visit for a short time

These Are America's Best Cities for a Quickie Vacay

A new survey from Hotwire reveals the top American cities for a short vacation

American travelers are officially fans of the "quickie." According to Hotwire's third annual "America's Best Cities for a Quickie" survey, more travelers than ever are leaning into quick vacations, eschewing the risks and unknown of international travel.

Hotwire, which defines a "quickie" as a two- or three-night getaway, usually at the last minute, found that quick domestic trips with a touch of luxury are in high demand this year.

"Our 2020 index was focused on travelers' specific preferences caused by the pandemic, with an extra focus on smaller, less crowded destinations that allowed for easier social distancing," Melissa Postier, Hotwire's director of brand, PR, and social told TripSavvy. 

However, this year, things are slightly different. A whopping 75 percent of travelers want to make up for lost time, save cash, and spend where necessary.

"We honed in on the best cities for a truly leveled-up getaway—those with the most four- and five-star hotels, upgraded amenities, and experiences that can still offer amazing savings to be used on additional experiences and activities," said Postier.

Almost 80 percent of those surveyed said they'd use the money they saved on booking a trip to better their experience. That includes enjoying an expensive meal, spa treatments, or upgrading to a luxury room.

So what cities made the cut? Well, there are 40 of them, and they're broken down into four categories based on size: major metropolises, mid-sized must-sees, small-town favorites, and itty bitty cities.

It’s no surprise to see popular destinations like New York, Atlanta, Orlando, and Savannah top the list in each category. Other notables include Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Richmond, and Charleston.

Hotwire also ranked their quickie cities based on drivability but also leisure activities that include a solid number of restaurants, attractions, and even a low number of rainy days in a year. The survey analyzed more than 350 cities based on value, leisure, and drivability, with a maximum of 15 points allotted in each category. 

“With Hotwire, quickie trips not only allow travelers to save more compared to booking in advance, but they also allow travelers to book essentially on-demand, avoiding the issues that last-minute travel restrictions could cause for vacations planned further out. We expect this will continue to be popular with travelers,” explained Postier.

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15 Best Weekend Getaways in North Carolina, According to Locals

From quaint towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains to relaxed beaches and bustling cities, these are the best places to visit in North Carolina for a quick trip.

Not all vacations need to be extended, expensive trips. Sometimes, a simple weekend getaway — in the form of a cozy mountain retreat, a couple of days at the beach, or a whirlwind city escape — is the perfect way to satisfy a travel itch. While there are numerous East Coast destinations to choose from, it’s sometimes easier to first narrow down the search; in this case, to North Carolina, a state with a wide range of fun, fulfilling places to explore. 

“North Carolina is a really interesting, diverse state with sub-locations that are almost entities in and of themselves,” says Tiffany M. Griffin, co-owner and co-founder of Bright Black , a Durham-based retail shop. “The mountain ranges are some of the best on the East Coast (and in the country), the Outer Banks have some of the best beaches in the country, the cities are walkable and all [have] their own vibe, and the food rivals some of the best in the country.”  

The state’s coastal towns — Beaufort and Emerald Isle, to name a few — frequently appeal to those searching for relaxation mixed with adventure. Others, like Matthew Weinstein, the executive chef of Oak Steakhouse in Highlands, find themselves drawn to the mountains. “Whenever I think of a weekend getaway, the first place that comes to mind is Western North Carolina… I think about hiking and camping, but I also love getting a cabin rental and disappearing into the woods,” he explains. No matter where you choose to spend your weekend, though, Griffin suggests bringing an open mind: “When you visit, don't come in with preconceived notions of ‘the South,’ because I guarantee North Carolina will not fit into any of them. It's a state difficult to describe and best experienced in real life.” 

Ready to plan a quick trip? Keep reading to discover some of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina, according to locals. 

For what chef Weinstein calls “small city mountain charm,” book a flight to Asheville Regional Airport. He recommends staying at the Grand Bohemian Hotel , which is in close proximity to the famed Biltmore Estate, and grabbing a meal at Cúrate , Corner Kitchen , or Buxton Hall Barbecue . While Asheville is one of the most popular spots for seeing fall foliage, it also offers year-round access to some of the best hiking trails and waterfalls in the region. 

Black Mountain

J. Michael Jones/Getty Images

“I like to think of Black Mountain as Asheville's chiller cousin,” says Griffin. “It has the mountain vibes without the crowds. It's a bit more quaint. A bit more diverse. A bit more affordable. And if you really need a fix of the bustle of Asheville, it's only 20 minutes away.” When planning your weekend itinerary, she recommends leaving room for trips to Dripolator for coffee and Blue Ridge Biscuit Company , where you’ll find “one of the best biscuits in Western North Carolina.”

Emerald Isle

Julia Wax, a North Carolina native and the owner of Emerald Isle Realty , may call this beach town home, but she also thinks of Emerald Isle as a great weekend getaway. “Its naturally slower pace of life and…stunning crystal-clear ocean waters never cease to captivate me, even after many years of living here,” she says. If travelers are seeking peace and quiet, they’ll find it. “Our beaches are never crowded, and the serenity is complemented by the ocean’s glistening, vibrant emerald-green hues,” she explains. And, she adds, those who want adventure will find “world-class kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, and surfing.”

Named Travel + Leisure ’s best mountain town of 2023, Highlands offers lots of charm and pockets of luxury — all within driving distance of major cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte. For a particularly romantic trip, book a suite at Old Edwards Inn & Spa , or steal away to the cozy Highlander Mountain House or mountaintop retreat Skyline Lodge . You could easily spend an entire day waterfall spotting, though many of the natural features are just a few minutes from downtown. As far as places to eat, chef Weinstein praises both Ristorante Paoletti and Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro .

Durham is a hot spot for both culinary feats and historical importance. To experience as much of the city as possible, come hungry and prepared to cover a lot of ground. Griffin recommends Saltbox Seafood Joint , coffee at Cocoa Cinnamon , Pincho Loco for ice cream and paletas, and Rose's Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets , what she calls “Durham's best bakery.” In between meals, Durham is your oyster. “Downtown Durham is fun and bustling, but there's so much more to the city. Check out historic neighborhoods like Hayti, Lakewood, the old West End, and others. Parking is also better when you leave downtown,” she says. For more family-friendly activities, check out Duke Gardens , Nasher Museum of Art , and the Museum of Life and Science .

Lake Norman

Spending a weekend lakeside is often the antidote to a stressful workweek and everyday life. Lake Norman, the state’s largest human-made body of fresh water, is located just north of Charlotte, making it convenient for quick trips from the city. Bring your friends or family, and enjoy all kinds of leisurely, water-based activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. There are a few hotels surrounding the lake, but your best bet will be a rental property, like an Airbnb or Vrbo . 

When you want a bit of sand and saltwater, but don’t quite have enough PTO to make it to the Outer Banks, Griffin suggests planning a weekend in Wilmington, where Kure Beach, Airlie Gardens , and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher provide entertainment for travelers of all ages. Education is also an important aspect of exploring the city. “Take a Black history tour or, at the very least, read about the Black history of Wilmington. The Wilmington massacre, in particular, is a painful, bleak moment in North Carolina and U.S. history, but to prevent this from ever happening again, we must equip ourselves with a deep understanding of history,” she explains.

Bryson City

“One of my favorite places in Western North Carolina is Bryson City,” says chef Weinstein. Known as the “gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,“ this small town is the ideal jumping-off point for a weekend filled with fresh air and heart-pumping activities. Or, he notes, you can hop on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad . “The railroad has some great tours of the region and different packages to choose from,” he says. The Raft & Rail , for example, is a full-day guided tour that includes a scenic train trip, lunch, and a whitewater trip on the Nantahala River. 

For a weekend getaway where golf is the priority, Pinehurst — home to the legendary Pinehurst No. 2 course — is the place to go. Start the trip by checking into The Jefferson Inn , a 14-room property in the downtown Southern Pines Historic District (just a short drive to Pinehurst). The Pinehurst area has more than 40 courses, but leave time for a bit of exploring, too. When you’re not working on your game, have breakfast at the Pinehurst Track Restaurant or browse the shelves at The Country Bookshop .

“Forty-five minutes from the [Research] Triangle, Greensboro is a great place to visit for a day or the weekend. There's a ton of history, it's super down to earth, and it's close to a few other fun areas to visit, like High Point and Winston-Salem,” says Griffin. Book a couple of nights at O.Henry Hotel or The Historic Magnolia House — where she praises the Sunday brunch — and pencil in time at the Greensboro Science Center and International Civil Rights Center & Museum , which highlights the city’s sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement.

Don’t confuse Beaufort for the South Carolina town of the same name ; they’re pronounced differently — it’s “bow-fert” in North Carolina — and have different personalities and reasons to visit. “Walking the historic streets of Beaufort is like stepping back in time,” says Wax. “My day typically begins with a visit to the local coffee bar, Cru , a cherished morning tradition among Beaufort residents; by night, it transforms into a lively wine bar. Down by the waterfront, admire the 100-foot yachts and sailboats lining the shore, all while enjoying a refreshing beverage at one of my favorite ‘watering holes,’ the Rhumbar ,” she shares. 

“Uniquely located about equidistant from Charlotte and the Triangle, Asheboro is home to the North Carolina Zoo , a suite of Getaway tiny homes , and some yummy food options,” says Griffin. It could easily be experienced as a day trip from the surrounding larger cities, but the 27,000-person destination also has plenty of sights and events to entertain travelers of all ages. After a long day at the zoo, where Griffin says you’ll “easily rack up 15,000 steps,” pop into her favorite restaurant, Cantina Taco Loco , for a “down-to-earth” setting with “good food [and] good drinks.”

“I’d strongly advise dedicating some of your time to the enchanting Down East Carteret County, a well-kept secret nestled on the Crystal Coast,” says Wax. Down East refers to several waterfront communities in the county — including Bettie, Straits, Harkers Island, Gloucester, and Smyrna — and each embraces a slower way of life. “Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the enduring spirit of village life, a living legacy of generations sustained by the art of commercial fishing. For a deeper connection to our regional heritage, a visit to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center is a must; it’s an authentic portal to our history.”

Robbinsville

For the type of weekend getaway where you can “disappear and disconnect from the stress of everyday life,” chef Weinstein suggests Robbinsville. “Robbinsville has a lot of good hiking trails and campsites to explore. You can also do some great stargazing in this area,” he says. If you prefer hotels to tents, consider staying at the all-inclusive resort Snowbird Mountain Lodge . No matter where you choose to lay your head for the night, though, he says travelers should be cognizant of local wildlife: “Be prepared to see bears, and make sure not to keep any food in your car.”

Morehead City

North Carolina has its fair share of coastal towns — making it hard to choose just one to visit for a few days — but Wax recommends adding Morehead City to your list. “Over in Morehead City, the waterfront offers a front-row seat to the arrival of deep-sea charter fishing boats,” says Wax. “You’ll see sun-kissed, contented fishermen displaying their day’s catch with pride as they pull up to the docks.” If that doesn’t convince you to come for the weekend, the food might. “Just a few steps away, you can savor the freshest oysters, shrimp, crabmeat, or grouper at nearby restaurants like Full Circle Café , Southern Salt , or Jack’s Waterfront Bar . It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure delight.”

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Trip Planning for a Short Trip: How to get the most our of your time

• December 17, 2011

Shanna Schultz

Inside this post...

We almost NEVER have as much time when visiting a place as we would like.  Sometimes, we only have a long weekend and are tempted to pack in as much as possible.

Periodically, we have an extended layover in a city and only want to try to get out of the airport for a few hours.

Whether you have only a few hours or just a couple, short days in a place, it is almost always enough time to get out and see something .  This post will give you tips about trip planning so you time so that you can make the most efficient use of the short time that you do have.

If you are looking for other information about planning a trip, please check out these other useful pieces:

My BEST Budget Travel Tip: Rent an Apartment for you Next Trip!

Travel Off the Beaten Path:  6 Tips for Finding Authentic Local Food

Planning for a Trip:  Make Your “Hit the Ground Running Plan” for a Smooth Arrival

Ideas for Short Trip Planning:

Tip #1: set realistic expectations:.

A short layover will probably not be enough time to visit multiple sights in a city.  Two days is not going to be enough time to thoroughly see all of the tourist spots in a big city like London or Paris.  Prioritize what it is that you want to see most.

If you only have a few hours, pick one major sight that you want to hit.  If you have a couple days, don’t try to cram seeing everything into that time.  Schedule one or two major attractions per day at most.  If you end up with more time, I am sure you will be able to fill it, but then you won’t be disappointed if you miss something that you had planned to see because you scheduled too much.

It is better to see one thing and enjoy it thoroughly than to see five things and be a frazzled, frustrated mess.

Tip #2: Take a Tour:  

We are independent travelers at heart who generally shun organized tours.  Despite this, if you only have one or two days in a place (or only a few hours) taking a tour can be a great way to get an overview of the city and plan what you would like to see in more detail when you come back next time.

I have talked to many people who love those double-decker tourist buses that you find in many major cities.  It is a great way to get a good overview of the city, hop on and off at couple sights and get back to the airport in time for your flight.   If you have a second day, you could use the tour to get your bearings on the first day so that you know how to get to where you want to go when you have more time the next day.

These tour buses do not offer much detail (they usually have an audio commentary that you listen to through provided earphones) but they are a great way to get a bird’s eye view of a lot of sights in a short period of time.  They are also ideal if you have people in your party that are mobility impaired and can’t walk the long distances that seeing sights in major cities usually involves.

Another more personable alternative is to take a walking tour.  There are many cities that offer free walking tours (guides do depend on tips on these for their income.  You decide what the tour was worth to you and tip accordingly).

Even if there isn’t a free walking tour, there are generally inexpensive tours available, and they usually leave from a major tourist point that is easy to find and get to.  This can be a great way to get a more street level view of the place that you are in, and will also serve to give you an overview of the city (from a different perspective).  I wrote a post about the pros and cons of free walking tours, you can check it out here.

Tip #3: Just relax and soak up the scenery

Sometimes, when you only have a short amount of time (say, like a few hours) it is best just to go into a city and get a feeling for it.  Just go and walk around, look through the grocery store, sit in a park and have a picnic with locals and try to get a taste of what life is like there.

You will learn useful logistical tidbits for use when you come back next time, like how to get out of the airport, how to get around on public transit,  what kinds of foods are local to this place.

You will see things that you might not have seen if you had been, for example, rushing to get to, through and out of the Louvre and back to the airport.

Tip #4: Plan, plan, plan

If you do decide that there are things that you want to see in a city and you don’t have much time to do it, do your homework!

