9 Places in the US That Feel Like Another Country

Who says you need to leave the country to travel abroad?

Americans are spoiled when it comes to travel thanks to a few factors. One, our country is large enough that we can enjoy varied outdoor adventures—from subtropical beaches to snow-capped mountains to great, rolling plains. Second, we’re a veritable melting pot of cultures, and each has left its stamp.

While we tend to focus on natural wonders when it comes to travel, there are other ways that we can immerse ourselves in exotic new worlds.

In fact, you might not even need to go far to feel like you’re in another country. Thanks to established groups of immigrants from around the world, our nation is dotted with neighborhoods, landmarks, and parks that will make you feel like you’re stepping off an airplane in an unknown destination.

Ready to travel—without your passport? Head to these nine places that feel like another country.

At a glance: places in the US that feel like another country but aren’t

China: San Francisco, California
Japan: Oahu, Hawaii
India: Fremont, California
Germany: Leavenworth, Washington
Netherlands: Holland, Michigan
Denmark: Solvang, California
Spain: St. Augustine, Florida
Iceland: Washington Island, Washington
Bahamas: Bahia Honda Key, Florida
Haiti & Cuba: Miami, Florida

9 places in the US that feel like another country but aren’t

China: San Francisco, California

Chinatown. San Francisco. California, USA (Getty)

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinese settlement in North America. Established back in the 1850s by laborers immigrating from the Sichuan province, this vibrant and authentic neighborhood still honors its roots.

From the language to the culinary tastes to the temples lining the streets, you’ll feel like your journey past the Dragon Gate takes you straight to southeast China.

Japan: Oahu, Hawaii

Japanese Buddhist Byodo-in Temple (Getty)

Famous Japanese gardens dot the United States, from Seattle’s Japanese Garden to Miami’s Morikami Japanese Gardens. But Oahu’s Byodo-In Temple looks like something straight out of a Japanese tourism brochure.

The gorgeous temple is a replica of a famous shrine from Uji, which dates back 900 years. Surrounded by jutting Ko’olau Mountains, it’s also one of Hawaii’s most stunning landmarks—one that usually flies under the radar for visitors.

India: Fremont, California

As a former student of Global Studies with an emphasis on religion, I’ve had Amritsar’s Golden Temple on my bucket list for a while. It’s a holy site for Sikhs but also stands as an architectural feast that’s layered with gold leaf.

In Fremont, California, you can visit the local Sikh Gurdwara, which serves the greater Sikh community in the area. I’d recommend stopping by for a meal; the temple’s kitchen serves free food throughout the day. You can also visit at night to enjoy the devotional songs.

Just remember: all are welcome, but this is a holy place, so cover up and don’t shout.

Germany: Leavenworth, Washington

leavenworth,Washington,usa.-02/14/16: beautiful leavenworth with lighting decoration in winter.

Leavenworth, Washington needs no introduction for many travelers. But just in case you haven’t heard, this small town that sits nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range had a great idea back in the 1960s.

To boost commerce and tourism, its main drag would be designed in a Bavarian village style. Coupled with the cold winter weather, you’ll feel like you’re traipsing through southern Germany.

Netherlands: Holland, Michigan

An authentic wooden windmill from the Netherlands in Holland, Michigan (Getty)

Back in 1847, Dutch colonists settled the area and established a town—which was dubbed Holland. The majority of locals descend from these immigrants. In fact, the town’s official website reads ‘Welkom’, which is Dutch for welcome.

You can book Dutch experiences, from shoe-making to visits to tulip farms just outside town. There’s even a miniature village replica of the Motherland, known as Nelis’ Dutch Village.

Denmark: Solvang, California

Solvang, California, United States, North America (Getty)

Dubbed the ‘Danish Capital of America’, Danish immigrants flooded this city in the early 1900s. (Apparently, they were fleeing Midwestern winters.) In the late 1940s, Solvang decided to invest in Danish-style architecture in celebration of its heritage.

The pursuit continues today even if most locals aren’t of Danish descent. In fact, Solvang is pretty famous for Danish travelers. In 2011, Prince Henrik even visited.

