Top Seven Destination for Weekend Getaways

Travel offers a chance to escape the everyday routine, allowing you to recharge yourself. It infuses your mundane life with new enthusiasm, and you are ready to take on the challenges with gusto and renewed focus. And, the more you travel, the more you will feel free and confident about yourself. It also helps reduce your stress and anxiety, improve your mental and physical health, and ensure a healthy family relationship. But, not everyone can take time off from work and go traveling for weeks or for months. It may damage their career. If you also cannot leave your work desk for too long, choose the option to go on frequent weekend getaways — solo or with a partner or family — and immerse yourself in nature or the wonders of the ancient past. Once you return from a weekend trip, you will walk around with a spring in your step. And your productive will improve as well.

Workplaces are usually not happy zones. You may encounter stressful experiences and disturbing noises more than moments of peace and satisfaction. And if you continue to work without taking time off, you are likely to get burned out. Vacations may always be on your mind, but you cannot just book your tickets, pack, and travel to a remote location. There is always the risk of missing out on opportunities while you are away. Extended leave for travel can also kill your chance of getting your well-deserved promotion. And planning a long trip can be stressful as well. You have to do exhaustive travel research, make a detailed travel itinerary, book multiple tickets in advance, make comprehensive accommodation arrangements, and pack a lot of things. In comparison, weekend getaways are less stressful, as you do not have to consider a plethora of factors while planning them. And, you may not have to ask your boss for a leave.

Opting for weekend getaways have a lot of advantages. Exploring a new destination for two or three dayscan result in improved performance at work, lower stress, and better mental and physical health. “Mini breaks work wonders because you won’t run into many of the issues that typically come up with planning longer trips,” Jonathan Alpert, author of “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days” and a psychotherapist, tells NBC News. He also states that the “happiness boost” of a long trip does not last long; going on frequent weekend trips is the “most realistic way” to experience “true escape” — away from the pile of work, net connection, social media, and news. 

You also save money when you choose weekend getaways over a long vacation, and you do not have to fear the huge pile of work and overflowing work emails, waiting for you after the long trip. Also, multiple weekend getaways throughout the year offer you the opportunity to unearth several unique experiences. The thought of that will keep you in high spirits always.

Decided to plan for weekend vacations? If yes, search for destinations where you can unwind, discover something new, and do a lot of activities in a short time without stressing or exhausting yourself. Here is a list of the best weekend getaways to help you choose the right destination.

Death Valley, California 

Located in central California, Death Valley will bowl you over with its dramatic landscapes and colorful sceneries. Desolate land featuring scarce vegetation and dotted with exposed rocks, it has an otherworldly beauty and fascinating geology. 

Death Valley is one of the best weekend getaways if you are into hiking. You get to hike among the picture-perfect Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. And amateur photographers, too, will find this land of extremes appealing. They can shoot pictures of endless desert plains, towering peaks, wildflower meadows, and small oases. Zabriskie Point is one of the vantage points for photographers. If you are one, you can capture the stunning badlands from there. Death Valley is also an excellent place for stargazing, as its sky is almost free from all forms of light pollution.

It takes about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles and two hours from Las Vegas to reach Death Valley. Choose this place if you are looking for weekend getaways where you can declutter your mind and get motivated to tackle new challenges.     

New York City, New York

New York City is the city to visit if you want to do an incredible number of things in a short time. It offers plenty of options for both outdoor and indoor activities. And the Big Apple has an indomitable spirit. Some of that will rub off on you for sure. You are most likely to feel invincible when you return to your daily routine after visiting New York City.  

Central Park is where you can go for leisure walks or do nothing – just observing and soaking up the colorful atmosphere. You and your family can also enjoy the horse-drawn carriage ride. And if you want to do some physical activity, rent a boat and row around the lake. Concerts and events are held in Central Park regularly. If you love music, find out the date of the next big concert, and then plan your weekend trip around that time.  

New York City also has the best art scene on the planet. It is home to some of the most impressive museums in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, and The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. And an astounding number of art galleries are also part of New York City’s rich art scene. And, then, there is the Broadway and several small and big theaters, where you can watch a musical or a famous play. And you will always find artists, soloists, dancers, and musicians performing at one venue or another in the city. 