• Figure out how to get to where you want to go.
• Find out about the ins and outs of getting around on public transit (if you plan on using it).   Find out if public transit is an option that will get you to and from where you want to go in the time that you have.  Sometimes, for a short visit, renting a car or taking taxis can be less time consuming than trying to negotiate public transit (it depends on the city and the time of day).
• Research the opening and closing times of the places that you want to go and plan accordingly.
• Print out some detailed (street level) maps and directions before you leave, to have on hand and get you going the right way quickly.

This will help to make sure that you spend your limited time seeing what it is that you want to see and not lost and at the wrong subway stop or wandering on the street.

Tip #5: Look at your short time like a preview 

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The best weekend trips in the U.S. for 2024

The best weekend trips in the U.S. help you see the country one unexpected destination at a time

We love a European vacation as much as the next person, but perhaps less so these days. Despite the many flash sales luring us abroad, there’s just too much to see and do right here in America. The rise in low-cost airlines expanding their routes throughout the U.S. has also refocused our wanderlust, nudging us toward short escapes closer to home. And with limited time and budgets, a weekend getaway in the U.S. is just the vacation we all need right now.

Our picks bypass the obvious choices, say New York or L.A., in favor of smaller cities with booming art scenes, lesser-known towns with incredible restaurants and coastal spots with plenty of room to spread out on the sand. You’ll find fewer crowds and plenty of small-town charm at these unexpected destinations. Looking for someplace to go in 2024? These places should absolutely be on your travel radar this year.

RECOMMENDED: The best cities to visit in the U.S.

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Best weekend trips in the U.S.

1.  Cape May, New Jersey

Fun travel fact: “America’s Oldest Seashore Resort” can be found on the southern tip of the Garden State. Yes, Cape May is technically on the Jersey Shore but it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you see on MTV—in lieu of Snookie sightings, nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions, horse-drawn carriages, gas-lit cobblestone streets, blooming hydrangeas and a famous lighthouse.

So why should you visit Cape May? Most people will tell you the long stretches of beaches and colorful architecture alone are reason enough to come. But locals will opine it’s about the passionate community, walkability to everywhere, the parks peppered with grandiose trees, bangin’ local music scene, mom-and-pop shops, the Coast Guard base, well-manicured lawns, family-owned restaurants, impeccable homes and its charm. Cape May is also a gourmand’s dream where perfectly seasoned, fresh-caught seafood dots the menus of all the town’s best haunts. 

Where to stay: If modern and minimalist are your vibe, look no further than La Mer Beachfront Resort . The family-owned property recently underwent a major renovation and the hotel offers the island’s most swanky accommodations, swathed in beige and white hues and replete with traditional-yet-contemporary furnishings.

Don’t miss it: The Lobster House is Cape May’s most popular restaurant and the dining experience here beside the Fisherman’s Wharf is a must. Order a cold beer with steamed Maryland crabs and fried clams dockside and soak in the sights of the wharf.

Nearest airport:  Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)

2.  Burlington, Vermont

Burlington’s charm as a waterfront university town is well known, but with two Vermont chefs and eateries in the running for the 2024 James Beard Awards, it’s a necessary getaway for food and drink lovers. From pastry chef Amanda Wildermuth’s tahini sundae (think sesame caramel and crumbled halva) at the Eastern Mediterranean-influenced Honey Road , to spicy brussels sprouts with a cult following (hello, citrus-garlic chili sauce, golden raisins and sunflower seeds) thanks to chef Mojo Hancy-Davis’s farm-to-table menu at May Day —plus a rotating selection of craft beers from the small experimental brewery Foam Brewers —Burlington’s restaurant and bar scene is bustling. 

Where to stay: Rustic ski lodge meets bougie boutique property at Hotel Vermont , where wood-burning fireplaces, stone walls and views of Lake Champlain are the perfect backdrops for sampling the hotel’s long list of craft beers and cocktails.

Don’t miss it: The killer onion soup and maple creme brulée at Leunig’s , Church Street’s iconic bistro.

Nearest airport:  Burlington Airport (BTV)

3.  Bentonville, Arkansas

More than 100 miles away from a major city (if you can call Tulsa, Oklahoma that), you'll find charming Bentonville, Arkansas at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The birthplace of Walmart (by way of Sam Walton’s first Five and Dime, opened in 1950) has flourished beyond its retail reputation, becoming a destination for art enthusiasts, cyclists, and curious travelers interested in an equally charming and albeit less crowded, alternative to nearby Southern capitals.

Your weekend in Bentonville, which celebrates its 150th anniversary , starts with the familiar—a visit to downtown’s Walmart Museum , because why not?—before venturing to the popular: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a sprawling cultural institution whose permanent collection of works spans five centuries and is always free to visit. Plus, its onsite chef offers a host of unique dining experiences.

Then, it’s time to head to the woods. With a trail system that wraps around the museum’s 120-acre park and a host of paved paths throughout the city, Bentonville’s natural landscape is ripe for exploring on foot or two wheels. Airship Coffee at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a delightful open-air cafe where you can power up or cool down between runs. 

Where to stay: 21c Museum Hotel  is equal parts boutique hotel and hip gallery with a dedicated exhibition space. Contemporary artworks and sculptures are sprinkled throughout the property.

Don’t miss it:  The Bentonville Film Festival , chaired by Academy Award Winner Geena Davis, celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer. The annual event screens shorts, docs, features, animated movies and more films, focusing on diversity and inclusion.

Nearest airport: Fayetteville, Arkansas (XNA)

4.  Rockland, Maine

This small but vibrant coastal town is quintessentially Maine. Rockland packs a punch with stunning views from its rocky coastline plus cultural offerings and top-notch dining. Art enthusiasts can visit The Farnsworth Art Museum  or the Center for Maine Contemporary Art  while those in search of local bounty can hit up the weekly  farmers' market  and gems like Rock City Coffee . There’s waterfront dining aplenty, but few might think to venture inland to the nationally-lauded Primo . Have a night out at the historic Myrtle Street Tavern, Liberator Brewing Company  or The Strand Theater . As one of the biggest lobster shipping centers in the world, Rockland celebrates the coveted crustacean each August at the hugely popular Maine Lobster Fest . Explore Penobscot Bay on a cruise and you’ve completed a true Maine adventure. 

Where to stay: Overlooking the harbor, the luxurious, design-forward 250 Main Hotel  is in the perfect location for exploring Rockland.

Don’t miss it: Walk the mile-long granite breakwater path to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city from the water plus the chance to explore the 100+ year history of the lighthouse.

Nearest airport:  Knox County Regional Airport (RKD)

5.  Topeka, Kansas

As an under-the-radar capital, Topeka’s got a surprising number of hipster brewpubs, including the Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery , the Norsemen Brewing Company , Iron Rail Brewing and the Happy Basset Barrel House —which includes an attached dog park and a flamingo scavenger hunt to keep humans entertained between pints. Downtown is walkable, and neighborhoods are parkable with a selection of locally owned eateries like the Blue Moose Bar & Grill . Check out NOTO , the arts and entertainment district with art studios, antique stores and a monthly First Friday ArtWalk. At Gage Park, ride a mile-long mini-train and visit the new giraffe exhibit opening March 10 at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center . Don your jumpsuit for the Evel Knievel Museum before it moves to Las Vegas, and catch a show at Topeka Civic Theatre , which hosts (they say) the country’s oldest, continuously-running community dinner theater. Topeka was founded in 1854 by antislavery colonists, and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site commemorates the landmark Civil Rights case that ended legal segregation in public schools. 

Where to stay:  The  Cyrus Hotel pairs luxury with Midwest charm in a century-old building with striking city views from upper stories.

Don’t miss it: The capitol with its mural of abolitionist John Brown roaring with his rifle and Bible. Stay downstairs to roll a quarter down the sloping tile tunnel, then ascend to the cupola through a series of terrifying stairs and landings suspended in the middle of the vast dome.

Nearest airport:  Kansas City Airport (MCI)

6.  Mendocino, California

Located a couple of hours north of the Bay Area, Mendocino feels like a storybook out of a romance novel. The area blends charming New England architecture with a dramatic California coastline. And Mendocino’s remote nature means it never feels like it’s trying too hard or overcrowded. Imagine charming inns with roaring fires, homemade breakfast, and views of waves crashing on the rocky shore. Restaurants that serve fish caught nearby earlier that day. A quaint downtown with Victorian buildings turned into independent shops. Trails that lead you through redwoods and onto the beach. 

Where to stay: SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm , a recently refreshed bed and breakfast that features an 1867 country manor, a modern lodge, adorable onsite llamas and homemade breakfast delivered to your room.

Don’t miss it:  Town favorite   Fog Eater Cafe  is a fully vegan , New Orleans-inspired eatery that draws a crowd. 

Nearest airport:  Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS)

— Clara Hogan

7.  Covington, Louisiana

Just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans is the charming city of Covington, where you can discover Louisiana culture at a slower pace. The quaint downtown, dotted with oak trees and historic buildings, is packed with independent boutiques and lively art galleries. Restaurants like Del Porto , Lola’s  and The Gloriette  stand up to the best in New Orleans, and there's no shortage of spots serving up boiled seafood or po' boys. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike the Tammany Trace , paddle the Bogue Falaya River or visit a gator ranch . There’s entertainment aplenty too: spring and fall bring outdoor concerts, the Three Rivers Arts Festival  is a draw in November and monthly block parties from March through October on Columbia Street celebrate what makes Covington unique.

Where to stay: The historic, family-owned Southern Hotel  offers luxurious accommodations, fabulous food and plenty of Southern hospitality.

Don’t miss it: Head to the Abita Brewing Company  for locally brewed beers featuring local ingredients. Take a tour and stick around for a bite, and maybe catch a band at one of the brewery’s frequent weekend events.

Nearest airport:  New Orleans Airport (MSY)

8.  Lenox, Massachusetts

An enchanting New England town tucked away in a particularly gorgeous section of the Berkshires, Lenox is the perfect home base for a trip spent exploring Western Massachusetts. Culture vultures have long flocked to the town thanks to Tanglewood , the summertime home of the Boston Symphony, and the innovative local theater group Shakespeare & Company . Now, upscale accommodations like 33 Main and the recently renovated Cornell Inn are providing a more luxurious mountain escape. (Those looking for true luxury should pencil some time in at Miraval Berkshires .) History lovers can arrange to tour nearby architectural stunners like Ventfort Hall and The Mount , the one-time home of author Edith Wharton. A day spent taking in the past can also be complemented with some more of-the-moment culinary offerings in downtown Lenox, like the intimate wine bar Brava .

Where to stay: The Lenox Collection is a trio of historic inns in the heart of the city.

Don’t miss it: A picnic spent taking in a live concert at Tanglewood is a local tradition for a reason. Check out this summer’s offerings , including highlights like James Taylor and En Vogue (on separate nights).

Nearest airport:  Bradley International Airport (BDL)

9.  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Tucked in the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh offers a getaway combining city amenities, lots of green space and plenty of charm. The city dazzles in the springtime with beautiful parks (meander through Point State Park and visit Blue Slide Park made famous by rapper Mac Miller). On a rainy day, head to The Warhol Museum dedicated to Pittsburgh’s own Andy Warhol. A ride on the incline , a funicular, is a must for a thrilling city view. Eat pierogies (and lots more) at the renowned Apteka , which specializes in central and eastern European cuisine, then grab tiki drinks at Hidden Harbor .

Where to stay:  Kimpton Hotel Monaco  is located Downtown within walking distance of bars and restaurants as well as transit access.

Don’t miss it:  Picklesburgh , this summertime food festival celebrates all things pickled—the weirder, the better. (2024 dates TBA)

Nearest airport: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

10.  Greenville, South Carolina

Just one hour from bustling Asheville lies the charming city of Greenville, which tends to fly (mostly) under the radar—for now, at least. Its walkable downtown area is chock-full of quaint shops like the nostalgia-inducing Mast General Store, diverse dining options (ranging from delectable Mexican street food at Pap’s Tacos  to contemporary Italian at Jianna ), and abundant local artwork. We recommend grabbing coffee at Methodical Coffee  and heading to Falls Park on the Reedy , which offers excellent views of the surrounding falls. In the afternoon, refuel with an ice-cold beer at Southernside Brewing Co . as you stroll or bike along the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail .

Where to stay: Situated right on the banks of the Reedy River, the luxe Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville  is the perfect place to stay when in town.

Don’t miss it: Greenville hosts over 300 events each year, including the trademark Fall for Greenville , a three-day festival that puts the city’s many food, drink, and entertainment offerings on full display.

Nearest airport: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

11.  Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

If you like miles of beachfront living, an expansive boardwalk, and an adorable town center with lots of quaint shops, then President Biden’s favorite summer retreat should be yours, too. Rehoboth Beach sits along Southern Delaware’s culinary coast, an area rich in agriculture and aquaculture contributing to the cluster of award-winning restaurants that includes DRIFT and One Coastal , run by James Beard Semifinalist chef 2024 Matt Kern.

Where to stay: Book a room at the waterfront Bellmoor Inn & Spa , an elegantly understated property less than a 10-minute walk from the beach.

Don’t miss it: Dogfish Head Brewery originated in these parts and has sprawled out quite a bit since launching the first brewery in the nation’s first state. Check out the Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth, where you can grab a bite just next door to Dogfish’s original location.

Nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport

12.  Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, a small coastal Connecticut town once known for its shipyard and seaport, is now a quaint New England getaway full of destination-worthy dining. Metro-North trains directly from New York City and a fully walkable downtown make Mystic an easy weekend getaway, no car required. The scenic walks by the water, small shops and boutiques, plus a longstanding independent bookstore  make for an excellent few days of entertainment between eating pizza at  Nana’s Bakery , noshing on pastries at  Sift Bake Shop , sipping craft brews at  Barley Head Brewery  or slurping up oysters during happy hour at  The Shipwright’s Daughter .

Where to stay:  The Whaler’s Inn , a historic 45-room boutique property in the heart of town that’s dog-friendly and welcomes guests in the lobby with a fireplace, warm beverages and cookies.

Don’t miss it:  Book dinner at  Oyster Club , a locally beloved and owned restaurant serving farm-to-table upscale fare (don’t skip the cornbread with honey butter, or anything with seafood), plus high-end cocktails.

Nearest airport:  Providence T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)

13.  Kingston, New York

Kingston, NY, may have a rich history as the state’s first capital, but it is so much more than its past. Located 91 miles outside of New York City, it offers a fun weekend getaway with great hikes, historic landmarks, trendy stores and hangouts like Milne Antiques and Kingston Standard Brewing Co. , good food at restaurants like Ship to Shore and Lola Pizza , and a robust arts scene centered around the Ulster Performing Arts Center that operates inside a restored 1926 theater. The city is also home to festivals, including the Artists Soapbox Derby (August), and the Trolley Museum of New York , which offers a 1.5-mile ride on weekends and holidays along the Rondout Creek waterfront to Kingston Point Park.