Spain: St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, USA town square (Getty)

St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement still occupied in the United States, having been settled back in 1565 by Spanish colonists. Those Spanish colonial roots run deep.

In many parts of St. Augustine, you’ll feel like you’re wandering through Andalucia or Castile. Part of the reason so much architecture and Spanish influence remains is thanks to St. Augustine’s late cession; it wasn’t forfeited by Spain to the US until 1819.

Iceland: Washington Island, Wisconsin

Yet another Nordic settlement is waiting to transport you across the Atlantic. This one is the most remote on the list. Washington Island is part of Wisconsin’s rugged Back Door Country—and it might spook the unsuspecting.

That’s because Icelandic (and other Scandi) immigrants left their imprint through angular, dark-wood churches and other structures. The grandest is a Stave Church (or Stavkirke), which is a type of wooden church that was common throughout Scandinavia in the Middle Ages.

Bahamas: Bahia Honda Key, Florida

Bahia Honda Key hides between the Spanish Harbor Key and the Ohio Key. What makes it stand out is that it’s virtually uninhabited. For a brief second, you’ll feel that you’re transported outside of Florida to one of the Caribbean’s more tried-and-true tropical hotspots, like the Bahamas.

Haiti & Cuba: Miami, Florida

Little Havana Street, SW 8th Street, focal point of the cuban community in Miami (Getty)

The US is dotted with Chinatowns—and I’d argue almost every city has its own Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, too. But in Miami, you get the distinction between Haiti and Cuba.

Haitians speak Haitian Creole (a blend of French, Taino, and West African dialects), while Cubans speak Spanish. In Miami, you can take a jaunt through Little Haiti and Little Cuba for a crash course in both identities, which is best felt in the music, tasted in the food, and experienced with locals.

6 Top Destinations in Australia & New Zealand for Solo Travel

Though the journey takes many, many hours, the destination is worth it for Americans heading Down Under.

When I landed on the east coast of Australia, I was gearing up for a semester of schoolwork. Based in Byron Bay, me and my classmates took a close look at Indigenous rights, government policies, ecological restoration projects, and alternative social structures like communes. (Ever heard of Nimbin? What about the film BabaKiueria?)

I won’t bore anyone with my cultural studies and conclusions—but I’d like to encourage any Americans desperate for a wild adventure to consider a trip to Australia or New Zealand. Though I didn’t make it over to New Zealand, many of my classmates did, returning with rave reviews.

Thanks to cultural similarities between the US, Australia, and New Zealand, you’ll be able to rely on your native tongue to get around, make friends, and maybe even stay longer than you originally thought.

If you’re a solo traveler with dreams of going far, consider planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Though the flights are expensive, both countries have well-trodden backpacker and casual traveler routes. You’ll be able to make friends while chasing the sunset across a continent.

Australia vs. New Zealand—how are they different?

I’m painting with a broad stroke with this article. Though Australia and New Zealand are very similar (I’d liken the relationship to the US and Canada), they’re still very distinct. Aside from sharing a colonial history and the English language, you’ll quickly find that they have different sensibilities and outlooks.

The main differences that travelers should be aware of relate to natural wonders, transportation, cultural experiences, and big-city sensibilities. Generally speaking, New Zealand is smaller and more laidback, while Australia is much vaster and has six times the population.

Here’s a very short crash course on the main differences between the two:

Australia is home to more iconic natural wonders, including the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru
Australia has more large cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth
New Zealand has a strong Indigenous Maori presence
New Zealand is much easier to explore because of its compact size; moving from the North Island to the South Island is easy

At a glance: best cities in Australia and New Zealand for solo travel

Most social destination: Byron Bay, Australia
Big city vibes: Melbourne, Australia
Best beach destination: Yamba, Australia
Best cultural experiences: Auckland, New Zealand
Remote escape: Cairns, Australia
Unexpected wonders: Queenstown, New Zealand

Top 6 cities in Australia and New Zealand for solo travel

When I spent the semester living in Byron Bay, Australia, it was a sleepy surfer town. Though new developments were popping up in the main drag, the city was still an enclave of beach bums with an interest in holistic health.

