Travel

While cold, snowy weather is not unusual for the upper Midwest, this week’s weather might be testing the patience of even the most devout fans of winter. At the very least, it might have you thinking about at least a brief getaway.

Whether traveling was a New Year’s resolution for you, or you have a longtime bucket list in your mind, contributor Andrea Khan, chief travel officer for The Family Backpack, has some suggestions for travel in our figurative backyard:

Editor's note: This piece was originally published on March 6, 2018.

When we say the word “vacation,” most Americans probably picture a white sand beach in Florida or perhaps an amusement park adventure with your family. However, guidebook author and PBS TV host Rick Steves urges you to use travel as an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone.

Lake Effect has recently featured segments about the latest hobby and family games and books you could consider for your holiday gift list. But if the people on your list prefer to be out and about, we've got you covered there too.

For a lot of people, traveling is a consistent life goal - whether it’s about adventure during their vacations from work, or working towards a retirement filled with travel. But in the case of the former, travel can be a challenge when you’re limited to only two or three weeks of vacation a year.

"Two weeks of vacation is not enough time - especially to stay in one country and really get the opportunity to soak in the culture," says Ann Davis, founder of Venture with Impact.

The July 4th holiday weekend is often labeled as “one of the busiest travel weekends” of the year. If your travel plans involve leaving Milwaukee by air, you might have noticed it’s a little harder to get from here to there than it once was.

You might have big plans for the long, holiday weekend, or maybe you're just looking forward to a few lazy days around the house, with a barbecue or beach trip on the agenda. But for the more ambitious, outdoorsy traveler, we've compiled a list of the top three destinations for a weekend getaway. 

"My rule for this is 10 hours or less," says Stacy Tornio. She's the author of several books about nature and outdoor adventures for kids. 

1. Niagra Falls

Author Cari Taylor-Carlson really knows the meaning of “faking it till’ you make it.” The former suburban housewife turned wilderness guide, spent a lot of time smiling through the fear as she started her outdoor touring business, Venture West.

There are a lot of places to visit in Florida besides Disney World and Miami Beach. Try the Everglades, Cape Canaveral, Sanibel Island or the Keys. But there’s also a place way up north you might not be familiar with – Saint George Island in Appalachicola Bay.

"The panhandle of Florida is special – it has the feel of the old south the way the rest of Florida simply doesn’t have any more," says Traveler's Roundtable contributor and Drive magazine editor Rob Bundy.