Where to stay:  The  Hotel Kinsley  for a beautiful, historic stay or  the Newkirk , an entire 1856 home you can rent on Airbnb.

Don’t miss it:  Rough Draft , a bookstore and taproom, where you can enjoy a pint with a good book and friends.

Nearest airport: Newburgh Airport (SWF)

14.  Narragansett, Rhode Island

The seaside town of Narragansett is just 22 minutes by car from the Gilded Age glamour of Newport, but you’d never know it. Narragansett is beloved for its laid-back and low-key vibes. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, and travelers of all experience levels can sign up for lessons and/or rent gear from local businesses like Narragansett Surf & Skate Shop . Whether or not you choose to actually explore the water—you can, alternatively, simply walk along the beach and soak up the sun on your own—hit up neighborhood faves like Cool Beans Cafe for acai bowls or Fuel Coffee Bar for a cold brew and a fresh pastry.

Where to stay: The 31-room Shore House  blends nautical charm and Victorian elegance; plus, we’d be remiss not to highlight the beachy-chic accommodations and Instagram-worthy ocean views.

Don’t miss it: Snag a table at The Coast Guard House Restaurant and savor fresh seafood like freshly shucked oysters, hearty New England clam chowder, and gooey lobster mac.

Nearest airport: Westerly Airport (WST)

15.  Saugatuck, Michigan

This welcoming West Michigan town combines local charm with a beautiful lakefront setting to provide visitors with the platonic ideal of a midwestern beach getaway. Long known for its vibrant arts community thanks to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and the Chicago Art Institute’s Oxbow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, the laid-back destination is now emerging as a culinary hot spot. Virtue Cider , founded by the former brewmaster of Chicago’s Goose Island Brewery, turns out award-winning cider while Pennyroyal Café & Provisions , helmed by former Chopped winner Missy Corey, serves elevated takes on local specialties like fried perch. Meanwhile, James Beard-nominated eatery The Southerner serves dangerously (in a good way) spicy fried chicken sandwiches. The town has also been long known for welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers thanks, in part, to lively party spots like The Dunes Resort .

Where to stay: The Lake Shore Resort , just north of Saugatuck, provides stunning views of Lake Michigan from a dramatic bluff.

Don’t miss it: Tulip Time , a weeklong festival dedicated to all things tulips, kicks off on May 4.

Nearest airport:  Muskegon County Airport (MKG)

16.  Sarasota, Florida

Nestled between Tampa and Fort Meyers, Sarasota boasts nearly 40 miles of white sand beaches and wildlife along Florida’s balmy Gulf shoreline. But this quaint beach town also touts a quirky history and some serious urban amenities. Circus mogul John Ringling moved his shows here for the winter in 1927. Since then, the city’s become an eclectic cultural hub, home to the renowned Sarasota School of Architecture, numerous respected art programs, museums and performance venues.

Work up an appetite exploring Sarasota’s galleries, botanical gardens and famed keys like Siesta and Longboat, then bounce around its bustling waterfront downtown for dinner and nightlife—but not before indulging in homemade pies from Yoder’s Amish Village . This spring, Circus Sarasota celebrates its 26th anniversary.

Where to stay: The Lido Beach House ’s charming mid-century modern digs are a short, scenic bridge away from downtown.

Don’t miss it: John Ringling's former home, Ca’ d’Zan , is a Venetian Gothic-style stunner with ornate interiors and sweeping views of Sarasota Bay. It also served as the location for Miss Havisham’s dilapidated mansion in the 1996 film  Great Expectations.

Nearest airport:  Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)  

17.  Laughlin, Nevada

Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin, Nevada is a smaller, quieter version of Las Vegas with a small-town feel. With less than 10,000 permanent residents, Laughlin boasts eight casinos, dozens of casino resort restaurants like the Western-themed Claim Jumper, and bars with live bands like Losers Lounge along the Colorado River. Surrounded by the Mojave Desert and boasting a beautiful mountain backdrop, Laughlin is a paradise for gamblers and outdoor enthusiasts who can kayak or river cruise along the Colorado River that runs through the heart of town, hike the Colorado River Heritage Trails that runs parallel the water, explore stone mazes at Laughlin Labyrinths , and chill in a poolside cabana at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort and Harrah’s Laughlin Beach Resort & Casino. Nearby, sunbathers can enjoy Lake Mohave’s 200 miles of shoreline and explore its coves and wildlife, drive Route 66, visit Hoover Dam , and visit Arizona’s oldest distillery, Desert Diamond Distillery .

Where to stay: Most of Laughlin’s 9,000 hotel rooms are less than $50 a night. Aquarius Casino Resort is the largest.;

Don’t miss it: Stroll along Laughlin Riverwalk , a paved walkway along the Colorado River that connects most of the casinos.

Nearest airport:  Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IFP)

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One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in San Francisco: Top Things to Do if Short on Time

June 27, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Ultimate Guide for the Best Things to See and Do in San Francisco in 24 Hours

One of my absolute favorite U.S. cities is San Francisco, California and it’s well worth a visit even if it’s just a day trip to San Francisco — which I did numerous times back when I lived in San Diego. Whether you have a day in San Francisco or longer to explore, you’ll no doubt become infatuated with the city’s gorgeous skyline, historic architecture, harbor and water views, beautiful parks, and a certain famous bridge.

San Francisco is an easy city to fall in love with. But ok, it’s not perfect — those views often come courtesy of thigh-burning hills and the iconic sites mean expensive accommodation and cuisine, so I guess not everything is to love. But still, San Francisco is one city you have to see, and if you’re short on time to do so, fear not, I have you covered with my One Day in San Francisco guide.

Editor’s Note: In recent years, theft in San Francisco has become an ongoing issue. Be careful of pickpocketing or leaving anything of value in cars.

What You’ll Find in This One Day in San Francisco Guide

Time needed:  1 day

Wondering how to best see San Francisco in a day? You’re in the right place. Here’s an overview of what I’ll be covering in my One Day in San Francisco itinerary guide below.

From cable cars to the metro, learn the most efficient way for getting around San Francisco.

Iconic pier with entertainment, shopping, food, and lots of sea lions.

It’s easy to see the bridge, but to really experience it you need to go from one end to the other.

Maximize your day in San Francisco by making sure you properly pack for the weather and hills.

Enjoy some time in nature with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The curviest street in the world. Enough said. (But I do have more to say about it below.)

Gorgeous and colorful Victorian houses all in a picturesque row.

A fun neighborhood to walk around, especially for foodies who love Italian cuisine.

My top tips for what and where to eat while in San Francisco.

I’ve included more ideas of what to see and do in San Francisco if you find yourself with extra time or want to do other things per your particular interests.

Find out my top recommendations for where to end your day in San Francisco.

Getting Around During Your One Day in San Francisco

To maximize your day, you need to know how to best get around San Francisco. The city is pretty compact, but it is extremely hilly. Meaning it’s not that fun to walk around unless you like lots of exercise on vacation. 😉 Me, not so much!

Some walking is going to be necessary, but when needing to get from one major site to the next, or if you want to navigate San Francisco in a day in the most efficient way possible, consider taking public transportation.

You have two great options for getting to the things to do in San Francisco in one day that you want to see, and one is even famous.

The first way to get around during a day in San Francisco is on the network of Muni buses and trains, which are operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and includes routes all over the San Francisco city center as well as beyond it into San Francisco County.

The famous mode of transportation I mentioned? The San Francisco Cable Car! This is technically part of Muni services, but feels different since it’s more of a tourist draw and the popular routes often have long lines waiting to board one (depending when you’re there). You can’t miss spotting these cable cars making their way up and down San Francisco’s hilly streets since they’re charmingly cute and a bright red color.

And one more thing about transportation. If you’re arriving into San Francisco from the airport, it’s easy to get downtown by taking the BART train (Bay Area Rapid Transportation). It takes just 30 minutes from SFO to downtown and a ticket is under $10.

One Day in San Francisco Itinerary Guide

Below are my recommendations for the top sites to see if you have just a day in San Francisco. First, here’s an infographic to give yourself a visual idea of how your day will go before you start reading the itinerary.

Heading to San Francisco Last Minute or Want Some Quick Tips for Planning? These tours and hotel recommendations will help you plan your trip fast!

Top Tours in San Francisco:

• GoCar San Francisco Tour  
• Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise  
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour  
• Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour  
• San Francisco CityPASS

Top hotels in San Francisco:

• Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Airport North (2-star)  
• Bay Landing Hotel (3-star)  
• Hotel Fusion, a C-Two Hotel (3.5-star)
• Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront (4-star) 
• Handlery Union Square Hotel (3.5-star)

Now let’s get to all those things to see during your day in San Francisco! Starting with…

Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf: A Fun Place to Start a San Francisco 1-Day Itinerary

Walking around Pier 39 is one of my favorite things to do in San Francisco because it has gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay and it’s just fun!

Is it touristy? Yes, definitely. But I don’t think you should avoid something just because it caters to tourists – just don’t spend the whole day there.

I like Pier 39 because the whole pier has an upbeat vibe with street entertainers, gift shops, ocean-view restaurants, and even sea lions.

Sea lions are nearly always hanging out on the docks right next to Fisherman’s Wharf. If you go to the edge of the west side of the pier you can get an excellent look at them making their unique barking noises and sometimes splashing about the water.

If you want to learn more about the sea lions, go to the Sea Lion Center on the second level of the pier, which has lots of information about the sea lions and the history of the ones that hang out by Pier 39.

My favorite shop to walk through on Fisherman’s Wharf is the Wyland Gallery. Wyland is an artist who focuses on making sculptures and paintings of sea life. I’ve been to a few Wyland galleries and this one is my favorite. It’s large and the fact that you’re literally over the ocean on a sea pier makes the animals you’re seeing in the artwork even more mesmerizing. Also, fun fact, the mural you can see on one side of Pier 39 of a whale was painted by Wyland.

Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf Quick Tips Where: Along the Embarcadero between the cross streets of Stockton and Grant. What: A fun, busy pier with shops, restaurants, and neighboring sea lions. Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking are located around the area. Public Transportation: Take the MUNI to the Embarcadero & Stockton Street stop.

Golden Gate Bridge: A One Day in San Francisco MUST-SEE

You can’t miss seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – literally since it’s right there over the bay. But as lovely as the Golden Gate Bridge looks from afar, to really experience it you need to go from one end to the other.

You can do this in two ways: a car or walking.

Tip: Explore the most famous landmarks (included Golden Gate Bridge) via this Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour .

If short on time, driving makes the most sense if you have a car since it will save you ample time. If driving a car across the Golden Gate Bridge, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a toll on the way back into the city. But it’s worth it to journey across the bridge and see the thick red towers crisscrossing above you, without wind whipping in your face.

Yes, the wind is something you will probably have to battle if you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (unless you happen to be there on one of San Francisco’s rare sunny, hot days) along its cordoned off pedestrian path along the edge of the bridge.

Things to know about walking across the bridge: It’s four miles from one end to the other and back. If you’re too short on time to tackle such a walk, just walk to the first tower and back.

Golden Gate Bridge Quick Tips Where: North of San Francisco’s Presidio area along the 101 highway. It’s hard to miss. 😉 What: A famous red bridge over the San Francisco Bay. Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking are located around the area, but you’ll probably have to walk far. There is one parking lot that is adjacent to the southeast Golden Gate Bridge visitor center, but spots are limited. Public Transportation: A bus is your best bet — hop on one of the Golden Gate Transit buses, which are routes 30, 70, and 101, (and sometimes other routes depending on where you’re coming from and what day of the week it is). Get off at the southbound Toll Plaza bus top.

Don’t Forget to Pack These Items!

Quick break from the itinerary to call out a few things you should pack for a day in San Francisco. Here are some items you won’t want to forget.

• San Francisco is known for high winds cutting chillingly around all those skyscrapers. Be prepared!
• There are so many hills in San Francisco. Do not think flip-flops or high heels will suffice. You want a pair of walking shoes if you’re going to see as much of this city as possible in one day.
• Love this brand.
• You’ll be glad you have one if you want to swim in the ocean. The water can feel cold even in the summer months.
• Don’t just stick in any old pair of sunglasses. You’ll be by water a lot during your time in San Francisco and polarized ones will help you to better focus on your surroundings without squinting.

A Day in San Francisco’s Parks and Beaches

If you have a car, I recommend going to Fort Baker in Golden Gate Park after driving across the bridge. It has a stunning view of the bridge and city skyline across the harbor.

If no car, then once you’ve completed your bridge walk, head down the Battery to Bluffs Trail to the southwest side of the bridge to walk along Marshall’s Beach for some Golden Gate photo ops. It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk. This beach sometimes attracts nudists, so keep that in mind, particularly if traveling with children.

You can take public transportation a bit farther down the bay to Baker Beach for similar views. Both Marshall’s Beach and Baker’s Beach are located in Presidio National Park.

All these views are spectacular so if you have extra time you may want to visit both Golden Gate Park and Marshall’s Park.

Golden Gate Park Quick Tips Where: Exit Alexander Avenue after driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. What: An old fort with an incredible view of the San Francisco skyline, bay, and Golden Gate Bridge. Parking: There is a parking area near the Fort Baker lookout point by Horseshoe Cove along the waterfront and the trailhead by Drown Road.

Marshall’s Beach Quick Tips Where:  Southwest of Golden Gate Bridge What: Small, rugged beach with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking: If you decide to drive and not walk, there is parking along Lincoln Boulevard next to the trail sign for Battery to Bluffs Trail.

Note: Baker’s Beach, located a bit farther south along the bay, is more popular, but usually also more crowded and takes longer to walk to from Golden Gate Bridge if you don’t have a car.

—> You also may enjoy reading: Top 10 Small Cities in California to Visit

The Curves of San Francisco’s Lombard Street

Lombard Street is famous for being the curviest street in the world. It’s a bit silly, sure, but still fun to see. And in addition to being a novelty, it’s located in a pretty area of San Francisco that showcases some of the gorgeous architecture and hilly geography that makes the city of San Francisco one of the most beautiful in the world.

Lombard Street is quite fun to drive down if you have a car while there. If not, go to the cross street of Lombard and Hyde Street where you’ll have an excellent view of the street from the bottom up.

Lombard Street Quick Tips: Where: Lombard Street at the cross section of Hyde Street (at the top) and Leavenworth Street (at the bottom). What: The curviest street in the world (supposedly). Parking: Don’t do the hassle of parking, just drive down Lombard Street if you have a car and snap a pic from the window looking up once you’re at the bottom (safely, while stopped, of course). Public Transportation: Get off at the MUNI stop for Fisherman’s Wharf (Beach & Mason) and from there it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the curvy portion of Lombard Street.

Painted Ladies of San Francisco

The Painted Ladies are colorful Victorian row homes located across from a grassy square and walking by them is one of the top thing to do in San Francisco in one day due to their history and beauty.