See: hippies. When I visited, hitchhiking was still the norm. And don’t forget about backpackers—the area is dotted with affordable hostels and eateries.

Though Byron Bay is a lot more developed now, its identity is still laidback and its hostels are still a great place to make friends. If you’re going to head out on your own in Australia, Byron Bay is a fantastic place to have a few fun nights, establish some ties, and get recommendations on where to go next. In fact, you’ll probably have to turn down invitations to hang out.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Byron Bay.

Big city vibes: Melbourne, Australia

Brighton bathing boxes and Melbourne skyline (Getty)

My first impression of Melbourne was that it looked like a flat San Francisco. The city was foggy and cold—a far cry from the pleasant climate in Byron Bay. Though I wasn’t a big fan of the fog, I was happy to be back in a bustling city.

Melbourne has a vibrant cultural scene that’s great for young adults; from its cafes to its bars, there’s a very indie scene. Part of the magic in Melbourne is its diversity. It’s the first place that many immigrants and refugees stop upon arrival, and they’ve left their mark for the better.

Best of all, Melbourne was one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been, which bodes well for solo travelers who are looking to make connections.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Melbourne.

Best beach destination: Yamba, Australia

Byron Bay and Melbourne are located on Australia’s East Coast, which is the easiest and most accessible tourist track in the country. Between the two you can find this sleepy coastal town, Yamba.

I’ve seen it billed as Byron Bay thirty years in the past—so if you want quiet beach vibes, look no further.

The waters around Yamba are breathtakingly clear, letting you enjoy days or weeks on the beach. You can even spot dolphins from the shore. But you’ll also be surrounded by other outdoorsy opportunities, from Bundjalung National Park to the Yamba River.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Yamba.

Best overall experiences: Auckland, New Zealand

I might have billed Melbourne as the top cultural destination for solo travelers—but I think Auckland sneaks ahead when it comes to its list of things to do.

In the city, you can sample some of the country’s best restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, bars and nightclubs, and more. When you’ve had your fill of urban adventures, you can slink away into nature—unlike in Melbourne.

From Waitemata Harbour, you can take ferries to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island. From hiking to kayaking to lounging on the beach, you can pass the time in the great outdoors. Or if hiking is your thing, head to Mount Eden or up Lion Rock.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Auckland.

Remote escape: Cairns, Australia

Cairns is located in Queensland, Australia—north of Byron Bay and close to Papua New Guinea. You might already know it as the top spot to land if you’re scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef; it’s also close to the Daintree Rainforest.

If more remote locations are on your radar, Cairns is the perfect place to serve as a home base. Along with the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, you can forge out into the wild to places like Kuranda, a mountain village, Port Douglas, a coastal vacation town, and the Barron River, which is popular for white water rafting.

Green Island, visible from the city center, is another popular stop.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Cairns.

Unexpected wonders: Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. If you want a more unexpected look at the world Down Under, you’ll have plenty of ways to explore the mountains, rivers, and more in rugged style

As soon as you touch down in the city, visitors are met with views of nearby mountains—simply known as The Remarkables.

The best time to visit Queenstown is during winter, which is actually summertime in the Northern Hemisphere. You can enjoy the best slopes on the continent during this time. Or if you’re more interested in bungy jumping, white water rafting, and paragliding, you might want to schedule a visit during the warmer months.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Queenstown.

According to NTSB Data, Plane Crashes Aren’t Actually Up in 2025

I first heard about the Delta flight flipping over on the Toronto runway on February 17, 2025, while on my way to the airport.

And I first saw the footage shortly after taking my seat on a Delta flight for service between Saint Louis, Missouri, and Atlanta. To make the poor timing worse, it was a snowy morning.

To put it lightly, it was not my favorite airplane moment. I put my phone in airplane mode, tightened my seatbelt, pretended to read a celebrity gossip magazine, and waited for take off.

My short flight was without incident. Still, I couldn’t help but replay the video of the overturned Delta flight in my head.

