Not every summer escape requires a boarding pass. From sleepy harbor towns to forest hideaways, these under-the-radar US destinations deliver a quieter pace and just the right amount of luxury. Here are my favorite summer spots that prove sometimes the best adventures happen closer to home.

Tuscany is all about slow travel, with rolling countryside, hilltop towns, and long lunches. In Siena, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, you’ll find medieval streets, world-class wine, and a pace that encourages wandering. Neighboring Umbria shares the same scenic charm but feels a bit more under-the-radar, with towns like Assisi and Spello offering fewer crowds and plenty of character. 

This region appeals to couples, food and wine travelers, or anyone craving the countryside over city buzz. Expect days filled with wine tastings, farm-to-table meals, and drives through postcard-worthy landscapes. Read on to find out where to stay, eat, and explore across the smaller towns in Tuscany.

There's something deeply satisfying about hitting the open road with no schedule except the one you create along the way. The US serves up road trip gold—from coastal highways that hug dramatic cliffs to mountain passes that reveal jaw-dropping vistas around every hairpin turn. Whether you're craving salt air and crashing waves along the coastline, rolling mountain peaks, or the rugged wilderness of the American West, these five road trips deliver the kind of scenery no airplane window can match. 

Each route has its own personality and pace, perfect for travelers who understand that sometimes the journey really is the destination. Pack light, download your road trip essentials, and prepare for adventures that unfold at exactly the speed they should.