The homes were built in the 19 th and early 20 th century and have been beautifully maintained in their original style. Get to the Painted Ladies early if you want to enjoy a view of these gorgeous buildings without tons of crowds.

That being said, if you don’t mind crowds, sunset is a gorgeous time to be there, especially for a photo op, as the setting sun casts a rosy glow on the Painted Ladies.

Painted Ladies Quick Tips: Where: At the crossroads of Hayes Street and Steiner Street What: A grassy square with a row of famous Victorian homes on one side. Parking: Street parking is available around the square. Public Transportation: Muni Line #21 toward Inner Richmond (if coming from downtown). Get off at the Hayes Street and Steiner Street stop.

Tour Tip: Explore the Painted Ladies and other San Francisco’s top destinations by restored VW bus with this cool Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour .

North Beach: San Francisco’s Little Italy

I personally really like this area of San Francisco, which is why it’s making it onto my list of what to do in San Francisco in one day. The North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco is lively and fun to walk around plus it’s a great area to get dinner so I recommend ending your 1 day in San Francisco here.

North Beach Quick Tips Where: Located in the area just south of Pier 39. What:  San Francisco’s Little Italy neighborhood with lots of restaurants (especially Italian), bars, and shops. Parking: Paid lots and metered street parking are located around the area. Public Transportation: Take the MUNI to the Stockton & Beach stop or the Embarcadero & Bay Street stop.

Tour Tip: Explore North Beach with this 3-hour walking tour . It’s the perfect amount of time to get a good feel for the area while leaving plenty of time for other attractions…and eating!

Which Brings Me To…

Where to eat during your one day in san francisco.

The Stinking Rose: This restaurant is famous due to the amount of garlic they put on everything. I love this restaurant, especially the curtain booths. Try the roasted garlic clove appetizer to spread on your bread – soooo good!

The Italian Homemade Company: Located in North Beach, this is a good choice for a laidback atmosphere and homemade Italian cuisine.

Mister Jiu’s: Get some of the best Asian cuisines in San Francisco’s Chinatown at Mister Jiu’s, which serves up high-end ingredients in a hip setting.

Crab House : If you want to eat on Pier 39, I had a great lunch at this restaurant during a day trip to San Francisco. A bit kitschy, but the views are great and the crab is aplenty.

Zero Zero: I enjoyed some delicious, gourmet, wood-fired pizza here with an assortment of toppings. I especially liked that they had fried egg as a pizza topping! Zero Zero is located in the SOMA District of San Francisco.

More Than 1 Day in San Francisco: Things to Do with Extra Time

Have more than 24 Hours in San Francisco? Here are a few other things to do:

Alcatraz: San Franciso’s Iconic Prison

Alcatraz is pretty cool to see, but it is a bit of a journey to get there and takes some time to walk around. It’s a former prison famous for being inescapable. It is located on a tiny island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, so it’s easy to see why it was nearly impossible to escape from. Therefore, if you have only 24 hours to spend in San Francisco your first time there, I don’t recommend it in my one day itinerary for San Francisco.

But if you have another day (or you’re just really fascinated by old prisons) it’s worth adding to your sightseeing repertoire.

To get to Alcatraz you’ll arrange for a tour that begins on land. You’ll board a ferry and once you arrive in Alcatraz you’ll be given some background information on the prison and then you’ll get free time to wander around it and explore before catching the ferry back to the city. A bonus of the ferry ride is that it has great views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.

Read More: Best Day Trips from San Francisco

Museums Worth Visiting in San Francisco

San Francisco has many museums to choose from. Some top choices include the Walt Disney Museum, SOMA, and Exploratorium.

Shopping in San Francisco

If you love to shop, you’ll love heading to Union Square while in San Francisco. It has blocks of shopping malls and popular luxury goods stores.

One Night in San Francisco: Where to Sleep

With a friend? Haha, not really, but San Francisco is unfortunately an expensive place to stay and I luckily have a couple good friends who live in the area so I’ve always stayed with them when visiting.

But I asked around and scoured Internet reviews to do the research for you and save you time, so I could recommend a few excellent options for accommodations in San Fran, including a budget option, where you can happily rest your head after you’ve completed all those things to do in San Francisco in one day that I recommended. 🙂

The Scarlet Huntington: Luxurious and historic hotel in the ritzy Nob Hill neighborhood with a beautiful indoor pool and rooms decorated in romantic reds – great option for a couples getaway.

• Click here for pictures and prices of the Scarlet Huntington.

Omni San Francisco: Swanky rooms with a central downtown location that is good for business travelers who also want an easy jumping off point for exploring during down time.

• Click here for pictures and prices of Omni San Francisco.

Green Tortoise Hostel: Those looking for fun, convenience, and cheap digs (well, relatively speaking for San Francisco!) will enjoy a stay at Green Tortoise Hostel while exploring San Francisco.

• Click here for pictures and prices of the Green Tortoise Hostel.

Hotel Triton: A boutique hotel with affordable pricing, funky and artsy vibe, and a terrific location for sightseeing.

• Click here for pictures and prices of Hotel Triton.

Noe’s Nest: Stay in a luxurious Bed and Breakfast in a fabulously decorated Victorian home.

• Click here for pictures and prices of Noe’s Nest.

Hostels in San Francisco : If you’re on a super tight budget, you may also want to consider booking a hostel. Find the most comfortable one for you here .

So there you have it! The top things to do if you have just one day in San Francisco plus where to sleep if you’re there overnight. What sights do you most want to see in San Francisco?

Also, if you’re exploring other areas of California, you may enjoy these One Day Itinerary articles:

Ultimate Guide to San Diego One Day in Santa Barbara

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I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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10 Great Places for One Week Adventure Trips

Julia is an avid traveler, lifelong artist, theater geek, interior designer, future author, and o...

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Feeling a little bit lost in life? Drowning in the mundane day-to-day? Perk yourself up and find the direction of your inner compass with an adventure program abroad!

Have you ever hiked the famous Cinque Terre coastal trail in Italy?

One week adventure trips pack a LOT of experience in a short time. Expand your horizons, hike to new heights, dive to new depths, and battle the mighty beasts of boredom as you gain invaluable experience and grow into a fearless fighter. From snorkeling around the Galapagos to trekking famous Inca trails in Peru , there are adventure opportunities in nearly every country to combine an adventure of a lifetime with meaningful travel. However, like all things in life, some do it better.

Choose to explore cultures, traditions, landscapes, and culinary scenes with an experience that will get you away from the cities, out of your shell, and into the thrill of the moment, in one of the following adventure destinations. Tighten your masts, pick your course, and set sail in the direction of the country (and program!) for the one week adventure trip of your dreams.

As well as being a top destination for high school programs abroad and study abroad , Italy is also the most popular eco/adventure destination searched on GoAbroad! Adventure opportunities in Italy are as plentiful as its strikes and as tasty as its focaccias : volunteer at a dolphin conservation in the Italian Riviera, sample the slow food movement with a cooking homestay in Tuscany, or go find (more-fit versions of) George Clooney around Lake Como with a hiking program in the Alps. Whether it’s your feet, heart, or stomach that you want to exercise, pick the adventure trips in Italy that appeal the most and say arrivederci !

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trip in Italy: GoEco —Dolphin & marine research

[ Get 5 FREE Program Recommendations ]

2. argentina.

From the spectacular hikes in Patagonia to desert tours around Salta , Argentina has an adventure for any palette and setting. When you’re not white water rafting , tagging penguins, or preserving howler monkeys, seep into the seductive rhythm of Argentine culture with a tango and a big, fat steak. Find out with wine variety most tickles your tongue with an adventure program in Argentina .

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trip in Argentina: Mente Argentina —Spanish immersion

Hop on a safari tour in Kenya!

There’s a lot more than lions, meerkats, and stinky bugs here. The geography of Kenya is as rich and diverse as the people who call it home. From the savannah grasslands to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, this is a country that will amaze. Revel in these sights while living with a local Maasai community, hopping around on a safari, or practicing your wildlife management skills with a diving tank on your back. See which one week adventure trips in Kenya awakens your inner buzzard.

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trip in Kenya: Acquire Adventures Safaris —Wildlife adventure

[ How to Find & Book Adventure Travel Programs ]

4. australia.

With so many diverse regions, Australia has numerous opportunities to get involved with the environment and sustainability efforts. Have you ever thought of exploring the Great Barrier Reef ? Or maybe sneaking up on a long-nosed bandicoot in the lush rainforests of North Queensland ? Or perhaps you wanna soak up the sun and surf that Eastern Australian Current with Crush? Whichever ecosystem you’d like to run around in, Australia has it all, with a hearty serving of vegemite and wallaby on the side. Pick an short term adventure program in Australia and start planning your wild escape to the land down under.

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trips in Australia:

• Gapforce —Australian outback
• Broadreach —Summer trekking

Participate in an animal conservation project in the rainforest of Costa Rice

5. Costa Rica

From its year-round tropical climate to its fresh cuisine, Costa Rica boasts a variety of unique adventure programs. It has been deemed the “greenest” country in the world, slightly smaller than Lake Michigan, Costa Rica accounts for only .03 percent of the world’s landmass but boasts 5% of its biodiversity! Trek into volcanos, screech around with monkeys, zipline through cloud forests, or explore marine conservation as you delve into the country’s rich history and landscapes. Make friends with some Ticas and Ticos when you pick an adventure program in Costa Rica and learn to bask in pure vida .

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trips in Costa Rica:

• Outward Bound Costa Rica —Leadership development
• GapForce —Marine adventures

It’s not all tea parties and pub crawls in England. Explore the vibrant city of London , then head north to marvel over ancient Roman ruins that date back two millennia. Follow the footsteps of Robin Hood as you get your forest exploration, trekking, and archery on, and then head over to some majestic coastal cliffs on the Western Coast. Put an active spin on the Jane Austen classics and Charles Dickens settings as you discover the real, dirty character of the country with one week adventure trips in England .

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trip in England: GapForce —Europe Tour with Gapforce

[ How to Fund a Trip Abroad ]

7. thailand.

“The Land of Smiles” is no stranger to travelers from all over the world, known for attracting expats with its affordable, laidback lifestyle in an impressive setting. With its white sands, blue skies, and golden sunsets, Thailand will steal your heart and stimulate your senses (and not only with its spicy peppers!). Whether you choose to volunteer in an elephant and wildlife rescue program, meditate with some monks, partake in the Monkey Buffet, or get to know indigenous tribes and bamboo forests in Northern Thailand, there is an adventure program in Thailand with your name on it.

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trip in Thailand: Stray Asia - Hop-on, Hop-off guided travel network

Take a bike ride along the coast of Malaga, Spain

Why not combine Spanish language lessons with scuba diving? Or practice your imperatives while taming whales off rocky cliffs? From the misty Galician eucalyptus forest to the scorching beaches of Tenerife, be prepared to feast on more than just paellas and tapas . Soak up the culture, partake in fútbol fiestas, and learn to tame the flame of flamenco as you discover the crazy side of Spain. Treat yourself with some sangria after you book your one week adventure trips in Spain .

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trip in Spain: Centro Mundolengua —Educational tours in Spain

[ 8 Best Adventure Tour Companies ]

If you’ve ever been eager to explore a unique martial arts and dancing program, capoeira lessons are among Brazil’s cultural offerings. If you want something more artsy, opt for semba or forro classes. For the truly brave, try surfing the waves or overcoming a jungle survival challenge. If you opt to incorporate your adrenaline-filled activities with some environmental and social work in traditional villages, your resume is gonna shine with style. Set out on your own unforgettable journey by exploring all of the adventure programs in Brazil !

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trips in Brazil:  

• Fronteering —Extreme Amazon survival
• GoEco —Art volunteering with kids

Yes, your life will be THIS COOL.

You might think you’re ready to leave, but then say, namaste! If you’re looking at an adventure program that will take you to new heights, Nepal will not disappoint. Located in the Himalayas, it has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains (including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest). Whether you’re volunteering around Kathmandu or polishing your hiking boots for a conservation project near Base Camp, expect any down-time to be filled with picturesque hikes, surreal summits, and plenty of hidden treasures in the land with the highest density of world heritage sites. Take the first step toward teahouse trekking with one week adventure trips and programs in Nepal !

Particularly Awesome Short-Term Adventure Trips in Nepal:  

• ELI Abroad —Dog & cat rescue
• Glorious Himalaya —Annapurna Basecamp Trek

One week adventure trips: Short, but oh-so-sweet

If you’d like to get even more off-the-beaten-path, check out additional eco/adventure travel destinations abroad . Wherever you end up, you can be sure to gain more than just another stamp in your passport; learn invaluable knowledge about places, people, and adventure projects that will last you long after that visa expires. Travel with a purpose as you satisfy your inner (wild) child and get your heart racing.

Find more programs to help you travel fast & furious

Explore Adventure Programs on GoAbroad.com

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16 Perfectly Short Trips to Europe

These short trips to Europe are perfect for those who love to travel but want to hold onto their vacation time.

Each of these destinations can be visited over a few short days. You can also visit them as a series of weekend getaways, leaving you with all your vacation time in tact.

Each destination on this list is a large city with a unique historic center. They also have plenty of local attractions to keep you busy, top rated restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.

With a little flexibility, there are many European destinations that can be visited without investing a significant amount of time.

So if you’re ambitious, you love to travel, and you want to have some epic and fun short trips to Europe, this post is for you.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

I’ve personally visited each of the cities listed below and think any one of them would be the perfect choice for a short trip to Europe.

Where relevant I’ve linked to itineraries for each destination. Also, when planning a short Europe vacation, be sure to book a hotel in the city center so you’re not wasting time traveling back and forth to your hotel.

I also recommend traveling carry on only if you can. This will save you both time and money, leaving you with more of both so you can travel more. If you need a carry on friendly back you consider one of these European travel backpacks for your next trip.

I also recommend traveling to these destinations in the spring or fall to avoid high season during the summer. Trust me, you’ll be glad you avoided the expensive summer airfare getting to Europe.

If you’re interested in taking short trips to Europe, the United Kingdom is the best place to start. London is one of the closest European cities from the USA.

There are always flights available, and it comes with one of the shortest flight times between the USA and Europe.

London is also a great destination any time of year. Though you are encouraged to avoid the busy summer months if you prefer lower prices and smaller crowds.

There are an unbelievable number of t hings to do in London , making it the perfect city break.

To make the best use of your time I recommend booking a few guided tours around London to save time on transportation and waiting in lines.

From the touristy sites like the London Eye , Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge, to exploring local neighborhoods like Notting Hill or Shoreditch, there is quite literally something for everyone.

London also comes with an impressive restaurant and bar scene. Meaning you’ll have plenty to do after you’ve finished exploring the city during the day.

