5 Places to Have a European-Style Vacation Without Leaving the Country

Flying isn’t cheap, especially for a whole family. Luckily, if you want a European vacation but it just isn’t in the budget, you can get creative with your destination and have a European-style vacation without ever leaving the country.

Solvang, California
In Solvang, just north of Santa Barbara, you’ll find yourself transported to a Danish village, but with the luxury of beautiful Southern California weather year-round. Streets are lined with buildings designed with Danish architecture, and you can stop in at one of many bakeries and souvenir shops selling traditional pastries and handicrafts.

Lake Forest, Illinois
This Chicago suburb is home to Deer Path Inn, where you and the family can spend your vacation enjoying a touch of England. Styled like an English country inn, the property has beautiful gardens, elegant dining rooms and even afternoon tea service.

Holland, Michigan
Holland stays true to the Dutch roots of the settlers who founded it back in the 1800s. From the tulip festival in spring to the authentic Dutch windmill at Windmill Island Gardens, there are plenty of attractions and activities inspired by the Netherlands. Strolling through Nelis’ Dutch Village, where you can grab a pair of Dutch wooden shoes and some delicious Dutch sweets, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled all the way to Holland without a passport.

Leavenworth, Washington
Picturesque Bavarian villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber are incredible places that will leave a lasting impression on you and the kids, but if your budget is a concern, you can find a Bavarian-themed village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Buildings are built in the same timber wood style and is home to many German-themed shops, restaurants and festivals throughout the year — you will feel as if you’ve made the trek to Bavaria.

Sonoma County, California
If you can’t decide what part of Europe you want to pseudo-visit, Sonoma County’s wine country has a little bit of everything. Within 17 miles you can visit numerous wineries that not only have landscapes that look suspiciously European, but the wineries also grow varietals from Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. In other words, for parents and adult children, you can sip and savor the flavors of Europe in a beautiful and serene setting.