Regardless of whether you favor the beauty of an urban skyline or a rugged mountain, the Midwest gives a household getaway destination for everyone. Common spots like the Mayan city of Tikal and the Spanish-colonial town of Antigua are nevertheless bargains, when the shores of gorgeous Lake Atitlan will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Why it created our list: Across Lake Michigan from Door County in Northern Michigan sits Traverse City, a different town equally worthy of the excursion. If your dream holiday includes snow-capped mountains and lots of fleece, you may well be contemplating a trip to Europe to see the Alps.

Lake Michigan glitters behind a packed lineup of parades, country-fair-style contests and teddy-bear teas. What is incredible, though, is that this gentrified getaway spot (140 miles north of Grand Rapids) feels even much more like a little town through the fest. Affordable vacation rentals, … Continue reading >>>>