Although I knew I was in Florida, the beaches on Okaloosa Island reminded me of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos.

The gleaming white sand, which feels almost as soft as flour, is made from fine quartz crystals eroded from the Appalachian Mountains.

The water's vivid blue-green color is another aspect that sets these beaches apart from others I've been to.

Okaloosa Island is situated near other lively towns like Fort Walton Beach and Destin, giving us tons of options for activities and dining.

We spent a fun-filled afternoon in Destin Harbor Boardwalk, making the most of the attractions like the bungee trampoline and the many ice cream spots.

However, the best part was that we could escape to our quieter beach town at the end of the day.

I love trying local restaurants when on vacation, and I found some surprisingly cool spots to grab coffee or food in the area.

Some of our favorites included The Gulf, an open-air restaurant built from old shipping containers on the bayfront, and the food trucks in nearby downtown Fort Walton Beach.

Another fun spot is Lulus in Destin, which is owned by the sister of legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

Although I love relaxing on the beach, I also enjoy getting out and about. During our trip, we found a variety of activities on Okaloosa Island and beyond.

One day, we went on a pontoon snorkeling trip to Spectre Island and saw manatees near the boat. We also rented paddleboards and paddled around Choctawhatchee Bay.

Another thing I love about Okaloosa Island is how much there is to keep the little ones entertained.

One highlight of our trip was the Little Adventurers program, which offers free classes for kids of all ages. The classes are meant to introduce them to activities like surfing, snorkeling, and pinfishing.

There were outposts on the beach where we signed up for daily activities. My younger daughter tried pinfishing and was very proud of herself for catching one.

In the late 1800s, this area was booming with a railroad and thriving logging and sawmill industries. A few decades later, the railroad was rerouted, and this area spent decades on the verge of becoming a ghost town.

However, in the 1960s, town leaders made a plan to draw in visitors by modeling Leavenworth after Bavaria, Germany, a popular spot with similarly stunning alpine views.

And so, Leavenworth was fully renovated and reborn with Europe as its inspiration. Today, it is one of Washington's most frequented tourist attractions.

As someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest, I'd say Leavenworth is a fantastic place to visit all year.

Spring brings sunny days with views of snow-covered peaks, and summer offers plenty of recreation opportunities on the nearby Icicle Creek and Wenatchee River.

In winter, the town sparkles with plenty of fresh snow and thousands of Christmas lights dressing up trees and buildings throughout town.

Fall is my favorite. You can see mesmerizing colors of autumn foliage throughout town while also enjoying pleasantly moderate temperatures. It's also when the town celebrates Oktoberfest.

When town leaders made the choice to turn Leavenworth into a tourist destination in the 1960s, specific architectural design requirements were put in place.

Every building in the downtown core has either been remodeled or built to match the town's Bavarian theme.

Many are colorful A-lined buildings with large overhanging roofs, small windows with adorable shutters, balconies with hanging flower baskets.

Strolling through town to admire the details of the charming buildings is a lot of fun.

In 2020, the city of Leavenworth closed its main downtown street to motor vehicles.

It was initially a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more room for social distancing on crowded streets, but the closure has stayed in place years later.

This has provided more outdoor seating for restaurants and tasting rooms. I think it's also made strolling through town more pleasant.

Although this decision means there are fewer parking spaces, there's still ample street parking a few blocks away, plus several public lots a short walk down the road.

The town has specialty shops devoted to just about everything, including a Christmas store filled with ornaments, one dedicated to hats, one devoted to nutcrackers, and plenty of jewelers.

As you wander the shops, don't skip The Cheesemonger's Shop. Cheese lovers will find over 90 different types of cheese, along with a selection of salami, mustards, and crackers.

The soft-iced gingerbread cookies from The Gingerbread Factory in Leavenworth are so good I'd never even try to recreate them at home — and I'm a former bakery owner.

The soft, flavorful heart-shaped gingerbread cookies with frosting and rainbow sprinkles are the perfect treat for enjoying in the downtown park or taking home.

The shop, which has been open for nearly 40 years, also makes plenty of other goodies, including gingerbread people, cupcakes, and incredibly intricate gingerbread houses.

As a Bavarian-themed town, multiple restaurants serve German food and giant soft pretzels.

The best spot I've found to sit and enjoy a pretzel is at München Haus beer garden. It only has outdoor seating, but there are fire-pit tables and heaters to keep visitors warm on chillier days.

Menu highlights include a warm pretzel with a side of cheese sauce made from Washington's Beecher's cheddar, Bavarian sausages, a wide array of mustards, and plenty of options for beer on tap.