Dotted with cafes and restaurants, New York City is also the best dining destination in the world. The variety of food you can eat here is mind-blowing. And, in this city that never sleeps, you can just walk the streets and discover the hidden gems, such as Secret Gardens of Rockefeller Center, the Whispering Gallery, and Chinatown.      

New York City is an ideal destination for weekend getaways. It is easily accessible from wherever you are located. The best time to visit it is April to June and September to early November. The Big Apple will energize you and make you tap into your creative side.

Paso Robles, California

Wine country Paso Robles is nestled in the coastal mountain range of central California. It is home to more than 300 wineries, which produce some of the world’s best wines. As you may have guessed by now, beautiful vineyards are the prime attraction of this weekend destination. Here, you can ride a horse through the vineyards. Guided daytime and sunset rides around wineries are also available.    

Vineyards coupled with rolling hills make Paso Robles a breathtaking destination for weekend getaways. You will experience the tranquility of laid-back country life here. And if you want to invigorate yourself, there are natural hot springs at Paso Robles Inn, River Oaks Hot Springs, and Franklin Hot Springs. Take a dip and spend some time in one of the natural hot springs, and you will feel the difference immediately. 

British artist Bruce Munro created Field of Light is another popular spot in Paso Robles. After sunset, when 69 colorful towers made of over 17,000 wine bottles get illuminated, you will feel like you have been transported to fantasy land. The Field of Light is powered by solar energy. And, if you are an artist at heart, remember to visit Studios on the Park, which sits in the heart of the downtown area. It is a non-profit, open-air art center where you can witness the creation of stunning art pieces and view themed exhibitions. Studios on the Park also holds classes and workshops for budding artists.    

Even if you do not do anything in Paso Robles, you will still feel like you are having a great time. You can just wander around this agriculture town and stumble upon unique experiences. And Paso Robles also has a rich food and wine culture – it is considered the fastest growing wine region in California. The bars here offer refreshing seasonal cocktails.      

Paso Robles is about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. And it is an almost three-hour drive from Los Angeles. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit this place, as it has an alluring aura during these harvest seasons. Choose Paso Robles for your weekend getaways when you want to escape your stressful city life.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, a popular weekend destination in southeastern Wisconsin, is known for its golf courses, casual vibe, and laid-back lifestyle. It radiates a new charm and beauty every season. In addition to playing golf, you and your family can also do a lot of outdoor activities in this perfect destination for weekend getaways.

The famous hiking trail Lake Geneva Shore Path is a 26-mile public footpath that encircles Geneva Lake. It takes you through historic and modern estates, offering an unforgettable experience. You get access to the backyard of the majestic estates. Zip-line tours, biking trails, and hot-balloon rides are other outdoor attractions in Geneva Lake. 

And, if you are not an outdoor activity person, the Geneva Lake Museum of History is waiting for your visit. After spending some time inside the museum, you will get to know a lot about Lake Geneva’s history. And Tristan Crist Magic Theatre is where you can see world-class magic, comedy, and large-scale illusion performances. Lake Geneva also offers a plethora of dining and shopping options.    

Lake Geneva is located 83 miles from Chicago. You can reach it via your car, train, or taxi. And the best time to visit Lake Geneva is from June to August. Weekend getaways in Lake Geneva can improve your mental and physical health.          

Montreal, Canada

Montreal offers you a taste of Europe – French to be more precise – in North America. Located in the province of Quebec, it has been a favorite of weekend travelers for a long time. You can do an uncountable number of things in a limited amount of time here. Dotted with magnificent architecture, museums, cafés, restaurants, and bars, and quaint backstreets, Canada’s economic capital offers the opportunity to discover a beautiful unfamiliar world in a familiar location. 

The architecture in Montreal is a blend of old French styles and contemporary. If you want to experience the old-world charm in a bustling new-world corner, walk the cobbled streets of Old Montreal. It is home to several 19th-century buildings. And its most famous occupant is the iconic heritage site Basilique Notre-Dame, a symbol of French-Canadian catholic heritage. And Montreal’s oldest street Rue Saint-Paul runs through its old part. Visit this street to explore boutiques and galleries, shop for souvenirs and other items, and relax in a café. You can also spend some time in Place d’Armes, the most popular public square in old Montreal.    

After that, you can head to Saint Lawrence River, best-known as the Old Port, or Vieux-Port in French, for a thrilling experience. You can ride the giant Ferris wheel, climb the clock tower, or scream out in delight while ziplining.   