The non-fatal incident of one of three highly reported plane incidents in January and February 2025. In quick succession, a commercial jet collided with a military helicopter in DC, followed by a medical transport plane that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia… and a fatal crash in Alaska in early February.

And that’s not counting other smaller incidents.

Here’s the catch about all that bad aviation press: according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents, January and February 2025 weren’t one for the books.

In fact, the number of crashes and incidents was par for the course.

Tracking plane accidents

The NTSB reports on all plane crashes in the United States, along with other incidents like bridge failures, ship and marine accidents, and even pipeline incidents. The purpose of the NTSB is to report and investigate all crashes with the goal of making transportation safer by improving regulations and practices.

From the outside looking in, you’d probably think it’s been a crazy year for the NTSB.

In reality, the number of air accidents is still down in 2025 from previous years. In fact, the NTSB reported 52 air accidents in January 2025, which was down from the numbers reported in 2024 (58 air accidents) and 2023 (70 air accidents).

But I’d hate to be obtuse about the accidents that have occurred so far in 2025. Though the number of incidents is down statistically, this year’s plane crashes have been high-profile due to the severity of the crashes. Though fewer, they’ve been more deadly.

How has 2025 been different?

Let’s recap: though the NTSB isn’t fielding a significantly higher number of plane incidents (in fact, numbers are down from previous years), the crashes that have occurred so far in 2025 have been severe.

The DC plane crash killed 67 passengers and staff, which makes it the most fatal crash since 2009.

That being said, I think there’s a third factor to consider here. Recent layoffs at the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) have led to a spade of news stories covering the potential consequences of tightening the belt of an organization responsible for air traffic controls and air traffic safety. Others have raised concerns over the functionality of air traffic control technology.

Amid mass layoffs, most major news sources are covering this year’s spade of fatal incidents from a political angle.

But who wants to worry about politics when it’s (finally) time for a vacation?

Should travelers be worried?

According to MIT Sloan School of Management’s professor of statistics, Arnold Barnett, the chances of dying on a flight are about one in 100 million for American flyers. Plane travel remains safer than car travel and train travel, too.

If you have travel plans to fly in the coming months, board your plane knowing that flying is still statistically safer than it has ever been in the past.

Rocky Mountain Oysters: Top 5 Restaurants That Serve the Dish

Cowboy caviar, prairie oysters, swinging beef—there are many names for Rocky Mountain oysters.

And we all know the core ingredient of this American specialty: bull testicles.

Given the cheeky name, I always assumed Rocky Mountain oysters were the brainchild of some Boulder or Denver-born cattle magnate. In reality, this fried specialty is found anywhere that still practices the art of animal husbandry, including in Canada and Mexico.

Bull testicles aren’t harvested for culinary purposes; they’re a by-product of standard castration practices in cattle-raising communities. Ranchers castrate most young bull calves because it improves the quality of meat and marbling while also making the animals more manageable.

Lesser testosterone = better taste, better attitude. Plus, it’s birth control—no one wants an inbred cow.

Here’s my point: even if you feel weird about eating testicles, Rocky Mountain oysters are all about that adage of not wasting any part of the animal. Plus, they’re fried, served with condiments, and are eaten more often than we might think. (In Spain, this dish is called huevos de toro or ‘bull’s eggs’, with eggs used as slang for testicles.)

Having fun yet?

In case I haven’t turned you off Rocky Mountain oysters, you can find them in these restaurants in major cities around the United States. Turns out, my Colorado associations weren’t entirely inaccurate.

Where to eat Rocky Mountain oysters in the US

Below, I’m listing out restaurants and pubs where you can order this dish any time of year. But keep in mind that many states have well-established festivals for fans of cowboy caviar, such as the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry in Virginia City, Nevada.

Denver, CO: Buckhorn Exchange & Stockyard Saloon

Buckhorn Exchange is Colorado’s oldest restaurant. Since 1893, it has served up beef, elk, buffalo, and more. With walls decked out in taxidermized animals, it should come as no shock that they specialize in all cuts of meat—including Rocky Mountain oysters. In fact, they’re the first offer on the appetizer menu.

