Emilee Lindner

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

If you’re an extraordinary traveler—which you probably are if you regularly visit this website—then you’re not going to settle for normie ANYTHING, not even public transportation in the U.S. Planes, trains and automobiles serve their purpose, but for those seeking more one-off experiences, streetcars, trams and water taxis are the way to move. Public transit is designed to move the masses without costing much money. For just a few bucks, these systems can take you from one side of the city to the other, avoiding traffic along the way. So, as a tourist, what if you could ride in style AND have a view? That’s where the following list will work wonders. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 unique modes of public transport that will not only get you from point A to B, but deserve to be tourist attractions in themselves. RECOMMENDED: The top car-free cities in the USA for a getaway

Some people try to visit every major league stadium. Others try to camp at every national park. But what if you add the following to your bucket list? Hitting all the best hair salons in the United States. Hear me out: Not every trek across America has to be a chaotic scramble to fit in as much sightseeing as possible. Take off your fanny pack, untangle your messy tourist bun and relax! Hair tourism is all about traveling for the perfect cut and color, nestling into a luxurious salon, spilling your wild thoughts and letting the best in the biz transform your mane. Below, we’ve compiled the best hair salons in the USA. Of course, it wouldn’t be a crème de la crème list without your Sally Hershbergers or Andy LeComptes, the authorities on red carpet and editorial. We’ve also included the everyday glam, the simple lavishness and the self-care wizards. Just as these establishments have carved out spots in their cities, let them make space in your grooming routine.

At cat cafes in the USA, kitties and coffee go paw-in-paw. And while this seems like a match made in heaven—like a curled-up feline at your feet on a frigid day—there once was a time when the states were devoid of these havens for cat fanatics. In fact, it was only in 2014 when the first cat cafe opened its doors in Oakland after a struggle for regulatory approval. Cat cafes started in Taipei, Taiwan, with the opening of Cat Flower Garden in 1998. And due to a large number of no-pets apartments, the cafes started popping up all over Japan, giving the kitty curious the opportunity to snuggle with a fluffy friend without actually owning one. You can certainly visit a cat cafe in the USA just for the company, but feline-focused establishments these days are focused on finding cats their forever homes. Cat cafes have the allure of a no-pressure, stress-free environment—the purrfect place to make a friend. If you hit it off with a whiskered friend while indulging in tea and crumpets—you’re more than likely going to become roommates. Check out the best cat cafes in the USA for cuteness and coffee—but only if you’re ready to fall in love with your new best buddy.

When you’ve found The One, don’t rush into proposing. If you’re trying to craft the most epic moment, first consider some of the best places in the USA to propose. Even if you think your S/O will say “yes” no matter what, it doesn’t hurt to engineer that heart-fluttering romantic memory. After all, how many times in your life do you get to make grand gestures? (There’s a right answer, by the way: ALL THE TIME.) From a gorgeous Hawaiian beach with actual heart-shaped coral to the sinfully fun opportunities of Las Vegas, there’s a perfect proposal spot on this list for anyone. If you’re outdoorsy, trek to Bar Harbor and hike to a majestic summit in Acadia National Park. If you’re more of a Disney couple, get Mickey Mouse to help you pop the question in Orlando. Feeling inspired yet? Check out the best places in the USA to propose below and get planning. Oh, and mazel tov! RECOMMENDED: The most romantic honeymoon destinations in the U.S.

When spooky season is over, the first flakes begin to fall, and the Buffalo Bills start scoring mad touchdowns, those of us in the Empire State know it’s time for our beloved New York State holiday traditions. Whether you’re up north in the High Peaks, nestled between the Finger Lakes, hailing from Western New York, or living big in New York City, we know how to do the holidays right. New York is truly iconic when it comes to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Day and everything in between. Why? Think of this: we’ve got the North Pole (literally). We’ve got the Rockefeller Christmas tree. We’ve got the largest menorah in the world. And those icy waters are perfect for New Year’s Day plunges. Need more proof? Read below to discover why New York State holiday traditions have every other state beat.

