For those who reside in the United States of America and have a three-day long weekend ahead of them, travel is likely on the radar. While three days may seem too short, there are some places that are ideal for a weekend with an extra-day getaway. Obvious choices like the Caribbean come to mind, but less obvious choices like smaller European nations shouldn’t be overlooked. Sometimes, staying home even does the trick. Here are our top 10 picks for a 3-day weekend getaway for those living in the US.
10 Grenada
For those looking to get away to a less visited tropical Caribbean island, Grenada is the best option for a quick 3-day weekend. Grenada is underrated, but with direct flights from New York, Miami and Charlotte, it’s an easy trip to paradise. For a true cultural celebration, head anytime between 17 and 21 May 2023 for the annual Chocolate Festival, where the island showcases its home-grown chocolates. Not only is Grenada great for its pristine beaches, but also for its rich cultural connection to its cuisine, from chocolate to spices. With just three days, be sure to include enough time to snorkel or scuba dive near Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park, as well as explore some of the island’s many famous waterfalls.
9 Puffin Island
While this may be difficult for a three-day weekend from the West Coast, getting to Iceland from the US East Coast is an easy feat. With only a four-hour flight from New York and several airlines offering direct flights to Reykjavik from major US cities, a three-day Iceland venture isn’t as inconceivable to embark on as one might think. . Iceland is quite small, so while three days won’t be enough to see everything this stunning island has to offer, three days will certainly be enough to get a taste. Those traveling from October to March can also see the northern lights.
8 Panama
With Copa Airlines connecting to several US cities, a quick 3-day getaway to Panama is hardly an obstacle. Panama has a lot to offer, but for the best trip possible, set up a stay in Panama City and book day trips to explore. Panama City, especially the Casco Viejo neighborhood, is full of history, colorful buildings, delicious food, and of course, the infamous Panama Canal.
7 New York City
While this isn’t technically outside the US, New York City is an aspirational domestic destination that can easily be explored in three days. For those who don’t want to whip out their passports but still want to get away, head to the Big Apple and see some of the country’s most famous sights like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and of course, eat late-night eats, sip cocktails after Broadway and indulge in some of the best pizza in the US. For a true getaway that feels like a trip to a faraway land, stay at Henn na Hotel New York, a Japanese-themed hotel that serves delicious authentic Japanese cuisine, such as omakase, tonkatsu, and a wide selection of sushi, at the restaurant their Gostuke in place. Henn na Hotel New York is conveniently located near Penn Station, making it easy for those traveling via Amtrak, the Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, or arriving from any of NYC’s major airports, and is less than 10 minutes on foot. from Times Square.
6 Netherlands
Does it seem borderline crazy to go all the way to Europe for a three-day getaway from the US? Maybe so, but if there’s one place to explore in just 72 hours, it has to be the Netherlands. Fly direct to Amsterdam with KLM Airlines and explore the flowers and canals of this European favorite. Fortunately, the Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe, so even though three days can be a bit hectic, mainly due to air travel, it’s enough time to explore this eclectic European nation.
5 Antigua and Barbuda
For travelers where sailing to the Caribbean is the only admirable option, Antigua & Barbuda is one of the best places to head. Why is that so? Well, they are famous for 365 beaches, which means one beach a day a year! Antigua & Barbuda is growing in popularity, but is still nowhere near the ranks of nearby nations like the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or Jamaica. With so many unique things to do, travelers can come down for a peaceful, pristine, and heavenly getaway, leaving all their worries back in the US while sipping rum, the nation’s national drink.
4 Guatemala
Visitors to Guatemala in 2022 jumped tenfold, and for those who haven’t yet caught on to this popular destination, what’s the holdup? Guatemala is a small nation in Latin America, and while it can easily be explored in two weeks or more, three days at magical Lake Atitlán is the epitome of utopia. Stay at the heavenly Casa Palopó, located right on Lake Atitlán, and take it back for a few days in this popular Central American nation.
3 Saint Lucia
Few places in the Caribbean are as aspirational as St. Lucia. Infamously, one of the most beautiful islands in the region, Saint Lucia, is known for its Pitons or volcanic plugs. The Saint Lucia Pythons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and anyone who travels here will quickly understand why they have such fame. Saint Lucia makes an easy three-day getaway from the US. In just three short days, enjoy snorkeling, spa treatments at Point Serene Spa and Wellness, paddle boarding, and volcano exploration by car in Soufriere. Three days can be enough to explore St. Lucia, but don’t be surprised when it still seems kind of impossible to leave because of how relaxing and divine this island nation is.
2 Orlando, Florida
Similar to New York City, as mentioned earlier in this list, Orlando may not technically be outside the US, but it’s truly an aspirational destination within and makes for an easy three-day getaway for those who don’t want to. deal with the hassles of leaving the country. Orlando is certainly not just for kids, although it is very kid-friendly, thanks to Disney World. For adults looking to take a three-day weekend, take the money that would have been spent on park admission tickets and live the luxury lifestyle. Dine at Michelin-starred Spanish steakhouse Capa, indulge in a spa treatment, and for those still wanting a beach day, head to nearby Cocoa Beach.
1 Trinidad and Tobago
Finally, one of the Caribbean’s most overlooked islands is home to delicious food, vibrant culture, one of the best carnivals in the entire region, and two islands waiting to be explored. Trinidad and Tobago is easy to get to from the US mainland thanks to Caribbean Airlines and is a perfect destination to explore in just three short days. Tobago is where people should head for a laid-back, typically “island” vibe, and Trinidad deserves to be explored by those who want the hustle and bustle of a busy city. Why not make time for both? Just be sure to eat as much as possible when you visit, as this fun nation is known to have some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.