Just a few blocks from downtown is Waterfront Park, a stunning accessible space to take a stroll. True to its name, most of the park's trails are along the waterfront.

In summer, you can watch people floating or paddleboarding the Wenatchee River. In fall, spot spawning salmon and take in all the golden autumn hues of the trees.

You could easily spend a whole day or weekend in downtown Leavenworth, but the area is also a major destination for hikers, rock climbers, and those who love whitewater rafting.

Even just five minutes from downtown is one of the most accessible hikes in the area, the Old Pipeline Bed Trail. It's a relatively flat 2-½-mile trail along the Wenatchee River.

It makes for a nice escape into nature just before heading into town for lunch or dinner.

Much like Napa Valley, the area around Traverse City, Michigan, is full of rolling hills dotted with vineyards.

Instead of views of distant mountains, Michigan offers a different beauty: the blue waters of Lake Michigan.

The city is nestled between two wine-growing peninsulas — Old Mission and Leelanau — which jut out into this Great Lake, offering a scenic backup for a wine-tasting adventure.

What makes me prefer these sweeping vistas to the ones found in California is the cost.

Even during the peak summer season, it's not uncommon to find hotel rooms here for under $200 a night. Napa prices are easily double (or triple) that cost.

Traverse City sits on the 45th parallel, just like some of the world's most famous wine regions.

The unique microclimate of the area creates perfect conditions for cool-climate wine production, with boutique wineries crafting rieslings, pinot noirs, and other varietals that are surprisingly great.

Its cozy tasting rooms found here tend to feel less stuffy than the ones I've visited in California. As a casual wine enthusiast, I appreciate how this informal style offers more welcoming vibes.

The craft-brew scene in Michigan is similarly booming, making this an ideal destination for savoring a taste of hops.

Plus, Michigan is the third largest apple producer in the US and the cherry capital of the world, making its fruit ciders a must-try.

This variety of drinking experiences means that there's always something delicious on tap.

One of my favorite spots is Sutton Bay Ciders, which features idyllic leaf-peeping opportunities in autumn, kid-friendly seasonal events, and dog-friendly seating areas that make this a place my whole family can enjoy together.

Downtown Napa is pretty, but it can also be a busy scene. Traverse City offers a slice of small-town Americana that I find much more endearing.

Quirky shops and comfy cafés make me feel like I've stepped into a Hallmark movie, and the pace here feels decidedly more relaxed.

The city's waterfront locale makes it a fun beachy getaway during the summer, and it's just a short drive from other interesting communities like Leland, where visitors can learn about the area's Native American history.

California's national parks are well-known for their beauty, but Pure Michigan offers plenty of outdoor opportunities that often feel overlooked.

In addition to the ample boating, swimming, and other lake life options found in Traverse City, the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features miles of towering sand dunes that feel worlds away from the flat plains most associated with the Midwest.

Whether I'm hiking the dunes, sampling local flavors, enjoying a day out on the water, or setting off in search of striking lighthouses (Michigan has over 100), I always enjoy a stress-free and budget-friendly stay in Traverse City.

Washington, DC, is one of my favorite cities on the planet. However, with its many historic sites, museums, and events, it can be packed with visitors no matter what time of year you visit.

For a more peaceful destination with less traffic that also has a rich heritage and spectacular food, head an hour away to Middleburg in Virginia's wine country.

You'll find quiet, tree-lined streets lined with charming shops, galleries, and classy restaurants. At the circa-1728 Red Fox Inn & Tavern, you can eat and sleep where former presidents like John F. Kennedy once were.

I love strolling past historic buildings and visiting spots steeped in American Civil War history, like Mt. Defiance Historic Park.

When it's time for a bite, I suggest visiting King Street Oyster Bar for fresh seafood and The Bistro at Goodstone Inn for farm-to-table dining.

Asheville has gained well-deserved recognition over the last decade for its breweries, artsy vibes, and stunning scenery. It's absolutely worth visiting.

However, if you want the same Blue Ridge charm with more breathing room, I'd recommend heading to Roanoke, Virginia.

This gem has a thriving arts district, an emerging craft-beer scene, and its own showstopping mountain landscapes. You can peruse the exhibits at the Taubman Museum of Art, shop for funky antiques in Grandin Village, and grab brews at Big Lick Brewing.

Whether you're driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking McAfee Knob, you'll find panoramic views similar to the ones people love in Asheville.

I've spent vacations on the Outer Banks for as long as I can remember, and I never grow tired of the pristine coastline and laid-back villages

Although I love the region's popular and family-friendly Nags Head, it can get especially crowded in the summer. If you're looking for a nearby spot that's more secluded, Ocracoke is not to be missed.

