Do you have the urge to go on a trip but lack the time? Why not take a break this weekend and change your routine instead of using up all your vacation days? You can find incredible places for short trips whether you’re in search of outdoor activities, cultural experiences or just some relaxations. Below are some best spots for an unforgetful weekend gateway.
Visit a Local City
One of the simplest and cost-effective ways for a quick holiday is going to cities near your home. Find one that’s within driving distance for few hours or less or even take a local flight. According to US News Adventure Travel, some wonderful ideas on city breaks in America include:
- Austin, TX with its thriving music scene and mouth-watering BBQ
- Chicago, IL to explore world-class museums and see excellent architecture
- New Orleans, LA – amazing jazz, Cajun cuisine and nightlife
- San Francisco, CA where you will get an opportunity to enjoy sights like Golden Gate Bridge.
Make sure you get accommodation that is centrally located so that you can walk or use public means of transport to move around. It is more advisable to prioritize two or three tourist sites and leave room for random discoveries.
Spend Some Time in Beaches
You can never go wrong by spending a weekend on a beach doing nothing but dig your toes into sand. For east coasters busy beaches are at Florida (Miami South Beach), Outer Banks, NC or Hamptons while Santa Barbara in California is easily accessible from Los Angeles apart from Catalina Island.
If hopping on plane does not scare you off choose Caribbean countries such as Puerto Rico, Bahamas and Dominican Republic which have nonstop flights from many American cities. An all-inclusive hotel ensures that relaxation comes effortlessly.
Connect with Mother Nature Again
Being outdoors will help you recover after long working day spent behind an office table. Look out for picturesque places within half-a-day drive away where it would be possible to do hiking, cycling,kayaking or camping. The following are some ideas to consider:
- Acadia National Park in Maine for the spectacular Atlantic coastline
- The Poconos in Pennsylvania – mountains, lakes and waterfalls
- Sedona, Arizona and her red rock formations and desert beauty
- Olympic National Park in Washington State to encounter rainforests as well as rough waterside areas.
For instance you may even leave work after it finishes on Friday. Ensure that you pack enough snacks to fuel your adventure and try finding affordable housing like campsites or rustic cabins.
Also Read: PLANNING YOUR PERU TRIP? TOP PLACES YOU CAN’T MISS
Experience Europe’s Sophistication
Some European cities are only a short flight away which makes having an international getaway more possible than it actually seems. Some of the most romantic holiday destinations are:
- Paris, France – ascend Eiffel Tower, walk along Champs-Élysées.
- Florence, Italy – be amazed by Renaissance art.
- Prague, Czech Republic – traverse medieval Old Town through Charles Bridge.
For time and cost savings travel light and look for cheap boutique hotels or Airbnbs. Instead of going into tourist centers go to local areas where you can find budget meals that are authentic.
Embrace the Off-Peak Season
Another way of cutting down on costs while taking a vacation is traveling off-season. Fall has good climate at beaches with lesser number of people traveling there. In summer ski resorts provide beautiful hikes plus they offer great deals during slower months. Here is a list of some off-season gateway options:
- For an empty beach and low-cost hotels, consider going to Cape Cod in September or October.
- During summer, Stowe is a good place for engaging in outdoor activities while enjoying farm-to-table cooking.
- In November, for instance, Palm Springs has good weather and cheaper resorts.
- Set flight alerts and be flexible about your date so as not to miss the best deals on flights and accommodation. Cooking some meals in your room or Airbnb can also be helpful in saving money.
Regardless of what kind of getaway you prefer, the trick to making it a great weekend trip lies in time management and putting relaxation first. Avoid too much of everything; instead select one or two major things such as visiting key attractions within city limits, attempting difficult mountain trails or even sleeping beside a pool again.
Planning ahead with some imagination means that finding a perfect short break destination for the weekend that will leave you feeling reinvigorated & inspired is easy. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags now; go and make unforgettable memories!
