Future tense

Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Vacationers who are looking for some extra nightlife and activities should visit Fort Myers Beach. In this small town on Estero Island, travelers will find plenty of beach spaces. Head inland to check out interesting attractions like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the former seasonal homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The adjacent properties feature the Edison laboratory and 20 acres of gardens, among other amenities. Additional can't-miss sights include the IMAG History & Science Center and Manatee Park, where you can learn about these endangered gentle giants.

Sanibel Island, Florida
For a nature-filled getaway, look no further than Sanibel Island. Considered one of Florida's best beach destinations, this island off of the coast of Fort Myers provides countless opportunities to go shelling at Bowman's Beach and fishing at Lighthouse Beach Park, which features a 138-year-old lighthouse. Plus, Sanibel boasts 25 miles of bike trails and paths alongside buildings that aren't allowed to stand any taller than the surrounding palm trees, in order to protect the natural environment. At J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, look for wildlife like manatees, sea turtles and alligators during a 90-minute educational tram tour. When hunger strikes, sit down for fresh seafood and craft cocktails at Cielo Restaurant, a local fine dining spot.

Explore cities, lakes, theme parks and more in America's heartland.
Whether you're looking for an extended vacation or a Midwest weekend getaway, America's heartland offers something for everyone in the family. With its vast stretches of picturesque landscapes – from the Great Plains of North Dakota to the rivers, shoreline and islands of Michigan and Ohio – the Midwest boasts an American charm all its own. This area of the country is filled with quaint towns, national parks, historic sites and vibrant cities offering cultural attractions and culinary options for the whole family.

If you're ready to hit the road on a cross-country adventure or want to stay closer to home for a family weekend away, this list will help you plan your next vacation to explore the natural beauty of the countryside or action-packed urban landscapes at one of these top Midwest getaways.

Petra, Jordan
Petra's beauty is so captivating that it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Jordan's spellbinding landscape is made up of ancient caves that were carved into the mountains by the Nabataean Arabs. The stonework is so intricate that facades resemble actual buildings, even though the realistic architecture dates back to the first century A.D.

Flam, Norway
Flam, Norway, is a popular cruise port among the Norwegian fjords, known for its staggering cliffs, calm waters and hilltops flanked with quaint Norwegian villages. Flam is a great destination to enjoy Norwegian scenery whether you choose to hop on a train through the wilderness or begin a hike into the mountains and valleys nearby.

Lalibela: Ethiopia
Nearly 200,000 worshippers attend Christmas Eve services at Lalibela's 11 medieval rock churches, the spiritual center of Ethiopian Orthodoxy. Historians say King Lalibela built these extraordinary underground temples spanning both sides of the River Jordan in the 12th century to offer Coptic Christian pilgrims a safe place of worship. Each column, window, door and drainage gutter was hand-chiseled into enormous monoliths excavated more than 30 feet below ground. Book a guide and flight from Addis Ababa and plan two days to fully experience their splendor before controversy over UNESCO-funded preservation projects disrupts this holy site.