficial start of summer. Ahead, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite Memorial Day weekend getaways, each within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities such as Miami, New York and Los Angeles. From a laid-back SoCal beach town where surf and sand reign supreme to a tranquil lakefront retreat in northwest Idaho, keep reading for our favorite last-minute Memorial Day weekend vacation spots for a spontaneous sojourn.  Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Named for the lake on which it lies, Coeur d’Alene is just under five hours from Seattle. The vibrant downtown area—home to over 100 quaint shops, restaurants and local businesses—is within easy walking distance of the lake. Out on the water, travelers can go fishing, rafting, jet-skiing and water skiing; alternatively, stay on land to soak up the sunny weather or enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride at the lakefront City Park, the Canfield Mountain Natural Area or the Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Meanwhile, golfers can perfect their swing at the course at Coeur d’Alene Resort, where you'll find the one and only “Floating Green,” described by the property as “the first and only floating, movable island golf green” that “changes position via an intricate, underwater cable system. Where to stay: Open since 2021, One Lakeside Resort

What’s more tempting than a Thanksgiving feast? Skipping the festivities altogether. This Thanksgiving, why not bypass the stress of cooking an entire meal, hosting your family and all the other necessary bits to celebrate a holiday? Instead, enjoy a relaxing Turkey Day escape close to home. We’ve rounded up five incredible Thanksgiving getaways within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities, including Miami, New York and Los Angeles. You’ll find these spots are under a five-hour drive—or a quick flight if holiday road trips are not your thing. Plus, each place has a distinct charm, natural beauty, fantastic food and drink offerings and noteworthy attractions. West Palm Beach, FL Often overlooked in favor of its swankier cousin, Palm Beach, this hip city still feels like a hidden gem (for now, at least). Its arty downtown area is home to The Square, an arts and culture hub that’s also brimming with some of the destination’s best shops, bars and restaurants like Barrio, El Camino and the recently opened Galley, as well as outposts of famed NYC staples Harry’s and Felice. Every Saturday between November and May, the city hosts an antiques and flea market; the GreenMarket also takes place on Saturdays between October and April. To get here from Miami, hop on I-95 (75 minutes, depending on traffic) or ditch the car altogether and hop on the high-speed Brightline train (also 75 minutes).  Where to stay: The Ben, Autograph Collection is a trendy hotel just minutes from the heart