Ocracoke is primarily accessible by ferry, so it pairs the same coastal beauty with an off-the-grid vibe. Its beaches feel unspoiled and its seafood joints are rarely overcrowded.

It's great for beach bums, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.

I've biked coastal wooded paths, seen remnants of wrecked pirate ships, and learned about Blackbeard's ties to the island at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. I've also eaten my weight in raw oysters at Ocracoke Oyster Co., but that's another story.

I've spent plenty of time in glitzy Miami. If you love its white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, but can't stand the gridlocked traffic, consider trying a trip to South Walton.

Tucked along the legendary Highway 30A, South Walton is home to several beach communities that each bring their own flair to the table.

In Seaside, you'll find pastel-colored cottages (made famous by "The Truman Show"), along with outdoor concerts, epic sunsets, and beachfront movie nights.

Alys Beach has white-washed Mediterranean buildings and trendy bars. Grayton Beach pairs its "Old Florida" aesthetic with upscale shops and art galleries.

It may not be Miami — nothing can be — but South Walton has many of the elements that attract tourists there with a more relaxed pace.

New York City is world-famous for its art, culture, and food (it has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other US city).

However, if you're ready to escape the crowds and traffic that come with all that, try Hudson. It has NYC coolness but with more fresh air and fewer people.

You get stellar farm-to-table restaurants (like feast & floret and Lil' Deb's Oasis), Brooklyn-esque art galleries, and high-end boutiques with one-of-a-kind designs. If you want to see a live performance, choose between options at the Hudson Opera House and Basilica Hudson.

If you love lounging in Central Park, spend some time at Promenade Hill Park or Greenport Conservation Area for views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River.

One of the best parts of this trip was that our flight costs could be quite low, and we didn't have to spend much time traveling.

This time, I booked a Breeze Airways flight from my home in Orlando to Plattsburgh, New York, which is just south of Quebec, for $135 round trip (or about $68 each way).

From there, we took a car (we paid about $160 to rent one for three days) and drove about 90 minutes into Montréal.

I also could've flown directly from Orlando to Montréal on discount carriers, such as Breeze and Allegiant Air, or a major airline like Air Canada. I've seen one-way flights as low as $80 and round-trip ones under $200.

Either way, travel costs felt like a great deal. I've seen similar flights to Paris cost five times as much, and it would take me at least four hours longer to fly there instead of Montréal.

Despite being just a three-hour flight from Orlando, Montréal's delightful cobblestone streets and European-style buildings felt worlds away from Florida's modern cityscapes and sandy beaches.

Because it's fairly walkable, the city was easy to explore on foot — and its architecture made the experience feel enchanting.

Adding to the charm is the café culture found here, with outdoor bistros serving up everything from decadent French cuisine to casual Canadian classics like poutine.

Plus, Montréal has some excellent bites. It was even dubbed one of the best food cities in the world in Condé Nast Traveller's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards.

We enjoyed shopping at the many local boutiques in town, where our money went further than it would've in Paris. The US dollar goes far in Canada right now — $1 US is worth more than $1.40 in Canada.

This made the many shopping opportunities even more appealing, and it also helped us feel comfortable splurging a bit on a few experiences.

One of our highlights was the soothing hydrotherapy experience at the floating Bota Bota, a historic river ferry that's been converted into an upscale spa.

It might not be on the Seine, but a river cruise along the St. Lawrence River was a great way to see the city.

Although nothing tops floating past the Eiffel Tower, we loved seeing many of Montréal's own unique landmarks, including the tallest observation Ferris wheel in Canada.

In addition to wandering the charming streets on foot and cruising past scenic sights along the river, we had access to the city's extensive Metro transit system.

It has many French influences, and I especially liked its easily identifiable signs that matched the iconic ones seen throughout Paris.

Europe is renowned for its majestic churches, but don't sleep on Montréal's Notre-Dame, which is stunning inside and out.

Featuring striking Gothic Revival-style architecture, the Basilica hosts a nightly light show that uses projection mapping to bring the interior to brilliant life.

Its beauty certainly rivals the Notre-Dame in Paris.

My friends and I spent hours getting lost in the breathtaking Montréal Botanical Garden, located next to the Olympic Stadium that hosted the 1976 Summer Games.

We enjoyed several other local exhibits but still barely scratched the surface of the city's many cultural and artistic offerings.

The Canadian city reminded me of Paris in many ways and I liked that I could visit at a much easier-to-swallow cost.

