I have always been a traveler. When I was a kid, my family embarked on some memorable escapades — and I mean memorable.

My parents argued over maps and which highway to take. My brothers grossed me out in ways only brothers can. And we never failed to drag dangerous weather alongside our car.

We were once trapped in a minivan during a blizzard on a mountain ledge near the site of the Donner Pass.

My mother cried, my dad laughed and I wondered if we would have to revert to cannibalism to survive.

We were the poster family for road trips.

Waking up at 4 a.m., before any sign of the sun, was always my favorite part. My parents managed to round up three groggy kids and cram our minivan full of the essentials: munchies, the perfect classic rock set list, our bathing suits and a few fishing poles.

Some of the most mesmerizing places I have been are the last spots people think to vacation, and are less expensive than a 48-hour trip to Vegas or Disneyland.

While some find solace on sandy seashores, others thrive on the nightlife of brightly lit boulevards.

I am fascinated by the history of U.S. cities. I love exploring and discovering the buried gems of an older town­ — timeworn brick buildings, stretches of open land and savory comfort foods.

These are four of the most unforgettable cities I have visited over the past 10 years.

While visiting, I discovered delectable dining, breathtaking scenery, captivating history and charming people and towns.

Charleston, S.C.

This city is the most colorful and lively town I have visited. Its neighborhoods are splashed with bright colors and rustic, aged bricks.

Its residents are generous and kind, always carrying a smile. The southern dining experience alone is worth the trip.

South Carolina embraces its southern roots and history, and its residents are active in the community.

People whose families arrived in South Carolina in the 1600s aid in entertaining and educating tourists. Some families host the plantation tours and carriage rides.

The food — my goodness, the food. I must have consumed a pound a day of deep-fried shrimp and hushpuppies (creamed corn tucked into a nugget of deep fried batter), all cooked to perfection and served by the friendliest faces.

The architecture is phenomenal — a sea of pastel homes, all set closely together and on historic grounds.

The architectural style of Charleston’s notorious buildings is a hint of Victorian with a dash of Greek revival and classic Georgia. Stunning.

Oklahoma City, Okla.

Art, art and more art. Oklahoma city is home to incredible exhibits, gardens and museums dedicated to artistic expression.

The city’s Museum of Art is an exquisite example of downtown’s unique blend of old and new. It was built around an abandoned movie theater that had been empty for 20 years.

The exterior of the Flaming Lips Art Gallery is as expressive as it gets. Psychedelic colors, a large dazed eyeball and multicolored marijuana leaves decorate the outside of the building. Unconventional, yet creatively animated.

Tile murals and sculptures blanket the Bricktown Ballpark and nearby gardens.

Its museums and memorials welcome tourism, one of which stands in remembrance of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

It is an interesting city, to say the least.

Bloomington, Minn.

The “North Star State,” also called the “land of 10,000 lakes” (although it has 12,000), is home to some of America’s most renowned sites.

The Mall of America in Bloomington sees the same amount of yearly visitors as Disneyland, Disney World, the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore — combined.

The mall, which is lit by eight acres of skylights, is large enough to fit more than 30 Boeing 747s inside. It would be an understatement to call this place massive.

Inside, the possibilities are endless. Amusement park rides, live sea life and a Lego play land where 170,000 Legos have gone missing. A great idea for family vacation.

To top it off, Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing — the perfect shopping experience.

Albuquerque, N.M.

Albuquerque is dear to me simply because it is where my mother took her first breath. It is one of my family’s favorite places in the United States.

New Mexico may have more nicknames than any other state. It is known as the “land of enchantment,” the “colorful state” and the “land of sunshine.”

All of these pseudonyms stand true as Albuquerque’s scenery tops the rest.

I would drive to New Mexico for the sunsets alone. Bright pinks and purples layer the sky. Hits of creamy oranges and yellows accent the serene desert surroundings.

There is no better feeling than sinking your toes into the brick-red Indian clay.

Albuquerque also hosts the International Balloon Fiesta — North America’s largest annual international event. Hundreds of bright colors fill the sky as U.S. residents and international visitors take flight in hot air balloons.

It is a sight that is by no means justified through words alone. You have to see it for yourself.