There is a European destination for every travel palette. The honeymooners are in Positano, the art lovers are at Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the hikers are in Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the skiers are in the Dolomites. While there is a shoulder season and a high season for every European hot spot, there is honestly no bad time to go to Europe — because even in the rain, the beating sun or the bitter cold, there is a sight to be wowed by. But while this all sounds glorious, sometimes a Euro-trip just isn’t in the cards.
Maybe you can’t swing a European jaunt because of the price tag, or maybe it’s not a budgeting concern and you just don’t love to fly. Or perhaps you don’t have the time to cross the Atlantic because most of your vacation days are reserved for the eight weddings you’re attending this year. Whatever the reason, if Europe isn’t in the cards right now, you can satisfy your craving for a breathtaking European getaway right here in the U.S.
For anyone who is staying stateside this year, we’ve broken down the best European destinations, and then found amazing U.S. alternatives. The truth is, there might be a romantic European escape within driving distance of your house. So why not focus on seeing the enviable travel destinations right in your own backyard?
Instead of Nice, France: Newport, Rhode Island
Nice, France is all about their remarkable coastline, gorgeous architecture along the water, French-Italian cuisine, and fresh-caught seafood. Few destinations in the U.S. check all of those boxes, but Newport, Rhode Island absolutely does. Newport is known for their Cliff Walk which takes you along the Atlantic Ocean on a tour of their exquisite beach-front mansions. Not only are both the historic architecture and the coast breathtaking, but Rhode Island is known for its seafood and authentic Italian fare. Get your moules (mussels) fix at Scales & Shells in Newport.
See full story by Maya Kachroo-Levine on travelandleisure.com here.