But Buckhorn Exchange isn’t the only purveyor in Denver. You can also head to the casual, line-dance-happy Stockyard Saloon. Rocky Mountain oysters are served as a deep-fried appetizer that goes down well with a cold beer.

Boulder, CO: Dark Horse

This Boulder staple is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Dark Horse serves up Rocky Mountain oysters like many other Colorado establishments, and it’s renowned for selling some of the US’s tastiest and freshest swinging beef out there. Aficionados, start here!

Estes Park, CO: Wapiti Colorado Pub

Heading to Estes Park for an outdoor adventure? Regardless of the season, one reason that families and travelers return to Estes Park is for its family-friendly atmosphere and number of traditional American eateries.

At Wapiti Colorado Pub, you’re treated to a rushing river view and indie culinary feats, from microbrews to exotic game meats. The latter should clue you into one of the pub’s specialties: Rocky Mountain oysters.

Cody, WY: Proud Cut Saloon

Similar to Estes Park, Cody, Wyoming, is a top pick for outdoor adventurers. And the Proud Cut Saloon should be high on your list of eateries—even if you don’t want anything to do with Rocky Mountain oysters.

This classic bar takes you back to the days of the Wild West, letting you sample a range of frontier dishes. Along with Rocky Mountain oysters, I suggest sampling the cheese curds and the bison burger.

Fort Worth, TX: Riscky’s Steakhouse

Riscky’s Steakhouse is the brainchild of a family-run barbecue dynasty (Riscky’s Barbecue). The brand’s access to fresh meats means one thing: you can expect fresh and delicious Rocky Mountain oysters.

Just be warned that they’re known as calf fries at Riscky’s, which is what the dish is commonly called throughout the Lone Star State. It’s also their most recommended dish.

The 5 Dirtiest Spots in Your Hotel Room & Private Rental

I’m sure you’ve heard: don’t touch the duvets in a hotel room—they’re rarely ever washed.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to germs in high-traffic tourist spots. Hotels tend to take the brunt of criticism because room cleaning isn’t optimized. Maids are often responsible for covering many rooms per day (usually while being paid subpar rates for their labor).

But even Airbnb rentals and other private options often come up short.

Just think about previous renters who might be responsible for handling certain cleaning duties before checking out. After all, if qualified hotel staff are cutting corners, do you really think Ken from South Carolina is going to go above and beyond to disinfect his Airbnb? (He’s not.)

Unfortunately, it’s easy for germs to spread when cleaning duties are shirked. There’s a big difference between dusting off a shelf and disinfecting a bathroom, after all.

If you’re a germophobe, you might want to bring a packet of disinfecting wipes to target the dirtiest spots before settling into your new temporary abode. Here’s my advice on which areas you need to focus on, regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel or a private rental.

The dirtiest spots in your hotel room & private rental

Light switches, remotes, controllers, and keys

Here’s my sage advice when cleaning the dirtiest spots in any place: follow the fingers. You should be focused on those small spots that we touch most often but are usually overlooked when we bust out the Mister Clean.

Remotes and video game controllers are rarely cleaned, along with light switches, toilet flush handles, and even keys. Wiping these areas down (with a disinfecting agent) immediately protects you from whatever germs the last tenant left lying around.

Coffee-makers & kettles

Coffee-makers and kettles are also high-use but rarely cleaned objects that are common to most hotel rooms and rentals. They’re dangerous breeding grounds for bacteria because they have so many warm, damp, and enclosed spots.

I highly recommend thoroughly cleaning either before using. While you might be able to spot mold or bacteria inside a kettle more easily, a coffee maker has more moving parts that you need to be mindful of when cleaning.

The couch

I have never once washed my own couch. The cushions—yes. The pillows—absolutely. But the armrests… how does someone even wash a couch’s armrest?

I’m a very tidy person, so if I can’t figure out how to clean the couch at my own apartment, I’m convinced no one has even tried at the average hotel or rental. And while I wash my blankets at home, I doubt the blankets at most rentals are tossed into the washing machine often.

Unfortunately, there’s no simple way to clean armrests. Just be mindful not to eat off of them like a plate. (I know, you were probably tempted!)

