4 International Vacations You Can Fit Into a Long Weekend

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected].

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While road trips are a popular choice for long weekend getaways, why not consider something more adventurous? Your passport isn’t just for extended vacations—it can be your key to an unforgettable long weekend abroad.

Contrary to popular belief, international travel doesn’t always require extensive planning or time off. With the right destination, you can experience a new culture and break from routine in just a few days.

No matter which corner of the U.S. you call home, there’s an international escape within easy reach. These carefully selected destinations allow you to make the most of your limited time off without spending half your break in transit or returning home exhausted.

So, instead of sitting in traffic, why not venture beyond borders? No matter where you’re based in the U.S., an exciting international escape is within reach.

If You Live in the Northeast: Jamaica

Flight Time: NYC to MBJ: 3 hr 48 min; BOS to MBJ: 4 hr 28 min; PHL to MBJ; 3 hr 50 min

Golden Hour Over Kingston, Jamacia — PhotoSpirit | Adobe Stock

If you live in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, or southeast, the entire Caribbean is at your beck and call. But if we’re talking long weekends, there are few better places than Jamaica. Catch an early morning flight and be on the beach by noon.

There are numerous nonstop routes from the northeast to Montego Bay, making a flight here easy (and affordable). Temperatures in Jamaica average between 77 and 86 degrees year-round, so you’ll find sunshine no matter what time of year you visit.

If You Live on the West Coast: Vancouver

Flight Time: LAX to YVR: 2 hr 55 min; SEA to YVR: 1 hr 5 min; LAS to YVR: 2 hr 45 min

Moon Rise over Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada — verinize | Adobe Stock

Whether you want an active hiking trip, a relaxing beach vacation, or a lively city break, Vancouver has it all—and it’s a short direct flight from many U.S. West Coast cities. If you’re staying in downtown Vancouver, you don’t have to worry about renting a car as the city is very walkable, and there are plenty of options for public transportation or biking.

As a bonus, your US Dollar will go farther in Canada, as the Canadian Dollar is currently equal to 0.73 US Dollars.

If You Live in the South or Southwest: Costa Rica

Flight Time: IAH to SJO: 3 hr 40 min; ATL to SJO: 4 hr; MIA to SJO: 3 hr 5 min

Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica — WildPhotography.com | Adobe Stock

In the mood for adventure? Book a flight to Costa Rica. While Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, this eco-paradise adds up to more than its over 800 miles of coastline. Take Arenal/La Fortuna, for example. Home to the active Arenal Volcano, the “adventure capital of Costa Rica” is a gateway to whitewater rafting, zip-lining, waterfall rappelling (you read that correctly), nature hiking, horseback riding, and so much more.

When you’ve worn yourself out with high-adrenaline fun, be sure to set aside some time (or the entire weekend) to soak in the area’s volcano-fed mineral hot springs.

If You Live in the Midwest: Montreal

Flight Time: ORD to YMQ: 2 hr 20 min; MSP to YMQ: 2h, 30m

Montreal from top view at sunset in Canada — f11photo | Adobe Stock

With cobblestone streets, French as the official language, and historic architecture, a trip to Montreal feels like a European vacation—minus the jet lag. While a long weekend offers a tantalizing taste of this charming city, consider kickstarting your visit with a walking tour to maximize your time and gain the best overview. Choose a tour that aligns with your interests, whether craft beer, food, or history.
Sometimes called “The City of Festivals,” Montreal’s vibrant cultural scene ensures there’s always something exciting happening. Before finalizing your itinerary, be sure to consult the city’s calendar of festivals and events—you might just stumble upon a celebration that turns your trip into an unforgettable adventure.

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