When I travel these days, I often pack a lot of activity in what is typically a short period of time. I see and do a great deal without always taking time to step back and savor those unique cultural experiences (i.e., the stuff they don’t really tell you about in a guidebook!). So, in no particular order, here are the five places I’d like to live like a local, by way of going the slow travel vacation rental property route, rather than the traditional in-and-out hotel route.

If you’re visiting Dallas for the first time, be prepared for sheer size. There’s a lot of ground to cover — hey, it’s Texas, after all — but with a little planning you can experience the best of the city in just a few days.

There are more than 700 stunning islands in the Caribbean, and during wintertime, it’s the go-to destination for those living in cold climate cities. The best time to visit the Caribbean is from December to April, although the islands are still welcoming year-round, but beware of hurricane season from August to October. Scattered across the Caribbean Sea, the islands are close enough to make it the world’s premier holiday spot for cruising, but still so different, that it’s sometimes hard to choose one over another. Here are a few pointers to help you choose between them.

Nowhere else can you head out for an evening stroll and experience the world, from Venice to New York to ancient Greece - all with a backdrop of the beautifully stark red rock of southern Nevada.

On a recent trip to Richmond, Virginia, travel writer Cheryl Rodewig stayed at the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center. Here’s her take on the experience.

On the list of epic road trips, the ultimate southern U.S. road trip ranks highly! We’ve created an itinerary for a southern road trip taking you from Houston, Texas all the way to Orlando, Florida, but you’ll need at least two weeks. New Orleans, Charleston and Nashville round out this trip, giving you the best of the sights of the south. And most importantly, Motel 6 has some great motels along the route for when you need a much needed break from the road. So, let’s see where this ultimate southern road trip will take you!

Move over Caribbean: Europe has great islands too! Of course you’ve heard of some of the most famous ones such as Ibiza, Sicily and Cyprus, but there’s more to see. Here’s a list of lesser known islands you should know about. They offer stunning nature, unique traditions and interesting history. Which ones did you know?

See why tourists can’t resist Clearwater Beach, Florida, and save 20% at Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort when you go.