Everything near the toilet—including toilet paper

To put it poetically, every flush of the toilet is like detonating an atomic bomb of germs. And fecal matter, too. Even if you close the toilet seat before flushing (like an angel), that doesn’t mean the previous tenants did so.

If you’re a germophobe, wipe down everything close to the toilet—including the flush handle. If the toilet paper hasn’t been resupplied, I’d leave it aside and start with a fresh roll.

The dishwasher & washing machine

Most private rentals offer dishwashers and washing machines—but these are also breeding grounds for bacteria and mold when not washed correctly, like kettles. Usually, this can be remedied by a self-wash setting, which most new dishwashers and washing machines have.

If not, you have a few options. I’d recommend washing dishes by hand. In terms of a washing machine, you can run a hot-water load with vinegar or baking soda solution to keep your clothes extra-fresh while minimizing any unpleasant odors.

But that’s quite a bit of work for someone on vacation—so the easier solution would be to find a laundromat nearby.

Stopover in Istanbul: How to Explore the City for Free

Stopover programs are one of the best-kept secrets in travel.

Stopover programs are offered to travelers with long layovers, usually by a tourism authority, airline, or partnership between them. As of early 2025, you can find stopover programs in Iceland, Qatar, and even Madrid, Spain, that let you explore hotspots with hefty discounts.

The goal is to get passengers out of airports and onward to popular sites while they wait for their connection.

But not all stopover programs are created equal. The main catch is that you’re offered discounts around a city… but that doesn’t include free experiences.

That’s not the case with Turkish Airlines. Their Stopover in Istanbul program includes a free hotel stay and shuttle that takes you straight into the heart of an endlessly fascinating capital. Again, for free.

Here’s how to take part.

(This article does not discuss the Touristanbul stopover program. The offer listed here is only from Turkish Airlines. Also, this isn’t a paid ad. I really think this stopover offer is a steal.)

What’s included in the Stopover in Istanbul program?

The Stopover in Istanbul program was created by Turkish Airlines in 2017. The offer includes free hotel accommodation via their partners around the city. Economy passengers earn a free one-night stay at a four-star hotel, while business class members can request a stay at a five-star hotel.

Here’s how it goes. Passengers who have a connection at Istanbul Airport with round-trip tickets from Turkish Airlines can apply for the stopover program by sending in their flight dates and preferred accommodation type.

Using this hotel as a base, they can explore the city. While Turkish Airlines doesn’t offer any free experiences, the hotel stay doesn’t cost a dime.

Who would enjoy the program?

I’ve combed through reviews of the Stopover in Istanbul program to try to gauge what types of travelers have enjoyed the experience.

Overwhelmingly, it looks like fans of history and culture have seized the opportunity to explore Istanbul for a day. As an ancient city, you won’t be short on stunning museums and religious-historical sites.

That being said, it’s also a hit for shoppers and curio-lovers. Let’s not forget that Istanbul specializes in Turkish rugs and carpets, which are highly sought-after. Ceramics, tiles, lamps, and lanterns are also some of the most high-quality products in the world.

Istanbul is also renowned as a foodie hotspot. Its coffee culture is unparalleled—and tea, too. On top of coffee and tea, you can expect delicious treats at every turn, from Turkish Delights to top-notch olive oils.

For this reason, I suggest booking that stopover program on your return flight. Just make sure you leave plenty of space in your bags.

How can travelers take part in Stopover in Istanbul?

Here’s the important part: to take part in the Stopover in Istanbul program, you need to reach out to let the airline know that you want to take advantage of the free hotel room at least 72 hours before your flight. Americans should email ‘freehotelusa@thy.com’ to connect with a customer service agent.

On top of that, you need to make sure your layover is at least 20 hours. (There’s more fine print here, but it looks pretty reasonable.)

From there, you need to send over your flight details, dates, and preferred type of lodging. Realistically, I imagine that most travelers will have purposefully targeted a flight with that insane 20-hour-plus layover. If that’s the case, book that hotel room as soon as possible.

And keep in mind that Americans need a visa to enter Turkey. It’s an easy process that can be done online.