I live in Texas, which is pretty much mid-con for any domestic US flights. You couldn't pay me to go to Mexico, but anything else is on the map. For us, the west coast of the US is 3 hours, the east coast of the US is 3 hours, Hawaii is 8 hours, and Europe is 10-14 hours, depending, plus a likely multiple connections.

My wife and I have held passports for more than 10 years each - we're in our mid/late thirties. For various legal reasons not germane to this discussion my daughter can't get a passport until next year. For family travel we're "stuck" to the US, but even then US protectorates are an option (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, etc.). Even so, that's not bad for a family with children who wouldn't appreciate the stronger cultural differences. There's the Rockies for snow fun, beaches on two oceans and a gulf, NYC for its urban experience and of course Washington DC for all the tax-funded museums and learning experiences. And all kinds of small-town charm in between. Camping in the Appalachians.... exploring the wine country of Texas (the second largest viticultural area in the US, and doing some really interesting things with varietals like Touriga Nacional, etc.).

My wife and I will be in Amsterdam later this month, looking forward to both traditional attractions like the Van Gogh museum and the Heineken tour, as well as off-the-beaten-path sidewalk cafes and people watching (and of course the symphony). I'm looking forward to my daughter being able to experience this with us more and more and broadening her horizons.

That said, I can see why there's an attraction to tour in the US, if for no other reason than the exchange rate is in favor of those holding pounds vs. dollars. My plea? As others have said, get past the facade of pre-fab culture and find the locals. And if you make it to Austin, PM me. I'll give you recommendations on where those of that live here go, eat, drink... and maybe treat you to a home-cooked meal or buy you a beer!