If you’re a music fan, consider getting tickets to a local show. There are so many venues in this city, you’re bound to find a great show to see.

London also comes with a great public transportation system. So it’s easy to get from the airport to the city, or just from place to place.

Even with just one day in London , you can see a lot of the city’s best attractions.

2. Reykjavik

If you’re looking for more unique short trips to Europe, consider a place like Reykjavik, Iceland. Reykjavik is beautiful and is the world’s northernmost capital city.

Reykjavik is compact and walkable, making it a perfect weekend trip. You’ll find all the major Reykjavik attractions close to another.

The one exception to this is the famous Blue Lagoon which is near the airport. You can book this as a guided tour to make it easy.

There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik . Try exploring the city center, Hallgrimskirja Church, and enjoying the city’s many restaurants and bars.

You’ll also find many local boutiques selling unique Icelandic sweaters, textiles, and gifts.

What else is great about the city is that many of Iceland’s most popular destinations can be seen as part of a day trip from Reykjavik .

Some of the most beautiful scenery in Iceland can be seen on guided tours . I recommend tours to the south coast, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park and Kerid Crater.

If you don’t want to rent a car consider taking a small group tour. They’re more enjoyable than the big bus tours for obvious reasons. Prices for small group tours range from about $50 – $100 depending on which tour you select.

Also, if you’re in Iceland between September and March, be sure to sign up for a Northern Lights tour as well. It’s a total bucket list opportunity, you might as well take it.

Reykjavik is completely underrated in my opinion and one of the most unique weekend trips to Europe.

If you’re a beer fan, or just a fan of Ireland or Irish culture in general, then Dublin is one of the best short trips to Europe for you.

One of the most popular things to do in Dublin is to tour the Guinness Brewery and tasting room . There are also tons of other bars and pubs around the city to enjoy local beers and Irish cuisine and even mingle with other travelers.

Dublin is also a great destination for those who enjoy history and architecture. Ireland is filled with castles that dot the countryside, but there is also the Dublin Castle, right in the old town area.

Dublin is also super walkable and easy to get around. This is a great city to enjoy as a relaxing getaway with a friend or significant other. You can basically just eat and drink your way around the city.

If you have extra time, definitely get out of the city on a day trip from Dublin . There is a lot to see in Ireland that’s not too far from the capital.

If you’re brave, you can also rent a car and take an Ireland road trip . The Irish countryside is honestly incredible.

Paris, France is one of the most popular short trips to Europe taken by travelers from all over the world. Just about everybody wants to visit Paris at least once in their lifetime, and for good reason.

The city has so many museums, historical sites, cafes, boutiques, and lounges. One could easily fill a month long itinerary in this amazing city. There are so many Paris experiences you just don’t want to miss.

But even with a short itinerary, Paris is always a worthwhile destination. Many of the city’s most popular attractions are in the center of Paris. So it’s an easy place to get around and explore without much travel time in between.

With a little hussle, one could easily visit the Eiffel Tower , the Arch de Triomphe, the Louvre , the Notre Dame, and the Sacre Coeur, with as little as 12 hours in Paris . Those with more time can explore a bit deeper and get to know some of the city’s many cafes, restaurants, parks, bars, and more.

Be sure to have your camera with you as well. It’s a beautiful city and you don’t want to miss out on the best photo spots in Paris .

But no matter what’s on your agenda for a trip to Paris, you’re sure to have a great time. If you can afford the splurge, consider selecting a hotel in the city center with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

There are many fancy hotels that offer balconies facing the tower, and while the price tag is high, it’s a beautiful way to wake up each day. Plus you’ll have the added benefit of a hotel right in the heart of the city.

5. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe. The city boasts an incredible food scene, hundreds of historical, cultural and architectural sites, world famous art, and a lively bar scene.

I recently enjoyed a solo trip to Barcelona and had an incredible time, I just know you will too.

Some of the must see spots for visitors are La Sagrada Familia , Park Guell , Casa Batllo , the Gothic Quarter, and the light show at Montjuic.

Once you’ve finished exploring all the art and architecture, plan to head out on the town to sample some of the city’s trendiest tapas bars.

In the evenings, plan for a night out on the town enjoying Barcelona’s lively restaurant and nightlife scene. The locals eat late and party late in Spain, so plan to have a light dinner between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.

If you decide to go out for drinks and dancing after dinner, be prepared for a long night. The clubs don’t get going until around 1:00 a.m. and remain open until after 3:00 a.m.

If you have extra time, consider hopping on a short flight to nearby Mallorca. There are tons of incredible things to do in Palma de Mallorca that are so worth the short trip.

6. Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of my own favorite short trips to Europe and I’d recommend a visit to this city to just about everybody. Even more, if you love to travel for food, this is the perfect city for you.

The best time to visit Copenhagen depends on what you’re looking for, but I would avoid the summer if you can.

If you’re planning a visit to Copenhagen, book your hotel near the city center and be prepared to rent a bike to ride around on. This is how the locals get around and it’s a really fun way to explore the city.

The most popular destination in Copenhagen is Nyhavn, or new harbor. This is where you’ll find all the boats and colorful buildings. For photos without other people in them, you’ll need to arrive early, but honestly this is a beautiful stop any time of day.

Other points of interest in Copenhagen are the Little Mermaid Statue, Amalienborg Palace, Christiania, Round Tower, Christansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle.

You can visit many of these spots with just one day in Copenhagen . Though I encourage you to stay for at least three days. Trust me, you won’t want to leave.

Another place you’ll really want to visit is Tivoli Gardens . This is an amusement park right in the center of town. It’s only open seasonally, so check their website before your visit. Consider planning your trip for October if possible, as Halloween is an especially fun time to visit.

If you’re organizing a trip to Copenhagen, you absolutely must plan to visit some of the city’s famous restaurants. For those not on a tight budget, make a reservation in advance for Noma .

This is one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, it currently sits at number two. It’s pricey, but the experience and the food are incredible.

But for those of us with a more modest budget, not to worry, there are plenty of other great food options in Copenhagen. I made my own DIY Copenhagen food tour during my visit so I wouldn’t miss all the great food here.

Some of my favorite restaurants in Copenhagen are Mother , a fantastic Italian place serving Naples style pizza, Hija de Sanchez , where I had the best al Pastor taco of my life, and The Corner 108, where you can find fantastic pastries and coffee to start your day.

7. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is another extremely popular European destination, especially for those interested in art, architecture and culture.

First time visitors to Amsterdam can visit Museumplein, which includes the Van Gogh and Modern Art Museum, view the street art in the NDSM nieghborhood, and take a private canal tour.

You also don’t want to miss a visit to the Anne Frank House, which you should book in advance .

Once you start getting hungry, be sure to stop by the street markets to sample the Stroopwafels. These are sweet wafer cookies joined by a caramel filling.

If you’re looking for something more filling, head over to Foodhallen, a large food hall with over 20 international food stalls. Get small plates so you can try as many as possible.

In the evenings, don’t forget to check out Amsterdam’s trendy restaurants and bars. The Netherlands are also known for having great cheese and wine, so be sure to give these a try over dinner as well.

After dinner, head out to explore some of Amsterdam’s many rooftop bars.

Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world, and if you’ve never been, you absolutely must visit.

While I would normally encourage anyone visiting Italy to stay as long as physically possible, one can definitely enjoy Rome even on a short trip to Europe.

For a productive visit to Rome, I encourage you to book a hotel in the historic center. This will guarantee you are within walking distance (for the most part) to the city’s most famous attractions.

From the historic center you can easily get to the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, just to name a few.

While these sites can all be seen in one day, you should consider signing up for a tour if you plan to visit the Colosseum.

The history of the place is fascinating, so a guided tour is worth the added expense . You’ll also get to skip the lines, which will save you a significant amount of time.

Tourst attractions aside, my absolute favorite thing to do in Rome is to just walk around the city and explore on my own. You’ll find old Roman ruins all over the place, and it’s really neat to see them unexpectedly as you’re walking around.

The Trastevere neighborhood is especially beautiful in the early evening.

My other favorite thing about Rome is the food.

Do yourself a favor and try as many restaurants as possible during your short visit. Italy has some of the best food in the world (in my opinion), and you don’t want to miss it.

Be sure to order wine with your meals too, it’s incredibly inexpensive in Italy. It’s also delicious.

If you’ve already been to Rome and would like to see more of Italy, consider visiting some of the smaller towns. I recommend Naples, Siena, or Cinque Terre. You honestly can’t go wrong anywhere in Italy.

Prague, located in the Czech Republic, is another unique option for some fun short trips to Europe. An easy two day Prague itinerary will get you to most of the city’s best attractions.

First time visitors to Prague should start by exploring the city in its Old Town area. This is where you’ll find the beautiful cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

From the Old Town head out on foot to see the Astronomical clock , Dlouha Street, Prague Castle , Krymska Street, the Lennon Wall and Charles Bridge.

When you get hungry, be sure to try some of the local restaurants serving schnitzel, goulash, smoked meat, and garlic soup.

In the evenings, head out on the town to try the Czech Republic’s famous Pilsners. You’ll find pubs all across the city.

10. Brussels

Brussels is the perfect destination for those of you who love food, beer and chocolate .

When visiting Brussels make sure you book your hotel near the city’s historic center. This way you’ll be walking distance to all the best Brussels attractions . Brussels is a very walkable city so you’ll want to be in the action.

Start out your visit to Brussels by exploring Grand Place and all the shops and cafes in the main square. Then head out to explore the rest of the city. Be sure not to miss Manneken Pis, European Union and European Parliament, the House of European History, and the Atomium.

Once you’ve completed all those stops, it’s time for the fun part. Make your way back to the city center and head to Delerium Cafe . Here you’ll be able to sample hundreds of local and international beers. It’s a fun spot to hang out and meet other travelers. They have live music and special events in the evenings.

When you get hungry, make your way back to the city center. One there you can try the country’s famous Belgian waffles , fries, and chocoalate. I recommend trying these items at different places around the city as possible. You know, just to make sure you’ve covered your bases.

Don’t forget to pick up a box of local chocolates to bring home to your friends.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

A weekend getaway to Lisbon, Portugal is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a cheap trip to Europe. Lisbon offers an unbeatable combination of culture and history.

Lisbon offers tons of great local tours to help you get the most out of your short visit.

With its pastel buildings, churches sprinkled in between cobblestone streets and delicious cuisine, you’ll quickly understand why Lisbon is one of the most beloved cities in the world.

You definitely don’t want to skip a day trip to Pena Palace and Sintra .

Enjoy exploring the city day and night, eating in local eateries, tasting unique wines and having amazing conversations with locals.

For a memorable weekend getaway that won’t break your budget, Lisbon makes an excellent short trip to Europe.

12. Azores, Portugal

The Azores is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its temperate climate, incredible scenery, and unique culture, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to this gorgeous archipelago for a weekend getaway.

Whether you prefer spending your days outdoors or exploring the local culture indoors, there’s something for everyone in the Azores.

The Azores are a great spot for whale watching , with over 20 species found here throughout the year.

From sperm whales to humpbacks to blue whales, visitors have plenty of opportunities to observe whales in their natural habitat. Plus, since whale watching season runs year-round, you’re sure to find an ideal time window for your visit.

The Azores are also home to stunning natural attractions like volcanoes, thermal springs, and lush green meadows filled with wildflowers.

When you’re not busy enjoying nature’s wonders, take some time to explore the unique culture of this remarkable destination. Visit local farmers markets or sample traditional cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants.

13. Edinburgh, Scotland

With its vibrant culture, spectacular architecture, and stunning views, Edinburgh is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Europe.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Edinburgh no matter your interests.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with a bit of history and plenty of adventure, Edinburgh is for you.

Edinburgh is overflowing with history and culture. As you wander around the cobblestone streets, you can’t help but be taken back in time. Whether it’s exploring centuries-old castles or strolling through cobblestone alleyways, every corner of this city has something fascinating to offer.

The city also has an abundance of museums perfect for those interested in learning about the area’s rich history.

From the National Museum of Scotland to The Real Mary King’s Close, an underground network of tunnels dating back hundreds of years, you’ll find plenty of ways to immerse yourself in all that Edinburgh has to offer.

The city is also known for its great restaurants. Whether it’s traditional Scottish dishes like haggis or more contemporary gastronomic delights like gourmet burgers, there are countless places to dine around the city.

14. Bergen, Norway

Bergen, Norway is one of my favorite recent discoveries. This gorgeous Nordic town is located along the coast and offers incredible views, unique architecture, upscale cuisine, and some very friendly locals.

The city may be small, but there is so much to do in Bergen . The view from the top of Mount Fløyen is simply breathtaking and can be accessed via a funicular railway.

Mount Floyen and the funiciular was one of my favorite Bergen attractions . Definitely don’t skip this.

On clear days you can even spot the famous Seven Mountains that surround the city.

Be sure to take a fjord tour while you’re in town as well. This is one of the best ways to see the area.

No trip to Bergen would be complete without exploring its rich culture. Check out the local museums such as Bryggen Museum and Hanseatic Museum. Both offer interesting insights into Norway’s history and traditions.

Alsop, don’t forget about Troldhaugen, the former home of composer Edvard Grieg. This museum offers guided tours that will transport you back in time with its captivating music rooms and lovely gardens.

If you’re looking for delicious cuisine, then Bergen won’t disappoint. From classic Norwegian dishes like reindeer steak and codfish cakes (baccalao) to international favorites such as pizza and sushi, there’s something for every palate.

There are also plenty of cozy cafes where you can enjoy locally-brewed coffee or hot chocolate while taking in the beauty of your surroundings.

15. Stockholm, Sweden

If you’ve been longing for a weekend getaway to a European city, then Stockholm is the perfect destination. There is so much to do in Stockholm , you’ll be glad you came.

This stylish and vibrant city in the Nordic region offers something for everyone. From breathtaking nature trails to beautiful architecture and cultural experiences, Stockholm has it all.

One of the best ways to explore Stockholm is by foot. You could easily spend an entire day walking around taking in the sights.

The cobblestone streets are full of stunning old buildings and modern shops. Stroll through Gamla Stan (Old Town) and take in the centuries-old history of this area.

The city is known for its impressive museums, so be sure not to miss the best museums in Stockholm during your getaway. The Vasa Museum was my absolute favorite .

Make sure to stop by Stortorget Square, the oldest public square in Stockholm, and admire its picturesque buildings and monuments.

It’s also worth visiting Kungstradgarden park, which features lush gardens and a tranquil lake.

Sweden is known for its beautiful nature trails that offer amazing views of forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and more.

One of the most popular trails is Skuleskogen National Park located near Stockholm which features scenic hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls. You can also explore Djurgården Island which has several attractions including museums, galleries, parks, and more.

A visit to Stockholm would be complete without trying some delicious Swedish cuisine. The meatballs with lingonberry jam were my favorite.