Is there anything more holiday picturesque than an afternoon of ice skating? Whether bundling up to skate loops around a glittering tree to hitting up an indoor mall rink with friends, lacing up and hitting the ice is a long-standing tradition for a reason.  Basic ice skating rinks can be found in most cities across the country—but still a few stand out from the rest. While the most well-known rink outside Rockefeller Center is an obvious must-visit, others are noteworthy for their mountain views, quaint ski village surroundings or their unique offerings (warm baked cookies, anyone?!) Whether you're a novice or experienced, we've rounded up the best ice skating rinks in America worth seeking.  RECOMMENDED: The best winter festivals in the USA

What’s better than baking Christmas cookies? One answer: eating them. So what if we told you that you could get straight to the good part without messing up your kitchen in the process? That's exactly what a select breed of brands offer every year: the ability to order the finest Christmas cookies online right to your doorstep. Yes, we know there's no denying the joy of baking your own treats—and the amazing aroma of freshly baked cookies. But let's be real: with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, not everyone has the time to spend hours carefully crafting sweets. The best cookie companies that you can order from online are beloved for creating concoctions that, unless you're a world-class baker, you likely couldn't whip up easily. Plus, they're packaged beautifully and make great gifts. From traditional favorites to avant-garde cookies, the best Christmas cookies to order online will make your holiday season a truly sweet affair. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas candy in the U.S. for sweet holiday treats

What's better on Christmas morning: unwrapping presents, or unwrapping the smattering of candies Santa put in your stocking? It's a close contest, but we can all agree that a definite perk of the holiday is eating bonbons for breakfast (and any other hour you so choose.) When the holidays roll around, sweets abound everywhere you look—from cookies to pies to gingerbread houses—but one of our favorite parts of Christmas is watching the andy aisle transform into a red, green, holly jolly display of festive treats.  Whether you prefer decadent chocolates, classic Christmas confections or holiday-inspired spins on the most popular brands, there’s no shortage of sugar-laden treats to choose from. So let sugarplums dance in your head as we present the best Christmas candy that'll have you feeling as jolly as Old Saint Nick himself. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets in the USAThe best Christmas stores in the U.S.The best Christmas towns in the USA

From Halloween enthusiasts to thrill-seekers to history buffs, people of all kinds love visiting haunted places. For some, it's the draw of the adrenaline rush—that heart-pounding, hair-raising feeling when something spooky lay around the corner. For others, it’s the gripping backstory or the social aspect of braving a visit (after all, nothing bonds a group together quite like intrigue—or terror).  Lucky for adrenaline junkies and ghostbusters alike, America has no shortage of haunted places, from centuries-old cemeteries to abandoned Gold Rush towns to spooky, ghost-filled houses. While some let you wander through on your own, it’s often a good idea to book a ghost tour to get the full story—and an extra set of eyes (just in case).  So grab your EMF meter, a sack of salt and your crew—things are about to get ghastly at the most haunted places in America.  

When it comes to Halloween, countries celebrate the day (or similarly inspired holidays) in various ways around the world. But in America, when October 31 hits, you can sum up the festivities in three words: candy, costumes and pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins.  However, it’s not just the day of Halloween that brings the action—the U.S. goes big the entire month of October. The best and biggest Halloween events across the country range from family-friendly activities like the massive Village Halloween Parade in Manhattan that draws more than 50,000 "costumed participants" (and 2 million spectators!) to a stunning Hot Air Balloon Festival in Scottsdale, AZ. Other events will have you staring at seven thousand jack-o-lanterns, dressing up as a zombie or learning about witches of the past. No matter which one you choose, these October Halloween in the U.S. have one thing in common: they're a bit outrageous in the best way. 

What could be better than a train ride through a beautiful landscape? The answer: A train ride through a beautiful landscape—in the winter. Seriously, do us a favor: imagine yourself cozied up inside a classic railcar, warm beverage (or red wine) in hand as you traverse the wintery terrain by rail, listening to the rhythmic chugging of the locomotive and steam pumping into the frosty air. It's an experience worthy of your bucket list, no doubt. Luckily, no matter where you’re situated or visiting in America, you’ll have an option to hop on one of the best winter train rides in the USA. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies on the Polar Express out of Utica, New York, or hop on a vintage train that rolls through mountains out of Durango, Colorado. If you want to go all out, head north for an unforgettable trek through the Alaskan backcountry.  Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, a romantic voyage or a solo day of escaping reality, there's something special about a magical winter train ride. All aboard! RECOMMENDED: The best fall foliage train rides in the U.S. for beautiful autumn colors