So, although few things can top a trip to the "City of Light," I'd return to Montréal's charming streets whenever I crave the allure of Europe at a more approachable price point.

Jason Wingate, the CEO of Canadian sales and marketing firm Emerald Ocean, told BI any products that need to be applied to the skin were "categories where buying dupes is just asking for trouble."

He said doing so required careful consideration.

"While the packaging might look similar, what's inside could be untested," Wingate said.

Destiny Chatman, from UK savings app TopCashBack, said people should compare ingredients on off-brand products, and avoid anything with clear disparities from the original product.

"No two products will have identical ingredients; however, if major ingredients are different then you should probably pass," Chatman said.

Ant Robinson, from price-comparison website HalfPricePerfumes, warned anyone looking for dupe fragrances to be aware some can be dangerous.

"The idea of a great fragrance at a fraction of the cost might tempt you, but counterfeit fragrances often contain dangerous — and sometimes, downright disgusting — ingredients," he told BI.

The US Customs and Border Protection has warned that counterfeit makeup and perfume products often contain hazardous ingredients and urged shoppers to focus on reputable retailers and sellers.

"Always make sure that the fragrance you're purchasing is from a legitimate retailer so you know that it isn't fake," Robinson said.

Consumers should also exercise caution when purchasing dupes of luxury-brand bags and purses, Chatman said.

"If it visually looks similar to the original to you, then you should buy it but if there are main differences you can point out, then it's likely to also be visible to others," she said.

She said that sometimes, you can only compare a knock-off to its more expensive product when you try both of them, as, purses or bags cannot be tested in-store like makeup or perfume.

For Wingate, electronics and tech "are the biggest no-go" when considering buying a dupe.

"The safety risks from poor components and bad engineering are serious," he said, adding that he has seen counterfeit chargers catch fire and fake batteries leak. "It's not worth risking your safety to save a few bucks."

Stevie Johnson, managing director of influencer marketing agency Disrupt, told BI that large companies that sell tech products have to meet certain safety standards to avoid potential hazards in their products — and you can't be certain that their dupes are complying with those criteria.

He told BI he'd bought a cheap imitation pair of Airpods, which, except for a slightly poor microphone, he felt worked well, and was worth the saving.

But he said people should be wary of dupes of more expensive tech products, especially those that touch the body.

I grew up in Michigan and visited the delightful German-inspired town of Frankenmuth several times in my youth.

After not visiting in years, I went back last December and found that the city is still very darling with Bavarian-style architecture and a glockenspiel that signals the time regularly.

It snowed during my visit, and the light dusting of white atop seasonal holiday décor greatly enhanced my feelings of being in Europe.

Unfortunately, the area doesn't have mountains, which made it feel a bit less immersive.

Christmas ornaments may have originated in Germany, but Frankenmuth has a lot to offer for those looking to deck their halls this holiday season.

The town's Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is more than 7 acres and calls itself the "World's Largest Christmas Store." It has thousands of items for sale in its endless rows of ornaments and décor.

Northern Georgia is home to the alpine town Helen.

Here, I found a hillier landscape that better evoked feelings of Bavaria. The town's cobblestone streets and beer halls made this an enchanting getaway spot.

Helen's relatively warm year-round weather drew me there in early spring. I enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather that was more appealing than what's found in more northern towns like Frankenmuth at that time.

With daytime highs topping 70 degrees Fahrenheit during my stay, Helen is also much warmer than Munich in April.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from waterfall hikes to tubing.

The area is also home to many wineries, which made it a great option for my annual girls' trip.

Breathtaking mountain scenery — check.

Charming Bavarian-inspired buildings — check.

German eateries slinging up hefty liters of beers — check.

When it comes to enjoying authentic year-round Oktoberfest vibes in the US, there's nowhere that beats the charm and European-style beauty of Leavenworth.

Set in the Cascade Mountains, the town offers a rugged landscape just begging to be explored.

I visited in summer, when hiking and careening along the town's alpine coaster was on the agenda — but the region also offers great skiing in the winter.

Even though Leavenworth is technically smaller than Helen and Frankenmuth by square miles, it felt the largest to me because of its many offerings.

Plus, the heart of the downtown area is free from vehicle traffic, making it very walkable.

I fell in love with this adorable town as I walked its pedestrian-friendly streets, passing a statue of a lederhosen-clad bear and restaurants filled with cheerful accordion music.

I really feel like Leavenworth transported me back to my past visits to Bavaria.

My husband and I enjoyed skipping between beer gardens and munching on giant pretzels — just like we did on our honeymoon in Munich.