I visited the 'Hawaii of the Atlantic,' an island chain only 5 hours from Boston. It felt like an unspoiled paradise.

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The Azores in Portugal
The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic.

Leonsbox/Getty Images

I skip the Hamptons and head to a coastal town in Connecticut instead. It's less crowded and wonderful year-round.

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A brick-lined street in Madison, Connecticut with a parked Vespa near a large tree with a license plate that reads
I traded my weekends in the Hamptons for some great times in Madison, Connecticut.

Allison Tibaldi

As a Nevada local, I always tell people to skip Las Vegas — these 3 destinations are so much better

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Aerial view of clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe
Nevada offers more than just casinos. For example, it's home to the incredible Lake Tahoe.

Jenna DeLaurentis

I didn't love Mexico City as much as I thought I would. Luckily, I found a smaller, more charming spot nearby.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
author Jenna DeLaurentis smiling in Querétaro
I'm glad I took the chance to visit Querétaro.

Jenna DeLaurentis

My family's favorite vacation spot is a gorgeous strip of beach towns on Mexico's coast. It has something for everyone.

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Author Lauren Qunn smiling in selfie with man on beach
San Agustinillo is one of many beautiful spots on the Oaxacan Coast that we've loved exploring.

Lauren Quinn

I love visiting the 'Venice of America' in Florida. The city is great — just be sure to adjust your expectations.

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Fort Lauderdale Water Taxis crossing on the Intracoastal waterway
Though Fort Lauderdale has been called "Venice of America," I wouldn't call it a dupe for the Italian city. Still, it's worth visiting.

Geoff Eccles/Getty Images

As a Texas local, I skip the crowds in Austin and head west to a charming nearby city with incredible wineries

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Blue bonnets and poppies in field with lots of green trees near Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas, and its surrounding areas have some incredible scenery and wineries.

Malachi Jacobs/Shutterstock

My favorite stop on Italy's Amalfi Coast felt like a hidden gem — plus, it was less crowded than spots like Positano

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Author Melanie Gordon smiling at Case Colorate in Vietri Sul Mare
Case Colorate in Vietri Sul Mare

Melanie Gordon

I dreamed of a European vacation — but driving to Canada's Quebec City helped me scratch that itch on a budget

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Plaza in Quebec with statue
plaza

David Perry

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