The grand Museum of Fine Arts, or MMFA for short, is another star attraction of Montreal. This oldest museum in Canada exhibits a permanent collection of antiques from all across the world, Quebec and Canadian artworks, international art, decorative art, and more. You can gaze at the works of El Greco, Rembrandt, and Veronese here. The museum also hosts several seasonal and temporary exhibitions.   

Located in the center is Montreal’s green space Mount Royal Park. It is called “the mountain” by residents of the city. You can go biking and attend concerts here in summer. And if you plan to visit Montreal in winters, snowshoeing, tubing, and skating are the options available.  

Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden to get your fill of the green. Founded in 1936, the botanical garden hosts about 20,000 plant species, maintains a herbarium that contains around 100,000 reference species. You can also explore greenhouses here. 

Montreal is an all-season favorite for weekend getaways, but the best time to visit it is from March to May or September to November. The city is easily accessible. And visit Montreal if you want to experience a slice of Europe near the U.S.  

Charleston, South Carolina 

The picturesque Charleston is a perfect place for a weekend getaway with your family. Home to spectacular beaches, historical sites, and bustling markets, the largest city in South Carolina will warm the cockles of your heart.   

You can explore Charleston on foot by joining the 2-mile long walking tour. It starts from the charming Waterfront Park, which runs along one-half mile of the Cooper River. Soon, you will find yourself at East Bay. The striking East Bay Street is famous for its historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. The next stop is the White Point Gardens, where you are likely to stand stunned for a minute seeing the mighty live oaks. And, walking down south to north, you will get to see some of the most stunning homes. The tour ends at the famed Goat.Sheep.Cow, a famous gourmet shop and restaurant.       

One of the unique attractions in Charleston is the Angel Oak Tree. Believed to be 300 to 400 years old, this “low-country treasure” is 65 feet high and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. And the vibrant Charleston City Market is the place to visit for quirky products, locally-produced items, sweetgrass baskets, and more.It is one of the oldest open-air markets in the U.S. and more than 300 vendors sell here. In the night, hundreds of local artists occupy the market space to showcase their wares. 

Charleston also has a rich maritime history. You can know more about that by visiting the Charleston Maritime Center, which features a deep-water, full-service marina. And, if you are a beach person, you can head to one of the islands located within an hour’s drive from Charleston. Sullivan’s Island beach, the Isle of Palms beach, Edisto Island beach, and Folly Beach are some of the great ones.   

And the one and the only tea garden of North America is in Charleston – Charleston Tea Garden located in Wadmalaw Island. It offers you the opportunity to see tea bushes stretching across a vast landscape. You will also become aware of how American tea is grown, harvested, and produced. 

The best months to visit Charleston are from March to May or from September to November. Choose it for your weekend getaways if you want to enjoy the soulful rhythms of an old world in a modern city.

Asheville, North Carolina 

Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. It is known for its homegrown microbreweries, and because of that, it has earned the nickname “Beer City.” Asheville is also a haven for outdoor activities enthusiasts. It offers you the opportunity to indulge in all types of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. The mountain city also has a lively art and culture scene. It hosts several music festivals every year. A lot of artists and music lovers have made Asheville their home.

You can begin exploring Asheville from the French Renaissance house Biltmore, the largest home in the U.S. There are 250 rooms in this imposing architectural marvel that stands proudly in an 8,000-acre estate, which is also home to forested trails, and a captivating garden. The country’s most famous winery Biltmore Winery is also located here. Inside the estate, you can do horse riding and take a ride in a carriage. You can also explore the place on a bike and dine at one of the several restaurants sitting on the estate property.  

Downtown Asheville is an eclectic mix of art galleries, history, restaurants and cafes, and shops. There are tons of things you can do here. Have farm-to-table brunch, explore the quirkiness of the place on foot, visit independent bookstores, and shop at Grove Arcade. And, if you are in a mood for some fun, Asheville Pinball Museum is waiting for you with its 35 pinball machines. 

If you want to see the beauties of nature from a vantage point, go hiking on the 2,180-mile public footpath called Appalachian Trail. It takes you through picturesque, wooded, wild, and pastoral land. You, however, cannot hike the whole place in one day. It will take you almost 5 to 6 months to reach the other end of the trail.      

