Travel Writer Shares Top States to Visit and Avoid

After visiting 29 states, the author highlights her favorite destinations and those she won't be returning to anytime soon.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After visiting 29 states last year, a travel writer shares her insights on the destinations she can't wait to revisit and those she's content with seeing just once. Michigan, Vermont, and South Dakota are highlighted as standout states, while West Virginia and Idaho are described as beautiful but not necessarily needing a return trip.

Why it matters

This article provides valuable travel recommendations from an experienced traveler, helping readers plan their own trips and make the most of their time and resources. It also sheds light on some underrated and overlooked states that may deserve more attention from tourists.

The details

The author particularly enjoyed her time in Michigan, praising the state's beaches, wineries, and overall affordability compared to other coastal destinations. Vermont's charming small towns and dairy scene also left a lasting impression. In South Dakota, the writer was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of activities beyond Mount Rushmore, including Custer State Park and the Badlands. On the other hand, while West Virginia's natural beauty was impressive, the author felt the state lacked sufficient tourist attractions outside of hiking and camping. Similarly, Idaho's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Basque culture in Boise were unique, but the writer plans to focus more on neighboring Montana and Wyoming in future trips.

  • The author visited 29 states last year.
  • The author plans to return to Michigan, Vermont, and South Dakota in the future.

The players

Emily Pogue

A travel writer who visited 29 states last year and is sharing her insights on the destinations she enjoyed the most and those she won't be returning to anytime soon.

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What they’re saying

“Whenever we had a spare moment during our month in Michigan, we were outside.”

— Emily Pogue (dnyuz.com)

“I firmly believe that Vermont has some of the most picturesque small towns in the US. And although each one has its special charms, Stowe really stands out to me.”

— Emily Pogue (dnyuz.com)

“Seeing massive carvings of former presidents is impressive, but there's so much more to South Dakota than Mount Rushmore.”

— Emily Pogue (dnyuz.com)

The takeaway

This article highlights the value of exploring beyond the most well-known tourist destinations, as some of the author's most memorable experiences came from visiting lesser-known but equally captivating states. It serves as a reminder to keep an open mind and be willing to venture off the beaten path when planning future travels.