5 ideas for fall weekend getaways

The week after Labor Day is always tough. For so many of us, it means that we're back to the daily grind, and just counting the days to our winter holidays. But it doesn't have to be that way. What about planning a long weekend getaway? There are a couple of three day weekends this autumn, but you could also take a couple of vacation days to make your own long weekend. And we're not just talking about a Caribbean all-inclusive deal (though we've got plenty of those for you). There are plenty of other places you could go for a quick getaway that'd be perfect for this fall!

1. Visit Mérida

Mérida, Yucatán’s capital city, is a quiet paradise that perfectly demonstrates the historical yet lively side of Mexico. It’s an elegant destination with beautiful architecture evident in the city’s Colonial-era houses and stately, tree-lined avenues. Palacio Cantón, home to the Museum of Anthropology and History, is a shining example of the city’s historical architecture. And the food in Mérida is layered with exquisite gastronomic heritage. The best place to experience the vibrant cuisine of Mérida is by visiting Paseo de Montejo which is the main street near the historic downtown area, and a favorite of the locals. There are many great restaurants there that offer traditional Mexican food and beverages, including freshly made tortillas and champola, a sorbet-like drink.

2. Take a Short Cruise

If you're within driving distance of a cruise terminal, you can probably find a cruise itinerary that's three to five days. And we're not just talking about cookie-cutter cruises. For example, we're taking a short cruise in November that goes to Cuba! (You can join us, by the way...there's still space.) From the Northeast, you can take a cruise that will take in the fall colors of New England and Canada. From the West Coast, a wine-themed cruise up the California coast would be a great autumn getaway. Pack a bag, get on a boat, and relax for a few days!

3. Try to see the Northern Lights.

From the east coast of the US, a flight to Iceland is shorter than a flight to LA. And they're super cheap, too. As the days start to get shorter, there's a possibility that you could actually catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on a quick excursion out of Reykjavik. The weather won't be as cold as you'd think, and even if you don't see the Northern Lights, there are still lots of incredible things to see and do in Iceland. Relax at the Blue Lagoon, tour the Golden Circle, cruise in a glacial lagoon--you'll have a great time!

4. Experience the Cervantino Festival

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Mexico is a cultural center, and the country’s dedication to the arts is alive and well in October, during the Cervantino Festival, known for presenting performing arts from all over the world and sharing a passion for fine arts. The four-week-long festival is held in Guanajuato in October and visitors can enjoy theater, opera, dance, visual arts, cinema and literature, workshops, exhibitions and conferences both indoors and outdoors. The festival is considered the most important artistic and cultural event in both Mexico and Latin America. It was first held in 1953 and in 2018, the festival is proud to have 35 nations participating with 110 artistic groups and 195 shows held in 19 engaging days.

5. A Long Weekend in Europe

This isn't as crazy as you think. Take Friday off. Leave work on Thursday and head to the airport. Wake up in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid or Lisbon. Spend a couple of days soaking up the culture, drinking fabulous wine and amazing food. Fly back on Monday. With only two days out of the office, you can be relaxed and restored, and if you let us bundle a bulk airfare with a hotel stay, it doesn't have to break the bank, either!

So, think about it. You might have some scheduled time off in December, but do you really want to wait that long to get out of Dodge? Of course you don't. So, give us a call, and we'll plan something awesome for you!