Europe is really hot this summer. It's one of the best values this year for travelers, but what if you can't afford a trip to Europe? Maybe it's absolutely not in your budget or maybe you have another trip coming up or maybe you're afraid to leave the country right now. In fact, several of my non-binary and trans friends have said they aren't leaving the U.S., due to fear that they will be hassled at security or barred from returning, because the political climate at the moment is horrifying if you don't conform to traditional gender norms.
There are precautions you can take when it comes to updating your passport and dealing with TSA, but that doesn't mean you want to put yourself in a situation that might be traumatizing, so let's get on with places you can go instead of actual Europe, that still feel like you're in Europe. No passport required!
Anchorage, Alaska is a short drive from a twin of the Norwegian Fjords
I spent part of my childhood in Alaska, and I can tell you how otherworldly it feels in parts. You can take glacier tours, spend so much time outside that you don't have to even see the city for most of your trip, and even take a tram to the top of a mountain. Some free things to do in Anchorage: The Ulu Factory to see how knives are made, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, and the Elmendorf State Fish Hatchery.
Aspen, Colorado has big Swiss Alps energy
Colorado is beautiful, and even Denver feels different than a lot of other big cities I've been in. In Aspen, head to Independence Pass at the Continental Divide for gorgeous pictures. If you need a break from hiking pristine trails, go explore Independence Ghost Town, Ute Cemetery, and Aspen Art Museum.
Calistoga, California brings a spa town of Czech Republic to you
With hot springs, mud baths, and vineyards added to actual castles, this Napa Valley town kind of has it all. Maybe with a bit of a higher price tag than a Czech vacation, but much cheaper airfare, so it probably evens out. When you aren't relaxing and luxuriating, you can visit the Petrified Forest, peruse the Oxbow Public Market, V Marketplace, and Napa Farmers Market, and check out the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. You can get the Summer In the Vineyards Passport for big savings and feel a bit more like you've left the country.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts has Cornwall, England vibes
You can stroll the countryside and enjoy a meal in a lovely pub, but you can also harvest your own oysters and savor one of the most beautiful sunsets. Truro Vineyards gives free tours of the winery and distillery, see flowers for free at Spohr Gardens and Cape Cod Lavender Farm, and go ona free guided towur of the French Cable Station Museum.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California bears a strong resemblance to rural France and Germany
Fall in love with the storybook architecture that took hold in the 1920's and never left this little town. You also have the Carmel Boardwalk, the Scenic Road Walkway, and the Jones & Terwilliger Galleries. Do some boutique shopping at Carmel Plaza or The Barnyard.
Catalina Island, California can feel like Greece or the Amalfi Coast
I haven't been to Catalina Island since I was a kid and it's probably time for another visit. It always felt like a different world there. Take a ferry the 20 miles to the island with its crystal waters and rocky shoreline. It's easily walkable and even has its own fish fine art gallery called Afishonados Gallery.
Grand Marais, Minnesota transports you to lakeside villages of Sweden
Sweden is made up of islands and Grand Marais embodies that feel. Get your fill of seafood, go on a waterfall tour, and browse in Drury Lane Books. If you love hiking, there's so much to do, plus kayaking, bike riding, and even searching for agates at Five Mile Beach.
Leavenworth, Washington is a copy of a little German village
When we first moved to the Portland area, my family took a road trip up to Washington to see Leavenworth on the off-season. It was very cute, but we were the only people staying in our hotel. Leavenworth gets really busy during the fall, especially for Oktoberfest. You can enjoy activities all year round at Front Street Park, go hiking, fishing, or visit one of the wineries or breweries there.
Mendocino, California mirrors the dramatic coasts of England and Ireland
This walkable village overlooks the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking sea cliffs. It is home to Point Cabrillo Light Station State Park, which has free admission, the home of the city's founder, Ford House Visitor Center & Museum, which also has free entry, and Patterson's Irish Pub.
Montauk, New York puts you in a Denmark beach town
If you enjoy surfing, or just like to watch surfing, Montauk is much like Klitmøller. There's also Shadmoor State Park, Lake Montauk, several attractive beaches, and dunes to walk along. Gosman's Dock is a collection of shops and restaurants and you can get culture at Second House Museum.
Santa Barbara, California does a good imitation of Madrid, Spain
Spanish settlers came to Santa Barbara in the 1700s and brought their architecture with them. Learn the history and take in these gorgeous buildings on a walking tour. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset and enjoy the roses at A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, take a drive through Lompoc Flower Fields (meant to be enjoyed from your car), view 100 varieties of orchids at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, or delight all your senses at Clairmont Lavender Farm. Other freebies include taking your photo at Chromatic Gate, visiting El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, and a self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour.
Solvang, California is a dupe for Denmark
Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, the Danes built a mini Denmark here in the middle of California. The restuarant that opened that same year, Bit O' Denmark, still stands and serves up delicious, traditional food. Look for windmills, eat Danish pastries, and find a troll. Save money by visiting the free (donations accepted) Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, the Old Mission Santa Ines, and Hans Christian Andersen Park.
Sonoma County in California is your substitute for Provence, France
The lavender fields bloom in Sonoma summer, just like in Provence. If you've spent the bulk of your budget on a place to stay, don't worry, you can indulge in free wine tastings with the Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures, visit a local farm, take a self-guided tour of a garden like Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, or go hiking in the redwoods.
Temecula, California gives you the experience of Tuscany, Italy
With dozens of vineyards along the rolling hills, you'll have a hard time convincing yourself you're not in Tuscany. Europa Villag Wineries & Resort was designed to keep you in that state or mind. It has 3 tasting rooms, each modeled after Spain, Italy, and France. Once you're ready to explore the rest of the region, you can do so on a budget with free activities like Sugarplum Zoo, Temecula Valley Museum, Old Town Temecula Farmer's Market, where you can pick up some fresh fruits to feed to the ducks at Temecula Duck Pond & Park.
As you can see, you could take a California road trip and hit a lot of "Europe" in one go. In fact, this sounds like an amazing idea for a future trip to me. But even if you can only just choose one or two destinations, you can stil enjoy tricking yourself into feeling like you aren't in the U.S. for a bit.
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