Last Minute Weekend Getaway Ideas

Faced with ever-expanding to-do lists, many people could benefit from a quick weekend getaway. When you need a stress reliever, taking off for a day or two to spend the weekend somewhere new and exciting can be a great way to relax and rejuvenate for another week on the job. When you're planning a last-minute vacation, you'll want an itinerary you can throw together quickly and easily.
Miami Beach

From its beaches to its nightclubs, Miami beach offers a wide variety of activities for travelers looking for diversity in a last-minute destination. Hundreds of hotels range from luxurious and expensive to adequate and affordable. You can rent a powerboat, go deep-sea fishing or take a sightseeing tour. And you'll find plenty of sand and sun for a relaxing day on the beach. Miami Beach's four-mile boardwalk, Ocean Drive, offers a multitude of shopping and dining locations, as well as nightclubs. And there's plenty more to see and do at South Beach, just a short drive away.

Las Vegas

For a wild and carefree getaway, Vegas is the place to go. With its huge hotel selection, you can find anything from a luxury suite to an inexpensive hotel near the Strip. The dining options are just as varied, from expensive world-class cuisine to budget friendly all-you-can-eat buffets. Vegas also offers a wide selection of casinos, shows and other entertainment year-round. Pack a variety of clothing to ensure you have the appropriate attire for any activity that strikes your fancy.

Aspen, Colorado

If hitting the slopes is your ideal escape, take off for a short last-minute ski trip to Aspen. Here you will find four major skiing locations: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Each mountain offers a distinct skiing experience, making Aspen ideal for last-minute travelers who aren't sure exactly what they want. The area has plenty of hotels to accommodate the spontaneous vacationer, and a free shuttle service is available for those staying in the skiing area. After the peaks close each day, the night life takes over, with plenty of clubs and restaurants to choose from.

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

You can give your weekend getaway a bit of international flair with a quick trip across the border. Windsor, Ontario, is just across the bridge from Detroit, Michigan. Head to the beaches on Lake Erie off Pelee Island, or check out the restaurants, bars and clubs. High-end tobacco stores feature items not for sale in the United States, such as Cuban cigars. Caesar's Windsor Hotel and Casino offers daytime and nighttime entertainment, as well as a world-class resort. If you're on a more modest budget, you can find plenty of hotels in every price range in Windsor and across the river in Detroit. Before embarking on this last-minute trip, make sure you have a current passport for crossing the border.

Mandi Rogier is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a wide range of topics. As a previous employee of Walt Disney World, she enjoys writing travel articles that make use of her extensive knowledge of Orlando theme parks.