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Summer has officially started, but this year, travelers have the luxury of planning last-minute and still getting great deals. While visiting Europe and far-flung destinations continues to cast a spell, many members have discovered that some of the best-loved summer spots are located within our borders, and in some cases, in their own backyards. In times of serious change and upheaval, it can be especially wonderful to return to the classics, whether you’re visiting for the first or tenth time. Member Liz Lange wrote after taking her family on an adventure in Wyoming and Montana: “My sister and I realized that we had not seen many of the great sights in the United States, so we built a trip around places out West…now we’re even considering making this an annual tradition.”

The only trick to seeing iconic places, especially if you’re traveling there for the first time, is to map out a journey that makes you feel like a plugged-in local. That’s where our in-depth destination reports and advisory department can help. The reports for each of our favorite classic U.S. summer destinations— Martha’s Vineyard, Vermont, Santa Barbara, Jackson Hole, Aspen —are loaded with insider tips and recommendations. For advice or to learn about special trips or preferred rates at hotels in each destination, contact our booking department by calling 212-988-2611 or by sending an inquiry.

Here are Five Iconic U.S. Summer Places, plus special discoveries in each.

• Martha’s Vineyard, including the best place for viewing the sunset while nibbling on homemade crab cakes

• Jackson Hole, including the area’s best nature guide who makes Grand Teton National Park come alive for kids

• Vermont, including the state’s most family-friendly retreat (hint: it’s a working farm)

• Santa Barbara, including a romantic restaurant where diners sit in a garden with ocean views

• Aspen, including what to look for at this year’s summer festivals

Coming in our next blast: Five Last-minute Summer Escapes in Europe