7 Unique US Family Vacations That Feel Worlds Away

White European-style buildings with blue trim, set behind a trellis lined with green leaves and pink flowers — Solvang Offers a Piece of Denmark in California. (Photo: HannaTor/Shutterstock)

Traveling internationally as a family is an ineffable privilege, but not everyone can swing a journey abroad. Flights alone can put you well over budget, especially if you need to purchase multiple seats.

For wanderlusting parents who want to take their kids to a new, unfamiliar place without having to sell pictures of their feet online to afford the trip overseas, there’s still hope. There are several underrated US cities and towns that could easily transport you to another country.

Satisfy your craving for foreign landscapes and cultures with one of these seven spots for unique family vacations in the US continental states. (Note: Most of these destinations also offer the chance to learn about the area’s Native American history, which shouldn’t be missed.)

1. Chimayo, New Mexico

Feels like: Mexico’s Countryside

Old pueblo-style church with arch in the front adorned with flowers — El Santuario de Chimayo (Photo: Amber Walker/Shutterstock)

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains hold many secrets, and one of them is the village of Chimayo. Only a roughly 30-minute drive from Santa Fe, Chimayo looks like something out of a vintage postcard from rural Mexico. Its pueblo-style architecture, weaving shops and simple way of life make a visit here one of the most unique US family vacations.

Chimayo’s close proximity to Santa Fe means you can easily spend a few nights in town or visit as a day trip from the city. Families can relish a handful educational experiences that showcase the local history and culture at the Chimayo Museum, El Santuario de Chimayo church and Rancho de Chimayo, while outdoor attractions include the Santa Cruz Lake and rafting in the nearby Rio Grande Gorge.

2. Solvang, California

Feels like: Denmark

People walking on sidewalk next to colorful European-style buildings with a windmill in the background — Family Walking in Solvang (Photo: HannaTor/Shutterstock)

Your kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale, in this colorful European-style town tucked away in California’s Central Coast. Since being founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang has preserved its authentic history, architecture and culture -- all of which is palpable as families meander down its cobblestone streets lined with thatched-roof buildings.

The Solvang Trolley is a great way to get a lay of the land upon arrival. Families also will love visiting the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, which offers daily scavenger hunts, as well as the Old Mission Santa Ines museum, Ostrich Land, Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch and Nojoqui Falls Park. Don’t forget to stop at the whimsical Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat.

3. Alys Beach, Florida

Feels like: Santorini, Greece

White ornately designed building with a round pool in the front surrounded by lounge chairs — Resort-Style Pool at Alys Beach (Photo: STUDIO 10 EIGHT/Shutterstock)

White stucco buildings overlooking shimmering waters conjure up scenes of Santorini, Greece -- only at Alys Beach, the sand is powdery white (versus dark and volcanic). Nestled along Florida’s pristine Emerald Coast, this family-friendly, planned community offers a taste of the high life, “Greek beach club” style, at a fraction of what you’d likely pay to haul the entire gang to The Islands.

Beyond the aesthetics (which also give off subtle Moroccan and Bermudan vibes), the town doesn’t behold anymore Greek influences. Family amenities include a resort-style pool, private beach access, bike rentals with baby seat mounts available if needed, a nature preserve with a boardwalk and trails, an amphitheater that hosts occasional concerts and movie nights, splash pad-style fountains and seasonal blueberry picking along Alys Beach’s Lake Marilyn. (Learn what makes the Emerald Coast one of the top, unique Florida attractions for kids.)

4. Holland, Michigan

Feels like: The Netherlands

A vast field of colorful tulips with a windmill in the background — Tulip Field in Holland (Photo: Craig Sterken/Shutterstock)

Much like what you’d see in the Netherlands, fields across Holland, Mich., dazzle with the colors of tulips in the spring. The annual Tulip Time Festival is one of the city’s greatest attractions, but there are many more reasons why this little slice of Dutch paradise makes for one of the best, unique US family vacations.

Nelis’ Dutch Village offers a glimpse of what the Netherlands was like more than 100 years ago, with some parts quite resemblant of the country’s storybook village of Giethoorn. Other must-visit sites for families include the Windmill Island Gardens, Outdoor Discovery Center and the shallow-water Ottawa Beach, which has a playground, restrooms and general store on site.

5. 1000 Islands, New York

Feels like: Northwestern France (Cotes-d’Armor)

Old stone castle with a bridge connecting to a small island in the middle of a bay with trees in the background — Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay (Photo: Awana JF/Shutterstock)

The northwestern coast of France isn’t on many families’ radars. Its small archipelago of Ile-de-Brehat, however, is a hot spot for Europeans who are drawn to its dramatic landscape of tiny, lush islands surrounded by deep-blue water. The setting shares similarities with New York’s 1000 Islands, particularly Alexandria Bay, whose Boldt Castle can make anyone feel like they’ve teleported to Europe.

A quick, 30-minute drive from Alexandria Bay to the charming town of Cape Vincent will give you a closer look at the 1000 Islands’ French history, which is celebrated every year at the French Festival. Other activities like hiking, go-kart rides, drive-in movie showings, boating and water sports all cater to families with adventurous spirits.

6. Helen, Georgia

Feels like: Bavaria, Germany

Closeup of Bavarian-style buildings at sunset — Bavarian-Style Buildings in Helen (Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock)

German traditions like Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets have become pretty ubiquitous, but few places close to home can transport you to Deutschland like Helen, Ga. What makes this one of the top underrated US cities for a pseudo-international getaway is not only its Bavarian look and feel, but also its sheer variety of activities both parents and kids will love.

A candy factory, handmade wooden toy store, recreational center with Alpine-style miniature golf and the award-winning Cabbage Patch Kids toy store will make little ones’ dreams come true. Throw in authentic restaurants serving up everything from schnitzel to spaetzle, an Alpine mountain coaster and scenic nature hikes, and everyone will be a happy camper. (See why Helen is also one of the best “skip-gen” destinations that guarantee fun for both grandparents and grandkids.)

7. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Feels like: The English Countryside

People walking on sidewalk past a pink English-style cottage with trees and other buildings in background — Families Walking By Carmel-by-the-Seas’ English-Style Cottages (Photo: oliverdelahaye/Shutterstock)

From “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” to the “Harry Potter” series, family films have long fed the desire for many to visit England’s countryside. For those not able or ready to fly across the pond, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for one of the loveliest, unique US family vacations. Quintessential English cottages, “hidden” courtyards and cobblestone streets look as if they’ve been plucked from a town like Rye or Stratford-upon-Avon.

Enjoy a more British experience with an afternoon cuppa at the local tea house and imported British treats at the candy store. Just don’t forget to make time to check out Carmel Beach; Point Lobos State Natural Reserve; the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum; the Forest Theater, which hosts family movie nights; and the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium.