So You Forgot About That Three-Day Weekend—But You Can Still Pull Off These Last-Minute Trips

Whether you waited a bit too long to plan a Memorial Day trip, just realized the kids are off from school next Friday or are simply craving spontaneity, if there’s a three-day weekend coming up, it’s well worth going somewhere.

Don’t worry if it’s fast approaching and you have nothing booked: It’s entirely possible to pull off an epic long-weekend escape at the last minute. That might look like exploring an exciting city, horseback riding out West or soaking up the sun in the Caribbean. While 72 hours isn’t enough time to do a deep dive, you can still pack in plenty of sightseeing, eating and, ideally, relaxing.

Our favorite domestic and international destinations for a long weekend are easy to reach via either nonstop flight or train. They also have plenty of restaurants, bars and cultural attractions, and—most importantly—boast enough hotels that you won’t see the dreaded “sold out” button when attempting to book at the 11th hour. Read on, and prepare to get inspired.

San Diego, California

Coronado Beach is one of San Diego’s most beloved stretches of sand.

San Diego is a strong contender for one of the best family vacation cities in the country. Its most famous attractions—namely the San Diego Zoo and Seaport Village—are prime for the underage set (and not a hard sell for parents either). More kid-approved activities include old-school rides, games and classic eats at Belmont Park, a baseball game at Petco Park and creative play at The New Children’s Museum. You can also trade screens for fresh air–fueled fun at spots like the San Diego Botanic Garden, the La Jolla tidal pools, sandy Coronado Beach and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, home to several easy hiking trails. Hotel del Coronado, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, sits right on the sand for hours of digging holes and building castles, plus roasting s’mores at the nightly beach bonfires.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Maison Metier flaunts striking interiors. (Photo courtesy of Maison Metier.)

New Orleans doesn’t need a marquee event like Mardi Gras to get down; the Big Easy always brings the party. Much of the revelry happens in the French Quarter, but it’s not all raucous bars with twisty-straw drinks. There are plenty of well-mannered cocktail dens to sip a Sazerac. Plus, a lot of the music venues along Frenchmen Street book local talent on Sunday, so long weekenders get the benefit of a less-touristy night out on the town. The city also has a dynamic food scene, with gumbo and beignets among the must-try eats. When it’s time to call it a night, New Orleans has a clutch of stylish boutique stays—including Hotel Saint Vincent, a moody 75-key retreat in the Lower Garden District; Hotel Peter & Paul, a former 19th-century church and school in the Marigny; and Maison Métier, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a character-filled retreat in the Warehouse District.

London, United Kingdom

The Dining Room at The Goring is a study in sophistication.  

With larger-than-life landmarks (hello, Big Ben and the London Eye), royal pedigree and vibrant pub culture, London has something for everyone. While it’s certainly a fabulous city for a friends’ getaway, it’s a terrific destination for a solo trip, too. In a megalopolis with so much going on, it’s particularly nice to be able to go wherever the wind takes you. Might we suggest Hyde Park to watch the birds bobbing in the lake, The Goring for a fancy lunch or afternoon tea, and then ambling around Notting Hill? Should you wish to buy yourself a little present to memorialize the long weekend, beeline it to Harrods. For a little self-care, reserve one of the suites with a window bathtub at The Hari. 

Big Sky, Montana

The residential-style accommodations at Montage Big Sky are outfitted with all the comforts of home. (Photo courtesy of Montage Big Sky.)

Cowboy core is all the rage—though to be fair, Big Sky (an hour’s drive from Bozeman) had plenty of rugged appeal long before Western cachet was a thing. While this made-for-long-weekends Montana destination may be firmly on the radar of trend-conscious travelers, it still feels wild and pristine. Adventurers can go horseback riding, skeet shooting, hiking, fly-fishing and mountain biking, or, better yet, explore the unbridled beauty of nearby Yellowstone. As a complement to all the outdoor action, there are luxury resorts (ahem, Montage Big Sky and the soon-to-open One&Only Moonlight Basin) with pampering spas and restaurants serving hearty but upscale fare.

Paris, France

The streets of Paris buzz with the energy of shopping, dining and sightseeing.

When you want the girls’ trip to actually make it out of the group chat, suggest Paris. The City of Light is renowned for its fashion, food and culture. Because there’s so much here, you don’t necessarily need to book everything in advance. Sure, you might not snag the hottest table in town, but many standout restaurants and wine bars don’t even take reservations. Vintage shopping in the Marais is always a hit with friends. Same goes for walking around atmospheric Saint-Germain-des-Prés and ducking into whatever sidewalk café calls to you. And when it comes to Parisian accommodations, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with everything from chic stays in the First Arrondissement, such as Cheval Blanc Paris, to Left Bank luxury at J.K. Place Paris.

Newport, Rhode Island

Bannister's Wharf, in the heart of downtown Newport, has many restaurants and shops tucked inside historic buildings. (Photo courtesy of The Clarke Cooke House.)

A summer resort destination since the 1720s, Newport is famous for its megawatt mansions and coastal walk. It’s a long-weekend favorite for folks from surrounding states (it’s off the northeast Amtrak route) and history buffs from far and wide, as well as for those on multigenerational family trips. Grandpa can regale the kids with tales of yesteryear over oysters and harbor cruises while parents go out for a night on the town to savor fresh seafood and sip Sancerre at The Clarke Cooke House. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a Gilded Age manor turned high-end hotel with opulent interiors and sea views, presents the perfect opportunity for families to experience Newport’s storied past and polished present.

St. Martin

The views flying into St. Martin are a beautiful introduction to the Caribbean island.

Here’s a scenario: You and your partner have both had a busy week and feel exhausted. Friday’s work calendar looks delightfully empty, so you hop on a plane to Saint Martin for a little off-the-cuff DINK (dual-income, no kids) trip. Once you touch down in this Caribbean paradise, it’s all about leaning into vacation mode. Check in to La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin, post up by the pool with a rum punch in one hand and a good book in the other, go for a long walk on the beach and relish a couples massage at the spa. When dinnertime rolls around, do date night at one of the alfresco restaurants overlooking the ocean. 

Savannah, Georgia

The plant-filled, wrought iron atrium at Hotel Bardo Savannah is painted in a vibrant shade of green. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Bardo Savannah.)

One of the cooler, more creative Southern cities, Savannah blends its rich history with an eye for the future. While there are plenty of activities for youngsters, including the Savannah Children’s Museum and the playgrounds in Forsyth Park, teenagers are at the perfect age to get the most out of a trip. Take Gen Z-ers on a nighttime ghost tour, go for a walk along the lively riverfront and check out the hip Starland District to shop the funky boutiques, and grab a bite at the Starland Yard food trucks. If you really want to impress your offspring, book a room at Hotel Bardo Savannah, a resort-style hotel downtown with a pool practically designed for social media. 

Vancouver, Canada

Granville Island Public Market is full of vendors selling local produce and specialty foods.

Unlike many other destinations in the Great White North, Vancouver’s mountain-ringed setting on the Pacific Ocean translates to pleasant year-round weather. It’s also super walkable, which is great since you’ll be going from one delicious meal to another—the city has a dynamite culinary scene driven by fresh ingredients, local talent and an influx of Asian cultures. Be sure to visit Granville Island Public Market, as well as the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, which displays many works by First Nations artists, and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Shangri-La Vancouver is a well-heeled hotel that puts visitors within walking distance of shopping and can’t-miss attractions.

New York, New York

The suites at Fouquet’s New York are sophisticated sanctuaries with marble bathrooms and soaking tubs. (Photo courtesy of Fouquet’s New York.)

People frequently hail New York City as the center of the universe—and they’re not wrong. It’s a hub for trains and planes, which makes it easy to reach for a spur-of-the-moment long weekend. But it’s also huge, so we recommend sticking to a single neighborhood rather than trying to tackle it all in three days. Consider spending a few days uptown museum hopping, wandering Central Park, sipping an expertly mixed cocktail in the garden of Majorelle at The Lowell and snoozing in style at The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel. If you’re more of a downtown type, get a feel for Tribeca with walks along Hudson River Park and a sumptuous stay complete with indulgent massages and seafood platters at Fouquet’s New York.