Best International Trips To Do In A Weekend

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While Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, there’s still time to plan a last-minute escape. And although there are many options here in the States, there are some incredible international cities that are totally doable for a short trip. Find out about different destinations you can do in a weekend below:

As written for Refinery29 – Depending on your departure city, some of these locations are less than three hours away. For East Coasters, even Europe is an option — especially if you can take a Friday or Monday off. Whether you’re looking for an exotic beach or an urban oasis, we’ve rounded up six amazing spots outside the U.S. that are perfect for a summer weekend jaunt. From Mexico to Bermuda to Barcelona, your quickie dream getaway awaits:

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London, United Kingdom
Want to experience London before Brexit becomes official? You can get there in under seven hours if you’re traveling from Boston or New York. (Not much longer than a flight to L.A. or San Francisco.) If you can take a true summer Friday, fly out on Thursday night, and you’ll have a full 48 hours to explore the city before returning on Sunday. Burn through your credit cards in Covent Garden, catch a West End play, hit the spas (the W London Leicester Square is perfect for a quick fix), or just get lost in the city’s bustling streets.

Where To Stay: Milestone Hotel London is a five-star boutique hotel that puts you in the heart of Kensington on the west side of the city (about 30 minutes away from the airport). The hotel dates back to 1689, overlooks the Kensington Gardens, and is just 10 minutes from the Royal Albert Hall.


barcelona-weekend-park-guell

Barcelona, Spain
This beachside city’s energetic art scene, bohemian vibe, and Mediterranean climate make it a fantastic escape. About a seven-hour overnight flight from New York, Barcelona is filled with breathtaking architecture, from the Gothic quarter to Gaudí’s surreal buildings up north. The famed La Rambla street is prime for shoppers; head up from the beach to discover boutiques with hip fashions and avant-garde interior design. Also, Barcelona can be a great place to Tinder — you know, just in case that’s important.

Where To Stay: Hotel Arts Barcelona is as luxe as they come — and by the beach. Occupying a high-rise building marked by a glass-and-exposed-steel facade, the hotel features 483 sea- or city-view rooms (plus suites and duplex apartments), terraced gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa on the 43rd floor, and six restaurants and bars ranging from informal to Michelin-starred.


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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
As one of Mexico’s top beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta has long been a popular escape for vacationers (and is particularly friendly to the LGBTQ community). Old Vallarta (or the Romantic Zone) is filled with cobblestone streets and more shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants per square foot than anywhere else in town. Playa Los Muertos in Old Vallarta is a great place to plant yourself at a beachfront restaurant or bar for prime people-watching, or browse authentic souvenirs to take a piece of Mexico back home.

Where To Stay: CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a modern beachfront resort that’s a bit quieter than the hustle and bustle of Old Vallarta. Rooms and suites have ocean and beach views, and amenities galore.

See the full list over on Refinery29! 🙂


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READ MORE:

Why Puerto Vallarta Is A Gay Mecca You Have To Visit

LGBT Pride Calendar for Summer 2016

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About Andrew Villagomez

Andrew Villagomez is a lifestyle journalist, style photographer and owner of VeeTravels.com. He contributes to publications such as Details.com, Out Magazine, Logo TV's NewNowNext.com, Passport Magazine, Latina.com, Thrillist.com and more. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @VeeTravels

Posted on August 16, 2016, in City Travel, Travel and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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