16. Vienna, Austria

If you’re looking for an exciting and unique place to explore over the weekend, look no further than Vienna, Austria.

This vibrant city has something for everyone and is sure to provide you with a memorable experience.

Vienna is home to some of the most iconic monuments in Europe, including Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The architecture alone is enough to make your jaw drop, from baroque churches to gothic cathedrals, there are so many beautiful buildings it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by their sheer beauty.

When it comes to things to do in Vienna , you’ll never run out of options. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll through one of the city’s many parks or an afternoon spent visiting museums and galleries, this city has something for everyone.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Vienna is home to many outdoor activities like canoeing on the Danube River or hiking up one of its nearby mountains.

Let’s also not forget about the city’s famous opera. If you’re looking for a unique and fun night out, book tickets for the opera. You won’d be disappointed.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these 16 Perfectly Short Trips to Europe that won’t drain your vacation time. If you liked this post please consider sharing. Thanks for reading.

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Planning a Short Trip: A Step by Step Guide to Getting the Most out of Travel

It’s possible to travel, have new experiences, and live an adventurous life while pursuing a career, education, or other dreams. I believe this, live this as much as I can, and it’s the vision behind my blog. My trips over the last few years have ranged from 3 days to 3 weeks, and I’ve loved every single one. I’ve learned a lot and come up with all kinds of strategies to make the most of these trips. In this post, I’m passing these on to you!

Every strategy that I use to maximize a short trip is in this post.

Chances are, if you’re like most people then you’re not aspiring to a globe trotter existence or van life. Travel can be a passion without being the only thing you do! My trips up to now have all been in between semesters of University (I just finished my H. B.Sc in Neuroscience, yay!) – and if you’re here, then you’re probably travelling in between classes, work projects, or some other important aspect of your life, too.

Which means you don’t have infinite time for travel, and you want to maximize your time in a destination once you arrive. Well, you’ve come to the right place.  Let’s start planning your next adventure!

Planning a Short Trip

1. choose your destination.

The destination does matter when you have limited time. If you’ve only got a weekend, a 24 hour long flight there and back definitely doesn’t make sense.  The farthest that I’ve travelled over a weekend was from Ottawa (my home) to Orlando, Florida, so that I could spend a weekend at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was fantastic, and totally worth it.  What Harry Potter-themed trip isn’t fantastic and totally worth it, though, really?

Things to Consider

• Travel-time:  If you’re flying to the other side of the world, I do think it’s good to stay for at least a week. That’s a long trek, and probably an expensive flight so do get your time and money’s worth. 
• Time zones:  Particularly if you know that you’re prone to jet lag, make sure you won’t loose too much of your trip to exhaustion. Personally, I prefer not to change time zones by more than 2 hours for a weekend trip, or by more than 5-6 hours for a week. If you have 5 full days or less, stay within a 3 hour time difference. If you have a week or more, go up to a 6 or 7 hour difference if you want. Once you hit 8 hours, that’s a two week + trip (at least in my book).

2. Prioritize Your Activities and Sights

This is the biggest, most frequent question that people ask me. How do you decide what to see and do when there are so many amazing options?

I always start my sightseeing-plan the same way: a Top 3 list .

What are the 3 things you absolutely, most-definitely, can’t leave without seeing or doing? Hypothetically, let’s say you’re never going back again… what are the things that you really, really want to see? And for those of you who think you probably will return so you want to save a few highlights for a future trip, don’t worry about that. Wherever you go, you will always discover other things to do that you didn’t originally know about that will make you want to return.

Here are a couple examples from my own trips:

• Philadelphia: Eastern State Penn, City Hall Observation Deck, and the Beyond the Bell Women’s History Tour. ( 2 Days in Philadelphia )
• Montreal:  a Food Tour, Old Montreal Walking Tour, Mont Royal Observation Point. ( 3 Days in Montreal )
• New York City: Top of the Rock, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge.

Travelling with another person? Perfect, get their list as well . There’s often cross over, because most cities have particular places and attractions they’re known for, but it’s ok if there’s not.

Make an “others” list, too. What other things would be great to see, time permitting? I typically do this on one piece of paper. The column on the left is my Top 3 , and the column on the right is  others.

Tips for Choosing What to See and Do

Overwhelmed? There are so many choices, depending on where you’re going. Here are some tips for choosing:

• Pick  experiences  and sites that are unique to that place:  what  can’t you do or see someplace else in the world, that is unique to the place you’re visiting? Depending on where you live, some of the major attractions in a place you’re visiting might actually be things you can see, or have seen the equivalent of, elsewhere. Consider whether a museum you’re thinking of, for example, will be very similar to another museum you’ve been to. This is particularly true of science and natural history museums, in my  experience! The Titanic Museum in Belfast on the other hand, is only in Belfast. That’s something you can’t see elsewhere.
• Choose things that can’t just be seen online:  it’s worth doing a little bit of research and finding out if there’s more to a place then just the view you’ve seen on Instagram. If you really want to go somewhere, go – but know that in some places if you’ve seen a photo, you’ve seen it all. Top of the Rock in New York is actually a really good example. If you love photos and want your own photo there, go. The photos you’ve seen already are it though. There’s nothing else there (though it is a cool view).
• Go for variety:  to get a feel for a new place, it helps to see it in different ways. Doing and seeing different types of things on your trip will make it more memorable, and feel as if you had more unique experiences. Going to see churches, castles, iconic buildings, or anything else that there are multiple of one after the other can feel repetitive. Spice it up! I often like at least one walking tour or place to walk around, a museum or historical site , and a great view !

One of my previous examples…

• Philadelphia: Eastern State Penn (historical site), City Hall Observation Deck (great view), and the Beyond the Bell Women’s History Tour (walking tour).

3. Research Suggested Itineraries

The things on your Top 3 list have already been on someone else’s. There’s probably a blog about it (maybe even on this site)! Take advantage and let some planning be done for you. I always look up suggested itineraries and guides that contain the specific places that I want to see before I travel, because these often give recommendations within the same area of the city, restaurants that are nearby, other places to see, and so one.

Google: the beauty of Google is that you can look up blog posts and website that contain the specific places that you want to go. Just structure your search! When you type a term in to Google, the search engine will give back results for that term, and closely related ones. If you add quotation marks around a term in your search, only results containing that exact phrase will come up. Combine both to find sample itineraries that contain specific places. Here’s an example: 4 day London itinerary + “Tower of London”

This way, Google knows that it’s ok if there’s a spin on the words “ 4 Day London Itinerary ,” so it might also bring up London in 4 Days, or Weekend in London. Whatever variation of an itinerary it brings up, the term “Tower of London” will definitely be included in the post, because you put quotation marks around it.

Pinterest: much like Google, Pinterest is a search engine. The only difference is that the results are visual, and the posts included were actively added by Pinterest users (whereas Google indexes websites itself). Pinterest is a great place to find blog posts, and these are going to come mostly from fellow travellers, and not include big travel websites. Itineraries and activities are best found on Pinterest by searching for your destination, then clicking or typing in one of the suggested sub-searches. Examples:  London -> Itineraries

City Pass and Tourism Websites:  Whether or not you’re purchasing a City Card or Sightseeing Pass (to be honest, I do recommend at least one day using a pass of some sort if you’re short on time) these websites often have suggested itineraries for different areas of a city that can be helpful for your planning. On multiple occasions, I’ve followed pass itineraries to a tee and been very happy with it!

4. Plan With a Map.

Ready with your Top 3 list ? Perfect, pull up a map! If you’re only visiting for one day, you might have already planned the entire day by making a Top 3 list, but if you’ve got 2 or more days it’s time to add more activities by using the map to find out what’s nearby.

How many days do you have? If it’s just one, then you’ve nearly planned your entire trip. Got 2 or 3? You can do one or two per day. 4 or more, and you’ve got lots of space to plan. While you’re planning, pull up a map. There’s no sense in darting back and forth across the city everyday if you don’t have to.  

Start by looking up your Top 3. If they’re all within walking distance, you’re all set for a day. Otherwise, put one per day (if possible). The good things about cities in particular is that major attractions typically revolve around the downtown cores so you’re often within walking distance of great activities.  

Once you’ve found your Top 3, take a look for anything that was on your “other” list. I often do this by using the “get directions” buttons from one of my top 3 to another, or to something on the “others” list. Compare distances and start to build your days around different areas.

Buckingham Palace, for example, isn’t that close to the Tower of London. It’s close enough that if both were on your Top 3 list and you only one day in London, you could easily get from one to another on the tube or a hop on and off bus tour. However, they’re not walking distance. Buckingham Palace is walking distance to Westminster Abbey, though, and the Tower of London Near Tower Bridge and St Paul’s. The more that you can build your itinerary for a day within one, walking-friendly area, the more you will be able to fit in to that day.

On Google maps, if you zoom in close enough to major attractions, other nearby ones will often appear, too. This is a great way to find out what’s nearby to your chosen sites, and maybe discover some you weren’t thinking of.

5. Leave room for last minute changes and additions.

There are always things that have to be booked in advance, but wherever possible leave your plans a little bit open ended. I recommend having an outline for every day, but if you don’t have to finalize a booking before you go then you can leave some days open for potential changes.

The reality is, you’re not going to see everything anyways. There will have to compromises, always . It’s better to have a plan that you can change than to have no plan at all.

Make sure you research when to book attractions, though. I didn’t get to tour Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco, for example, because it books months in advance. Kilmainham Gail in Dublin typically needs to be booked 3 days in advance. (There’s a theme here, eh? Let’s keep it going.) Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, however, needs no pre-booking for regular access, so you can just show up.

Here are a couple examples of last-minute changes that I’ve made:

• Powerscourt was on my Ireland itinerary, but I went to Belfast instead.
• The Botanical Gardens in Puerto Rico were closed the day we planned to go, so off we went to El Yunque Rainforest
• I planned a museum day in Iceland using the Reyjavik City Card, and actually wound up doing that. We bought the passes at a Tourism office the night before.

It’s not unplanned, it’s just a flexible plan. I think it’s good to leave things flexible about 25% of the time. On a 2 day trip, leave at least an afternoon. Got 4 days, leave a day, and so on.  

6. Plan the Logistics

There are a couple of logistical decisions that can go a long way in being able to see and do everything that you want to!

Stay somewhere central or on a major route:  The more you can reduce time spent traveling around once you’re at your destination, the better. That said, the most central accommodations are not always available or feasible. In this situation, make a point of finding somewhere that is on a major transit route so that you have a clear, direct route to all the action.

Do a Grocery Shop When you Arrive:  This tip may or may not work for you depending on how you feel about trying new foods. I like to eat out once or twice on a trip, but the rest of the time I pack my own lunches. Plan time to stop at a grocery store on your first day, and grab snacks and lunch foods. If you need a snack, you can pull a granola bar and banana out of your bag and munch while you make your way to your next stop. No wandering around deciding where to eat or waiting in line ups when you could be exploring.

Pre-Plan Your Transportation:  Take a good look at public transit, trains, or the maps for driving around once you arrive at your destination. When I arrive at a new destination, I’ve already got a few maps in the screenshots of my phone and notes for the bus routes.

4 Replies to “Planning a Short Trip: A Step by Step Guide to Getting the Most out of Travel”

I’ve never considered checking a City Pass site for itineraries, but man is that a genius idea! Thanks for sharing these tips!

It can work really well!!

These are excellent tips!! I am just now starting to prioritize sight seeing! GAME CHANGER

I often wonder if City Passes are worth it as a lot of time can pass at one site and you may not have enough time to see the others on the list! That happened in London. That puts me off from buying them.

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Your Guide to Planning a Short-Term Stay

Table of Contents

A Short-Term Stay Can Be Thrilling If Done Correctly

When considering a short-term stay in a new city or country, thorough planning and strategic decisions can maximize your experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your short trip is both memorable and hassle-free.

If you have any questions/comments about all this, leave us a comment below !

1. Research and Plan Ahead

Start your journey by understanding your destination’s main attractions, culture, and customs. Dive deep into travel blogs, watch vlogs, or read books related to the area. By arming yourself with knowledge, you can appreciate the nuances and truly savor every moment of your short-term stay .

2. Pack Smart

The art of packing is essential for short travels. Bring only travel essentials to ensure you aren’t bogged down by unnecessary items. Check the forecast and make sure you pack accordingly. Crucial items like chargers, travel-sized toiletries, and, if you’re hopping countries, a power adapter are must-haves.

3. Stay Central

When booking your accommodation, prioritize its location. Staying close to the heart of the action, or at least near public transportation, can drastically reduce daily commute times. This strategy ensures you extract the maximum value from your short-term stay .

4. Choose A Suitable Accommodation 

First up, you need to decide where you want to stay. If you are moving permanently, you can buy a place or sign a lease, and if you’re headed on a very quick trip, splurging on a hotel isn’t a bad idea. Your best bet is to look for an accommodation company that specializes in short-term stays, such as these Mississauga rentals for short term stays .

5. Organized Itinerary

While spontaneity has its charm, a structured itinerary ensures you don’t miss out on must-see sights. Rank attractions based on priority, but always leave some wiggle room for unexpected discoveries or much-needed breaks.

6. Use Technology

In this digital age, your smartphone is your best travel companion. Apps like Google Maps, Tripadvisor, and Duolingo can enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re lost in a maze of streets, seeking authentic local cuisine, or trying to converse in a foreign tongue, there’s probably an app for it.

7. Local Cuisine

One of the best ways to understand a culture is through its food. Seek out eateries frequented by locals. It’s not just about trying new dishes but also immersing yourself in the atmosphere and traditions of your short-term stay destination.

8. Stay Connected

Connectivity is paramount, especially if you spontaneously decide that it’s time to move . Purchasing a local SIM card or opting for an international roaming package can save you from exorbitant charges. This not only keeps you connected with loved ones but also aids in on-the-go research and navigation.

9. Respect Local Norms

Every culture has its unique set of norms and etiquettes. Familiarize yourself with local customs, dress appropriately, and be respectful. This not only ensures smooth interactions but also enriches your travel experience during your short-term stay .

10. Stay Safe

Safety should always be a priority. Share your daily itinerary with someone, stay clear of dubious areas, especially during nighttime, and be alert to common tourist scams.

11. Learn Basic Phrases

Even if you’re not fluent, knowing some essential phrases in the local language can break the ice. Simple words like “Thank you,” “Hello,” and “Sorry” can make interactions smoother and more meaningful.

12. Book in Advance

For renowned attractions, booking in advance can save hours of waiting. This foresight ensures you make the most of every minute of your short-term stay .

13. Travel Light During the Day

Once you step out for the day, carry only what you need. A lightweight backpack with essentials ensures agility and comfort, making exploration more enjoyable.

14. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to forget basic needs. A refillable water bottle and some local snacks can keep you energized. Staying hydrated and munching smart can make all the difference during your short-term stay .

15. Engage with Locals

Don’t just be a spectator; engage! Locals can guide you to hidden gems and experiences that no travel brochure can offer.

16. Document Your Experience

Whether through photographs, a journal, or just mental notes, documenting your journey ensures those memories last a lifetime.

17. Stay Relaxed

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Missed buses, wrong orders at restaurants, or sudden rain might interrupt your plans. Embrace these moments; often, they become the most cherished memories.

18. Use Public Transportation

Public transport provides not only an economical option but also a unique window into the daily lives of locals. Hop on a bus or train and enjoy the ride!

19. Join a Local Tour

Local tours, especially those led by residents, can provide in-depth insights into a place’s history, culture, and nuances. From food tours to historical walks, there’s always something new to learn.

20. Set a Budget

While it’s tempting to splurge during short trips, it’s wise to have a daily budget. This foresight ensures you enjoy your journey without the stress of overspending.

21. Sleep and Rest

Last but not least, rest is vital. A jam-packed day can be exhilarating, but fatigue can dampen the experience. Ensure you’re well-rested to fully relish every moment of your short-term stay .

In conclusion, a short-term stay can be as enriching as a long vacation. It’s all about planning smartly, embracing the local culture, and staying present.

Short-Term Stay FAQs

• How do I decide the best location for my accommodation during a short-term stay? Look for places close to major attractions or near robust public transportation systems.
• Are travel apps reliable for local recommendations? Most travel apps, especially popular ones like Tripadvisor, provide reliable recommendations. However, always cross-check with locals or multiple sources.
• How can I ensure safety during my short-term stay? Always stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure. Inform someone about your daily plans and stay connected.

Embark on your short-term stay with confidence and curiosity. Happy travels!

+++BEFORE using this information, please read our Legal Disclaimer.+++

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Science Says This Is How Long Your Vacation Should Be

By Cassie Shortsleeve

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We often fit vacations into the free time we can spare: weekends, school holidays, full months abroad (when we're lucky, or in between jobs). But is there an ultimate vacation length? Some stand firmly behind the idea that it takes two weeks—minimum—to fully unwind. Others say it depends on what you pack in, and how rejuvenated you feel after: One person’s secluded sunrise over the Grand Canyon is another's ticket to a packed Sagrada Familia ).

Fortunately, science—as well as experts in the field of sleep, psychology, and trip planning—shed light on how we can all craft a better trip using the clock as a guide.

A week-plus jaunt may mean a better vacation.

A study out of Finland’s University of Tampere that analyzed 54 people’s trips found that while longer trips didn't necessarily increase post-vacation bliss, in-the-moment happiness levels peaked on day eight of vacation.

That’s probably enough time to overcome the stresses of travel, adjust to a new time zone, and feel comfortable in a new place, says Jaime Kurtz, Ph.D., author of The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations , who wasn’t involved in the research.

In primary research to create Utrip , a company that uses artificial intelligence and psychology to create personalized trips, CEO and founder Gilad Berenstein found that most people described the 'perfect trip' as a seven- to ten-day stint. If you’re the antsy type, have your activities lined up. “We have seen in data collected by Utrip that most trips longer than seven to ten days are very frequently about discovery and exploration, not relaxation,” he says. Think: a European tour, backpacking in Asia, or hiking in South America.

You'll need a day for every time zone you travel.

Saying you need one day to adjust for every time zone you cross is as accurate as saying you need eight hours of sleep a night, says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., a neurologist and sleep specialist in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Guess what: You do.) Every bodily action—heart beats, digestion, sleep—all happen in a rhythm based on timing. “When you travel, it takes time for your body’s chemicals to shift and re-establish that rhythm,” Winter says.

The adjustment period shortens as you start flying halfway around the world (it likely won’t take you 14 days to feel human again in Australia if you live in New York), but it's still difficult, he notes. Waking up early, planning to get up and outside ASAP, and eating regularly timed meals can speed acclimatization . “Your brain gets the message that this is the new start time for the day.”

So if you’re crossing multiple time zones, do your math. Plan five or six days minimum in London if you’re looking to feel your best. Only have six or seven days to spare? Fly for five hours or less, suggests Kay Merrill, owner of Are We There Yet? Adventures . Seven to ten days? Spend as many as eight hours in the air.

Sites such as Jet Lag Rooster can help you craft a pre-trip plan to beat jet lag, too.

Spend your time wisely.

Understanding a place the way a local might takes weeks, months, or even years. But diving into experiences native to an area (enjoying a cup of coffee in a Roman café , eating at a bistro in Paris ) can help familiarize you to a new spot in a matter of days, Kurtz says.

Another way to jump right in: solo or small group travel. “With fewer people, there are fewer distractions, rules, and shenanigans leaving more time to explore and to get to know the city,” Berenstein says.

Plan for two full days, minimum. Or a once-in-a-lifetime day trip.

Given that much of the research on vacations suggests that pre-travel anticipation helps boost happiness, there’s a case for lining up a few 72-hour getaways.

Of course, day trips, particularly on business trips can be a fantastic way to check off big-ticket locations. If work brings you to Delhi and you’re able to extend your trip 24 hours, make time to see the Taj Mahal for a day, Merrill suggests. Traveler editors stand behind a day trip to explore Potsdam's palace gardens outside of Berlin . You can even climb Machu Picchu in a day.

Make sure you have a day to settle in and a day to unwind.

Kurtz always suggests tacking on a day for rest at the front of a trip and a day to relax at home after. “If people leave a buffer, their post-vacation ‘high’ can last for several weeks after they get home,” she says. Extend the feel-good emotions by looking at photos and reminiscing with travel companions.

Describe a City Where You Would Like to Stay for A Short Time

 Describe a city where you would like to stay for a short time

• Where is the city?
• Why do you want to go there?
• Whom you will go there with?
• What you will do there?
• And explain why you will stay there.

Sample 1: Describe a City Where You Would Like to Stay for a Short Time

Well, I love to travel, and I traveled to many cities, and I found some cities are the very best to leave. For a long time but here I would like to talk about one of the cities where I would like to stay for a short period of time. Actually, I live in Mehsana City, and it is a really big city and also a well-developed city.

I would like to stay in Gandhi Nagar City for a short period of time. Actually, I work in Gandhi Nagar, but usually, I always drop down South. My uncle is living in Gandhi Nagar City, so I would like to visit their home for one day, and I would like to stay for a short period of time.

I would like to go with my family for the enjoy purpose as it is a really big city and it also has a lot of. Pick gardens and well-developed roads and hospitals, schools, and colleges, and also it is a hub of electronic industries. So it is also free of pollution, and most people use electric vehicles in that place, and also it is the capital city of Gujarat.

So it is the very best city. And there are lots o airports and railway stations available in this series. And also like a lot of foods, different types of food variety available in their city.

So actually I would like to tell you one more thing. I would like to do a lot of enjoyment there with travel and exploring new places around the city, and I heard once from my friend. There is one. Akshardham temple is in most famous and also Mahatma Mandir. Mahatma Temple is also the most popular place to visit.

The museum is inside the exhibition hall. So I would like to visit that museum once in my life. And I would like to stay there because of. My colleague is living there, and I would like to stay with my uncle for a short period of time.

Sample 2:Describe a City Where You Would Like to Stay for  Short Time.

There are many cities I would love to visit in the near future, but there this particular city I will talk about is Cape Coast. It is a city in Ghana located at the Seaside in the central region.

It is a city which contains many tourist attractions and historical monuments such as the castle. has standard social amenities such as schools, markets, good roads, and others that make the city enjoyable.

Because of these available resources, I would like to stay there in the near future with my young brother to experience city life.

However, staying in the city is expensive though, but I will love to be due to the availability of social amenities and tourist sites.

Follow-Up Questions

Question 1. why do people sometimes go to other cities or other countries to travel.

Answer 1:- People migrate to other cities or countries for many reasons. Firstly for educational purposes due absence of some specific educational institutions, others for greener pastures, and lastly lack of social amenities in their hometowns.

Answer 2: – There are many reasons behind travel to another city or a country by the people. The first and foremost result is that people like to travel and love to explore new things. The second one is that people also love to know about the other culture and also like to try different diseases which are not available in their own cities. That’s why they prefer to travel to other countries or cities. To familiar with. Other people know about their culture and try new items.

Question 2. Why are historical cities popular?

Answer 1: – Historical cities are famous due presence of exciting stories about them and the presence of historical monuments and buildings which attracts tourist from all over the world.

Answer 2 :- They are more popular nowadays among people because of. Creativity and the architect of the different places. East Daily. Amazing. And that attracts more people and also increases their curiosity. Among the people. For example. The pyramids in Egypt. I really feel developed by ancient times. And. Nowadays, it is also a mystery how. Pyramid app build. Hey. Without any technology or machinery. And that’s why this type of curiosity. Increase the popularity of the historical places.

Question 3. Why do places with historical sites develop the tourism industry more actively?

Answer 1:- Because this place earns revenue from the tourist sites, the income is then used to invest in the tourist industry. Such development includes advertisement, renovation of tourist sites, and others.

Answer 2 :- Places with historical sites develop more. Activity. In the tourism industry, because of. Nowadays, people have. Use the amount of income, they also have free time, they love to travel, and they love to spend their money too. The time traveling, so they visit different places by month or once a month. So that’s why the tourism industry is more active in historical sites. Just take one example. Taj Mahal. It is the most popular, and around 2000 people visit per day at this place.

Question 4. Do you think tourists may come across bad things in other cities?

Answer 1 :- Yes, I do. Due to the higher population in the cities, the probability that bad people, such as the army and others, are present in such places is high. So believe that tourists may encounter bad things.

Answer 2 :- Yes, of course, in my opinion, it happens because of India. In some cities, people behave very badly, and that can affect the tourist mood, for example, if someone visits. In India, from another country and if he met some people who? The key is not good in a mood. The transport industry, and then they decide or they make one image in their mind like Indian people are not good that can affect in this way.

Question 5. Do most people like planned traveling?

Answer 1:- Yes, they do. Most people plan and organize their travels due to the cost involved, accommodations, and even the appointment. Planning a trip makes it too more successful.

Answer 2: – No. Most people don’t like planet traveling because they love adventure and they also love it. Surprise. Just take the example of my family. In my family, no one can plan, plan, or advance if we have to go anywhere. We just make instant decisions about traveling and just. We arrived at the destination, and then we did whatever we wanted.

Question 6. Why is noise pollution worse in tourist cities than in other cities?

Answer 1 :- There is an increase in noise in tourist cities due to the presence of a high population, most of them a tourist. However, because tourists are inquisitive, they talk a lot, ask questions, and enjoy themselves with music. These attractions result in worse noise pollution as compared to the cities without tourist sites.

Answer 2: – In tourist cities where a number of ancient players are. Statues were eggs. Many people like to travel to these places, and they use transportation as well. They use a lot of. Difference. Transport and its produce. Noise and also they use their own voice so it can also produce more pollution arising in other cities. There are limited. Tourist places. That’s why people are also limited so transport is limited so the noise pollution is less.

Question 7. Why do more and more people live in the city?

Answer 1: – Our cities are overpopulated due to the presence of social amenities such as schools, good internet services, schools, roads, hospitals, markets, and others, as well as the availability of jobs. These facilities lure people to migrate to the cities.

Answer 2: – Nowadays people like to live in a cities area rather than in a village area because of the advancement of technology available in cities area and a lot of different modern facilities like hospitals, schools and transportation systems available in the cities. Also, one more interesting. On top of that, the job opportunity much higher. Also, they provide huge amount of salaries because of the lot of industrialization.

Question 8. What are some factors that attract people to settle down in certain places?

Answer 1: – There are many factors that will encourage someone to live in a particular place; these include, firstly, the hospitality of the people, the custom and culture, and lastly, the presence of social amenities and jobs.

Answer 2: – There are many factors that attract people to settle in one certain place. First and foremost, that. The job. If they got a good job in that place, then they definitely like to stay in that place for a long time and the second one is that. Their neighbors. If they find good neighbors surrounding their serious IT, then they definitely love to settle their buttons. If they don’t have good jobs and not good neighbors and also they don’t have good facilities. Then they will definitely change their Place because people want relaxation.

Question 9. What are the differences between the young and old when choosing where to live?

Answer 1: – Well, mostly the young will always consider places for social amenities and job availability, while the aged will like to settle in a place where there is a peaceful environment and close relatives in order to get their help when needed.

Answer 2: – There is use difference between young and old people in choosing Vito to leave. Young people mostly look for. Job opportunity and. Old people choose a place where they. You can easily get a relaxing or query calm place where young people want to explore their life, and they also want to. Live the life. That’s why they choose a city.

Question 10. What do you prefer: state-of-the-art facilities with polluted air or rural areas with a healthy environment?

Answer 1: – I will like to live in a rural area with a healthy environment because my health matters to me more than everything. However, living in an urban place with air pollution will cause health problems such as pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.

Answer 2:- I’ve always chosen healthy advancement in a rural area because, yes, that is true. In this, it is areas we can live a good life. Because of a lot of advanced facilities, but. For your health, a good environment is most necessary. We can travel if we want to go to the city area for work purposes, but I don’t like to stay for a long time in cities area

Question11. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living alone?

Answer 1: – Living alone is good, but it comes with risks too. However, some people prefer to live alone for privacy and lower cost of living too, but problems like lacking a companion in terms of emergency and feelings of insecurity living alone.

Answer 2 :- There are many advantages and disadvantages if we choose to live alone. If I talk about advantages, then I can say. The expenses can reduce. Because we. Leave alone, so we just need to buy things for justice. You don’t need to buy for others, so living expenses can be reduced. The second one is that. We no one can disturb us like to. We can do whatever we like. And if I talk about the disadvantages, then I can say sometimes we feel lonely and very stressed then no one is available to supporters. So I think it is also not good for the people.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2,3 - A city you would like to visit

Ielts winwin.

✨ Part 2: Describe a city you would like to visit for a short time. 

You should say: 

• what city it is 
• what you would like to do there 
• who you would go there with 
• and explain why you would like to go there 

Having spent my entire life in a bustling city, I’m eager to go somewhere off the beaten track and explore a hidden gem like Tam Ky city. Located in the central region of Vietnam, Tam Ky is one of only two cities in Quang Nam province and happens to be my father's hometown. Despite this, my family rarely visits due to our busy schedules. However, I fell in love with this city the first time I visited, and I just can't wait to have a getaway here. 

