(This article by Louisiana-based writer Kathie Rowell originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Pack your bags. The U.S. Travel Foundation forecasts an increase in travel spending, full flights, and crowds at popular travel destinations this year as more people indulge in the wanderlust curtailed in recent years. This might be the year to venture to off-the-beaten-path destinations, where you’ll have more time for fun — and often need less money to pay for it.

Maj. Charles Libro, USAF, stationed in Louisiana, and his family enjoy hidden gems no matter the travel climate.

“You have to ask yourself if you want to see things or immerse in the culture of where you find your feet,” Libro said. “Around the popular tourist areas, you find a culture modified to acquiesce to that generalized foreign visitor, and you find that also changes the cultural exposure. Getting out into the country or smaller towns shows a visitor a deeper cultural connection.”

Libro describes himself as an extensive vacation researcher: “I find I can relax on the trip if I have 70% of a plan — all the time as a scheduler for the B-52 has left an imprint on me — but we leave a meal and an activity a day free to local inspiration.”

His favorite planning tools are recommendations from friends, local social media, and websites.

Capt. Allen Vaught, USA (Ret), says his family also enjoys less popular attractions, but he’s careful to research before setting out.

“If it’s something I’ve got to go out of my way to see, I want to know, as a person who’s driving with kids, that this is absolutely worth it.”

Check the destinations below to discover some of the hidden gems throughout the U.S. and travel resources to help you plan. Check destination websites before traveling for hours and admission requirements, weather impacts, and veteran and military discounts.