If you live on the US East Coast, a quick trip to Europe is more realistic than most people think – even with limited vacation days. With a direct overnight flight, just three PTO days, and maybe a long holiday weekend, you can easily build a memorable European city break. We’re sharing the method we use to stretch our vacation days, make the most of a long weekend in Europe, and what to do in 11 amazing European cities.
This volcanic Portuguese archipelago sits in the middle of the Atlantic, and the main island – São Miguel – packs an extraordinary amount of scenery into a small area. Here’s our perfect 3-day itinerary, including the easiest way to get there, the best options for exploring the island, and where to stay for jaw-dropping views.
Bangkok is truly one of the greatest cities in the world. The capital of Thailand has no shortage of options when it comes to world-class cuisine, beautiful waterways, amazing temples, and an abundance of shopping and entertainment choices to suit any budget. On our latest trip – our fourth time visiting the city – we spent only two nights in the heart of the city,…
If you are planning a trip through Southeast Asia, you might be tempted to fly directly from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. But that would be a mistake. We found that the absolute best way to experience the region is to slow down and spend at least two nights in Malacca (also known as Melaka). This small historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage…
Malaysia often flies under the radar for travelers heading to Southeast Asia, but it shouldn’t. It is significantly more affordable than Singapore and, in our experience, consistently delivers great value. We aren’t saying you should skip the other iconic cities of the region, but adding Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, to your route is a smart way to experience a beautiful skyline and outstanding food markets…
Many travelers simply transit through Doha, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied for hours at Hamad International Airport. But we highly recommend getting out of the airport and exploring the city too. If you have time for a 4-hour tour, this option is amazing – and it’s even better at night. Doha is a safe, beautiful city with an unusual history we enjoyed learning…
If you’ve ever sat in an airport lounge on a layover in a new city wishing you could actually get out and explore the town, this guide is for you. Booking a stopover is the ultimate travel hack and our favorite way to add an extra country to our itinerary. It can break up a long-haul flight and save money on the total airfare, if…
You may have heard that Philly is one of the greatest walking cities in the country — and it’s true. If you’re staying downtown (in the area we call Center City) you’ll be able to see plenty of amazing historic sites and attractions while working up an appetite to taste the city’s famous dishes. Of course you should try a cheesesteak while you’re in town,…
We think Quito is one of the most underrated capital cities in Latin America. It’s located high in the Andes Mountains at nearly 10,000 feet, and is full of colonial charm and vibrant local culture. We only had two full days in Quito, but they were packed with memorable experiences. If you’re heading to the Galápagos or Amazon, don’t skip Quito. Here’s how to spend…
Chile’s capital is easy to navigate, full of delicious food, and makes a great base for day trips. Three days is just enough to sample the city, sip some wine, and visit the coast. We mixed urban exploration, a private wine tour, and an affordable bus ride to Valparaíso for a well-rounded experience. Here’s how we structured our trip to Santiago, what we loved, what…
