Let's face it, taking a vacation is tough these days. Everyone's tightening their belts these days, and airfare alone to get far from Wisconsin might be more than you've budgeted for a getaway. But the time-honored road trip may be just what you need this summer -- a fun escape on just a tank or two of gas. Fortunately, we've come up with a few car trips that won't break the bank. Pack a lunch and get going.

Iowa City, Iowa (approximate round-trip mileage from Milwaukee: 525 miles)

If you're looking for a low-commitment getaway that's still fun and full of new experiences (aren't we all?), do not rule out our regional neighbors to the southwest.

The drive from Milwaukee is just more than four hours, but can (and should) be broken up by a stop at Iowa 80, the "world's largest truck stop." This place is incredible, and has just about everything you'd expect and a whole lot you wouldn't, including a dentist office.

Wisconsinites will find Iowa's landscape familiar and welcoming, especially the vast rolling farm fields and quaint rural towns along I-80 on the way into town. But the "American Heartland" isn't all cows and curds; the state has several metropolises, including Iowa City.

With a population of 67,062, Iowa City isn't huge, but its active music and arts community, plentiful nightlife options and University of Iowa campus make it feel like a breath of fresh urban air.

Dining: Iowa City succeeds at supplying the hungry masses with whatever they might desire. Beginning with breakfast, The Hamburg Inn, is a popular is an all-American spot (so much so that Bill Clinton stopped there during his presidency.) Midday, Masala Indian Vegetarian Cuisine is known for luring lunchers with its bountiful buffet (11 a.m.-2: 30 p.m.). Dinner options are plentiful and wide-ranging, but The Motley Cow Café scores points on taste and use of local products. The Mill Restaurant is a hot spot for live music and good Italian fare. If it's more traditional American surf and turf you seek, make a reservation at the Iowa River Power Restaurant.

Nightlife: Just about any night of the week you're likely to find live music at The Picador, a Downtown venue formerly known as Gabe's Oasis. If you're looking to catch a quick drink before the show, Deadwood Tavern, 6 S. Dubuque St. is a good time with outdoor seating. Mickey's Irish Pub is usually hopping on the weekends and The Brown Bottle does right by wine connoisseurs and beer lovers alike.

Shopping: Downtown Iowa City is quite walkable, which makes shopping its stores and boutiques a fun way to spend an afternoon in and out of doors. White Rabbit specializes in 100 percent original, hand-made items and apparel from Iowa-based designers. Across the street, The Record Collector is one of the last greats of a dying breed. Looking for fresh produce? Iowa City's farmers' market has good and entertainment for the whole family. It's held at the Chauncey Swan Ramp on Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.-noon. If you need a little of everything, check out Old Capitol Town Center.

Arts & Culture: Summer is a great time to visit. Iowa City's Summer of the Arts features Iowa Arts Festival in early June, the Iowa City Jazz Festival in early July, the New Bohemia Arts Festival in early September, and a Friday night concert series all summer long. Plus, on campus you'll find the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. If you've got the kids in tow, make a stop at Iowa Children's Museum.

Lodging: There are plenty of hotels in the areas, including Sheraton, Holiday Inn and Days Inn, but if you're more of a bed and breakfast person, check out Smith's Bed & Breakfast or The Golden Haug, both of which are within Iowa City. Just outside of the city are the Amana Colonies, the group of which is now a National Historic Landmark consisting of seven villages. The Amana Colonies were established shortly before the Civil War by a group of German settlers who belonged to a religious group known as the Community of True Inspiration. Today, their communal-style of living is mostly defunct, though they've preserved the land and original structures well. De Heimat Bed & Breakfast in Homestead (one of the colonies) dates back to the mid-1800s.