You can also visit Pisgah National Forest for camping and hiking. It is a paradise for nature lovers and an absolute favorite of outdoor-activity enthusiasts, as it has several dazzling waterfalls, swimming holes, and hundreds of miles of trails. You can enjoy biking, rock climbing, and fishing here. 

Craggy Gardens, home to the most spectacular flower display, North Carolina Arboretum, and winery tours are some of the other attractions of Asheville.            

The best time to visit Asheville is from March to May or September to early November. Choose this city for weekend getaways if you want to soak up positive energy and breathe in the fresh mountain air.   

Travel Guide for Weekend Getaways

Taking a long time off from work is not possible for a majority of people. So, if you are a travel enthusiast, it can be quite frustrating if you cannot plan vacations. Working without a break can also push you to the brink of burnout. You can avoid frustration and burnout by planning weekend getaways. These short escapes are a perfect way to enjoy the little pleasures of life and discover something new and beautiful. 

Planning for weekend getaways is not a complicated and elaborate process. But, it is also a form of travel, so you do have to keep in mind the basics when planning for them. Here are a few tips to help you plan fun weekend getaways. 

Where to Go?

As you are not planning for long vacations but weekend getaways, you cannot travel to a place that is on the other side of the ocean or will take you a day or two to reach it. You have to choose a destination that is easy to access. It should not take more than a few hours to land there. Here are the things that you need to consider when choosing a destination for your weekend getaways. 

• Is it a short weekend or a long weekend?
• Who are coming with you?
• Purpose of the trip: for leisure or adventure; to relax or spend time with your partner or family
• Hours it will take to reach the best weekend getaways
• Which place offers opportunities for both outdoor and indoor activities?
• Is it safe for solo or family travel?
• How much the weekend trip will it cost?
• How to travel – by car, cab, train, bus, or travel by air?
• Types of accommodations available and where
• The start date and the date of return
• The weather of the destination 
• Your partner and family’s preference and interests

Choose a weekend travel destination where you can have maximum fun in a limited amount of time. It should be easy to traverse, and there should no problem of transportation. And, as it is a weekend trip, do not decide to travel to multiple locations, especially if they are miles away from each other. Select only one place to explore during your mini trip.

Make Plans and Arrangements

After you have chosen the destination, you need to start making plans and arrangements. If you are planning to go by air, book your flight tickets in advance. If you plan to book a cab for the weekend trip, find out how much it will cost and the terms and conditions of the cab owner. 

Have you selected the mode of transportation? Now, make a list of spots you intend to visit – your list should reflect your (along with your family and partner’s) interests and great weekend trip ideas. Do not include those spots that are far away from your main trip destination, as you may not have the time to visit them. Once you know all about the place, check what types of accommodation are available. If you plan to stay in a hotel, determine the one that offers easy access to all the popular spots and hidden gems. You have to book your room in a hotel or resort in advance, especially if you are planning to visit the place during its peak season.

What to Carry?

You should pack light. Get inspired by backpackers and carry only those things that are essential. 

• Passport/Visa if you are traveling to a place located in another country. 
• Travel Guide for your weekend destination so that you are aware of the popular spots of that place, the transportation available to reach them, and the opportunity for outdoor and indoor activities  
• Map of the destination
• Dictionary if you are flying off to a country where English is not the first language.
• Chargers/Powerbanks
• Torch
• Notebooks and pens
• Medicine Kit 
• Sunscreen
• Travel Hygiene Kit
• Weather and activities appropriate clothes
• Appropriate Shoes
• Masks and hand sanitizer 

Dos and Don’ts for Weekend Getaways   

• Carry your enthusiasm and smile and not work to the weekend destination
• Prepare an email vacation autoresponder 
• Do not check your work emails or pick work-related calls
• Do not talk about work on your weekend vacation
• Do not browse social media; do not use an internet connection
• Do aim for a digital detox
• Explore as many popular spots as you can. And, if you do not want to do that, relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery
• If you are traveling with your partner or family, choose activities that you can do together
• Make the most of your time 
• Plan multiple weekend getaways in a year 

Take Lots of Photos

Weekend getaways are short trips, but that does not mean you will not have the time to click photos. Do click a lot of pictures with your partner or family – or of yourself if you are traveling solo – as you are going to make unlimited wonderful memories during the trip. Once you return to your regular routine, these pictures will energize you and keep you motivated. Also they will inspire you to once again look for places to go for a weekend trip.

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