Traveling overseas is a dream for many, but between airfare, accommodations, and currency exchange, the costs add up quickly. The good news? You don’t have to leave the United States to experience the flavors, architecture, and traditions of far-off lands. Tucked into small towns and neighborhoods across the country are slices of Europe, Latin America, and beyond—all without the long-haul flight.
These destinations are not only accessible but also budget-friendly. Road trips, budget flights, and affordable stays make it easier than ever to have a cultural getaway without maxing out your credit card. You can bite into fresh beignets, sip Bavarian beer, or wander through Dutch tulip fields—all while keeping your US cell plan and comfort zone.
To help you plan, I’ve rounded up nine of the best places in the US that feel like traveling abroad. And to save you time, I’ve included top hotel and experience picks from trusted platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, VRBO, and GetYourGuide.
Top Hotel Picks
- The Landsby in Solvang, California – A chic boutique hotel with Scandinavian flair.
- Icicle Village Resort in Leavenworth, Washington – Bavarian-inspired lodging with mountain views.
- Hotel Provincial in New Orleans, Louisiana – French Quarter charm at a great price.
- Casa Blanca in Miami’s Little Havana – A colorful rental that feels straight out of Havana.
Top Experiences on GetYourGuide
- Danish Pastry and Wine Walking Tour in Solvang – Sweet and savory Danish delights.
- Leavenworth Bavarian Beer Hall Experience – Raise a stein like you’re in Munich.
- French Quarter Ghosts and Voodoo Tour in New Orleans – History, folklore, and goosebumps.
- Little Havana Food and Culture Tour in Miami – Cuban bites and music on Calle Ocho.
Solvang, California
How to Get to Solvang
Located in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles or a short hop from Santa Barbara. If you love a good road trip, Highway 101 offers coastal views that rival Denmark’s North Sea.
Where to Stay
Book a stay at The Landsby for a Scandinavian-modern vibe, or cozy up at Wine Valley Inn with its rustic cottages. VRBO has countryside homes if you prefer quiet mornings with mountain views.
Best Things to Do in Solvang
Walk past half-timbered shops and windmills before biting into aebleskivers at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Don’t miss the Danish Pastry and Wine Walking Tour for the perfect mix of sweets and sips.
Leavenworth, Washington
How to Get to Leavenworth
Drive two hours from Seattle through the Cascade Mountains, or hop on Amtrak for a scenic rail ride.
Where to Stay
Try Icicle Village Resort for family fun or Posthotel Leavenworth for a European spa retreat. Bavarian Lodge and rustic VRBO cabins make affordable alternatives.
Best Things to Do in Leavenworth
Eat sausages at Munchen Haus, catch live oompah music, and sip brews with the Bavarian Beer Hall Experience. Winter transforms the village into a glowing Christmas town.
New Orleans, Louisiana
How to Get to New Orleans
Fly into Louis Armstrong International, then grab a cab to the French Quarter—it’s that easy.
Where to Stay
Hotel Provincial blends history and comfort, while Hotel Monteleone offers literary history and a carousel bar. VRBO rentals with wrought-iron balconies are perfect for more extended stays.
Best Things to Do in New Orleans
Eat beignets at Café du Monde, stroll through Jackson Square, and dive into Creole and Cajun food. For thrills, join the French Quarter Ghosts and Voodoo Tour.
Little Havana, Miami
How to Get to Little Havana
Fly into Miami International, then hop in a rideshare—Calle Ocho is just minutes away.
Where to Stay
Casa Blanca immerses you in Cuban culture, while Life House Little Havana and Selina Miami River are stylish and affordable.
Best Things to Do in Little Havana
Sip cafecito at Versailles Restaurant, listen to salsa in the streets, and join the Little Havana Food and Culture Tour.
Holland, Michigan
How to Get to Holland
Drive in from Chicago (2.5 hours) or fly into Grand Rapids, just 30 minutes away.
Where to Stay
Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown or Haworth Hotel. For families, VRBO has cottages near Lake Michigan.
Best Things to Do in Holland
Visit the Windmill Island Gardens with its 250-year-old Dutch windmill. Come in May for the Tulip Time Festival—millions of blooms make the town look like Amsterdam.
New Glarus, Wisconsin
How to Get to New Glarus
Fly into Madison (30 miles away) or Chicago (two hours), then rent a car.
Where to Stay
The Chalet Landhaus Inn feels straight out of the Alps, while VRBO has log cabins and cottages nearby.
Best Things to Do in New Glarus
Tour the New Glarus Brewing Company for beer with a Swiss twist. Walk through Swiss-style chalets and sample cheese at local shops. Don’t miss the Swiss Historical Village for an immersive cultural day.
Tarpon Springs, Florida
How to Get to Tarpon Springs
Fly into Tampa International, then drive 45 minutes north.
Where to Stay
Check into Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs or VRBO waterfront condos for a budget-friendly Greek-style escape.
Best Things to Do in Tarpon Springs
Stroll the Sponge Docks and eat gyros at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. Boat tours highlight the area’s Greek sponge diving history.
Pella, Iowa
How to Get to Pella
Drive from Des Moines in under an hour or fly into Des Moines International.
Where to Stay
Stay at Royal Amsterdam Hotel for Dutch-inspired lodging or rent a VRBO near the square.
Best Things to Do in Pella
Wander through the Molengracht canal, tour the Vermeer Windmill, and join the annual Tulip Time Festival. Dutch bakeries here serve pastries that rival those in Amsterdam.
St. Augustine, Florida
How to Get to St. Augustine
Jacksonville International is about an hour away, with easy car rentals on Expedia.
Where to Stay
Stay at Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a Spanish Revival beauty, or book a VRBO in the historic district.
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine
Walk through the Castillo de San Marcos, America’s oldest stone fort, and explore streets lined with Spanish architecture. Nights of Lights in winter make the city sparkle with Mediterranean charm.
Conclusion
From Denmark in California to Cuba in Miami, Bavaria in Washington to Spain in Florida, you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to feel transported. These nine destinations offer the culture, food, and traditions of international travel without the sticker shock. Affordable, accessible, and bursting with personality, they’re perfect for quick getaways that feel like a grand adventure.