Tam Ky is a small city and not as well-known as metropolises like Da Nang or Hoi An. It’s situated about a three-hour ride from Da Nang and is located near one of the most breathtaking coastlines in Vietnam. The beach here is unlike any other I have visited - the water is tranquil and warm, with no waves crashing, creating a serene atmosphere akin to an immense outdoor salty pool. The two must-try local delicacies in Tam Ky are com ga, which is turmeric rice with boiled chicken, and nem nuong, which is grilled seasoned minced pork. I’m also looking forward to exploring the natural beauty around Phu Ninh Lake, which was formed by the Phu Ninh irrigation . My grandfather even took part in its formation, making this place even more special to me. 

My future trip to Tam Ky will not only be a way to connect with my roots but also an opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of forestry and coastal areas. Ideally, I’d love to explore with my best friends and share the beauty of my hometown with them. It's a chance to experience things that a busy city would never be able to offer. 

• Bustling: /ˈbʌslɪŋ/ (adj) - sôi động, nhộn nhịp
• Eager: /ˈiːɡər/ (adj) - háo hức, hăng hái
• Somewhere off the beaten track: (idiom) - một nơi xa xôi, ít người biết đến, ít du khách đến
• Metropolises: /mɪˈtrɑːpəlɪsɪz/ (n) - thành phố lớn, khu đô thị lớn
• Breathtaking: /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ (adj) - đẹp ngỡ ngàng, gây ấn tượng mạnh
• Tranquil: /ˈtræŋkwɪl/ (adj) - yên bình, thanh tịnh
• Serene: /səˈriːn/ (adj) - thanh bình, yên tĩnh
• Akin to: (idiom) - giống với, tương tự như
• Delicacies: /ˈdelɪkəsiːz/ (n) - món ăn ngon, đặc sản
• Turmeric: /ˈtɜːrmərɪk/ (n) - nghệ
• Irrigation: /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃən/ (n) - sự tưới tiêu, sự tưới nước

PART 3 

✨ what kinds of jobs are easy to get in a foreign country .

So, finding a job in a foreign country can depend on different stuff, like where you wanna go, your skills and experience, how good you are with languages, and what the job market is like over there. In my opinion, working in the healthcare sector might be comparatively more accessible in a foreign country. In some developed countries, there’s a shortage of nurses and doctors, so there’s a higher demand for such professions, and expatriates can easily be part of this field. But, of course, that's not the only option out there, it’s preferable to understand the legal requirements of the country before seeking employment there. 

• Comparatively: /kəmˈpærətɪvli/ (adv) - tương đối, so với
• Expatriates: /ˌekspætriˈeɪts/ (n) - người định cư ở nước ngoài, người đi định cư

✨ Should young adults work abroad?  

Working abroad can offer many benefits for young adults, it just depends on whether they want to do it or not. When they work overseas , they can gain valuable work experience that may not be available in their home country. It can also offer the opportunity to expand their professional network by connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures, while also learning new languages. And, dealing with challenges like culture shock or prejudice could be tough, but it's a chance to grow and become a more resilient person in the end.

• Overseas: /ˌoʊvərˈsiːz/ (adj) - ở nước ngoài, liên quan đến nước ngoài
• Prejudice: /ˈpredʒədɪs/ (n) - định kiến, thành kiến
• Resilient: /rɪˈzɪliənt/ (adj) - đàn hồi, linh hoạt, khả năng phục hồi

✨ Do Vietnamese parents encourage their children to work abroad? 

The fact that more Vietnamese parents are sending their children abroad for education suggests that they are increasingly open to the idea of their children pursuing studies and careers overseas. This is because working abroad can provide many career prospects , higher salaries, and opportunities for personal growth. Many parents believe that giving their children an independent life will help them succeed in the long run. 

• Pursuing: /pərˈsuːɪŋ/ (v) - đuổi theo, theo đuổi
• Career prospects: (n) - triển vọng nghề nghiệp, triển vọng sự nghiệp
• Independent: /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/ (adj) - độc lập, không phụ thuộc

✨ If you had an opportunity to live abroad, which country would you like to settle down in? 

As a home-oriented person, I prefer living somewhere near my home country so I can frequently visit my parents. Currently, I’m considering Singapore as an option. It’s only a 2-hour flight from Vietnam and is a highly developed country with excellent education systems and job opportunities. Additionally, Singapore has better air quality than Vietnam, which would benefit me greatly. Although the living costs in Singapore are high, the culture and lifestyle are similar to Vietnam, so I wouldn't experience much culture shock and would probably feel less homesick . 

• Home-oriented: /hoʊm ˈɔːrientɪd/ (adj) - tập trung vào gia đình, quan tâm đến gia đình
• Homesick: /ˈhoʊmsɪk/ (adj) - nhớ nhà, nhớ quê hương

✨ Why do some people want to go to college far away from home? 

Certain colleges provide unique academic programs that aren’t available at nearby universities, prompting individuals to opt for programs further away from their hometowns. Besides, attending a college far from home offers a chance to encounter a new lifestyle, become less dependent on parental support, learn to manage their finances and time, and acquire new life skills. They can also explore things that they have never been exposed to at home and meet new people.

• Prompting: /ˈprɑːmptɪŋ/ (n) - sự thúc đẩy, sự khuyến khích
• To opt: /ɑpt/ (v) - lựa chọn, quyết định
• Parental: /pəˈrentl/ (adj) - thuộc về cha mẹ, cha mẹ.

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Trump's Bronx visit takes him to a place devastated by his ignorance and cruelty

By Ja'han Jones

Ahead of Donald Trump ’s scheduled campaign rally on Thursday in Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres’ South Bronx district, the representative wrote an op-ed for the New York Daily News that accurately captures the mendacity of Trump’s visit. 

Torres wrote :

“Even before inciting an insurrection against the United States Congress on Jan. 6, Trump fundamentally failed the American people with presidential malfeasance and mismanagement. Nowhere has this failure been more deeply felt than in the Bronx, where Covid-19 left a death toll of more than 7,000 — greater than the combined death count of Pearl Harbor and 9/11. Trump’s catastrophic mismanagement of the global pandemic brought preventable death and devastation to the Bronx, which is still reeling from the aftershocks of Covid. Instead of holding a rally at Crotona Park, Trump owes the Bronx an apology for the lasting damage he has done.

I often find myself at odds with Torres, who’s become known for his attacks on progressives critical of Israel’s government ; but on this point, Torres is right. Trump’s NYC visits — both his staged photo-op at a Harlem bodega earlier this year and his South Bronx rally — show him passing through communities devastated by his ignorance, cruelty and bigotry.

Trump’s mismanagement of the pandemic — and his particular scorn for local officials, who desperately pleaded with him for help — helped make two of the poorest parts of New York City, the South Bronx and Harlem, into two of the deadliest places in the city . 

Sometimes it can feel like many people have memory-holed this. Perhaps that’s because they want to forget the worst aspects of that traumatic period. Or maybe it’s because they’ve adopted the Trump administration’s ableist excuse that Covid deaths among marginalized groups can be blamed on personal behaviors rather than failed leadership.

But as someone who lived in Harlem during much of the pandemic, the memories of ambulance sirens blaring through the night and funeral homes reaching capacity are etched in my mind forever. So are the cruel remarks Trump made as it was all playing out .

I don’t think I’m alone. 

So in my view, Trump’s visits serve two goals. They’re staged events, coordinated by the extremist New York Young Republicans Club , to give the impression that the MAGA movement has seen a surge in nonwhite voters in recent years — a claim that we have ample reason to question . (Note that Trump’s Harlem event was held in a district where voters overwhelmingly backed city Councilman Yusef Salaam , the man who, when he was a teenager, Trump said deserved execution for a crime it was later proved he didn’t commit. And Trump's latest Bronx visit brings him to a district that favored Biden by nearly 70 points in 2020 .)

But beyond New York, Trump is visiting cities where his decisions, particularly around Covid-19 , have fueled death and despair. Evidently, he and his campaign think some shots of cheering crowds will be enough to paper over that.

Ja'han Jones is The ReidOut Blog writer. He's a futurist and multimedia producer focused on culture and politics. His previous projects include "Black Hair Defined" and the "Black Obituary Project."

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Senate Approves Bill to Reauthorize F.A.A. and Improve Air Travel

The Senate also passed a short-term extension of the current F.A.A. law to give the House time to clear the longer-term package early next week.

By Kayla Guo

Reporting from the Capitol

The Senate on Thursday passed legislation to reauthorize federal aviation programs for the next five years and put in place new safety measures and consumer protections for passengers, at a moment of intense uncertainty and disruption in the air travel system.

The bill , which still must win final approval in the House before becoming law, would provide more than $105 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration and another $738 million to the National Transportation Safety Board for airport modernization, technology programs and safety. It would also bolster the hiring and training of air traffic controllers, codify airlines’ refund obligations to passengers, ensure fee-free family seating and strengthen protections for passengers with disabilities.

“Aviation safety has been front of mind for millions of Americans recently, and this F.A.A. bill is the best thing Congress can do to give Americans the peace of mind they deserve,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, said on the Senate floor on Thursday evening.

It passed in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 88 to 4, just one day before the current law is scheduled to lapse. The Senate also unanimously approved a short-term extension to allow time for the House to take up and clear the longer-term package next week, a step that would send it to President Biden.

The legislation is a bipartisan compromise negotiated over months by the Senate and House committees with jurisdiction over the F.A.A., after Congress authorized several short-term extensions of the agency when lawmakers failed to meet earlier deadlines. The House passed its version of the bill almost a year ago in a lopsided vote of 351 to 69.

Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, chairwoman of the Commerce Committee, celebrated the bill’s provisions on consumer protections, aviation safety, air traffic controllers, airport infrastructure and work force development on the floor after passage.

“This is a big moment for aviation,” Ms. Cantwell said. “We have had safety issues and concerns that we need to make a big investment. This legislation is that investment — in safety standards, in protecting consumers and advancing a work force and technology that will allow the United States to be the gold standard in aviation.”

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee, said: “This legislation is a strong, bipartisan, bicameral bill that includes hundreds of priorities for senators and representatives, both Republican and Democrat. This bill gives the FAA the safety tools it needs at a critical time.”

As one of the few remaining bills considered a must-pass item this year, the F.A.A. package, which prompted several regional disputes, became a magnet for dozens of amendments and policy riders that threatened to delay it in the Senate.

With the legislation threatening to stall, the House on Wednesday approved a one-week extension for the F.A.A. before leaving Washington for the weekend. The Senate followed suit on Thursday, steering around lingering disputes that had threatened to scuttle the effort and cause a brief lapse for the F.A.A.

The debate came at a time of acute uncertainty about the aviation system, which has had a recent spate of concerning episodes such as dangerous near collisions on runways, plane malfunctions and thousands of flight delays and cancellations.

It was unclear for much of Thursday whether the Senate would be able to push through the legislation and the extension, as senators demanded votes on amendments or threatened to block speedy passage. No amendments were ultimately brought to a vote.

The most intense regional fight was over a provision in the bill that would add five round-trip long-haul flights out of Ronald Reagan National Airport outside Washington. Proponents, which include Delta Air Lines, have said they want to expand access to the nation’s capital and increase competition.

The proposal incensed lawmakers representing the area , who argued that the airport maintains the busiest runway in the country and cannot support additional flights. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia and Benjamin L. Cardin and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, all Democrats, filed an amendment to strike the new flights.

Mr. Kaine and Mr. Warner threatened to hold the bill up if they did not receive a vote. But Mr. Cruz blocked an effort to bring up a compromise amendment that would have given the transportation secretary the final say on new flights after considering any effects they would have on delays and passenger safety.

“The Senate abdicated its responsibility to protect the safety of the 25 million people who fly through D.C.A. every year,” Mr. Kaine and Mr. Warner said in a statement. “Some of our colleagues were too afraid to let the experts make the call. They didn’t want to show the American people that they care more about a few lawmakers’ desire for direct flights than they care about the safety and convenience of the traveling public. That is shameful and an embarrassment.”

The senators from Virginia and Maryland were the only votes against the bill.

Another group of senators failed to secure a vote on a proposal to halt the Transportation Security Administration’s expansion of facial recognition technology at airports and restrict it where it is in use.

Senators had also proposed adding a number of unrelated bills, including one that would compensate people harmed by exposure to the nation’s nuclear weapons program , legislation to fully fund the replacement of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, and a credit card competition measure. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, and Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, were pushing for a vote on their bill to protect minors online into Thursday. None of them made it into the final product.

An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the bridge in Baltimore that collapsed. It is the Francis Scott Key Bridge, not the Francis Key Scott Bridge.

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Kayla Guo covers Congress for The New York Times as the 2023-24 reporting fellow based in Washington. More about Kayla Guo

Our Coverage of Congress

Here’s the latest news and analysis from capitol hill..

Border Deal Fails Again: Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan border enforcement bill for a second time this year , voting down legislation they initially insisted upon to stem a surge of migrants across the United States border with Mexico.

Noncitizen Voting Law: The House passed legislation that would undo a District of Columbia law allowing noncitizens to vote  in local elections, part of a broader bid by Republicans to amplify false claims of widespread illegal voting by immigrants.

Democrats’ ‘Sword and Shield’ Strategy: Despite certain defeat, Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, is pushing showdown votes on border security  and abortion rights  ahead of this year’s elections. Here’s why .

Trump’s Meeting With Oil Executives: Senate Democrats opened an investigation  into a fund-raising dinner where Donald Trump asked oil executives to donate $1 billion to his campaign and vowed to roll back climate rules .

A New Centrism Rises: The emergence of a new form of American centrism — call it neopopulism  — has made the last four years arguably the most productive period of bipartisanship in Washington in decades.

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11 Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed Houses You Can Rent for Your Next Vacation

By Kristine Hansen and Nora Taylor

Ever dreamed of staying in a Frank Lloyd Wright Airbnb, Vrbo, or other rental property? Lucky for you, there are plenty. Of the 532 buildings designed and built by the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, a number have been demolished, others have been preserved and opened to the public, and even more are still in the hands of private owners. While Wright’s designs pop up on the market fairly often, his homes are notoriously expensive to maintain and can be unofficial tourist attractions.

If you’re not ready to make that investment, why not book a short-term stay in a Frank Lloyd Wright home for a weekend to test the waters? A number of his homes are on the rental market, whether for events or getaways. Here, we’ve rounded up eleven Frank Lloyd Wright homes—from the grand and sweeping homes to the cozy and intimate spaces—that are available to rent right now.

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Eppstein House, Galesburg, Michigan

Wright initially planned to build a 21-house Usonian community for a group of scientist friends who all worked at Upjohn in this town 10 miles east of Kalamazoo, Michigan, but only four homes were constructed in The Acres, including the three-bedroom Eppstein House. This home was built in 1953 for Samuel and Dorothy Eppstein. As an example of Wright’s Usonian style, the ranch-level home’s concrete and mahogany—a feature in the other three homes too—blend into the rolling landscape you can observe from one of the three terraces. Though the home spent 20 years in a state of neglect, owners Marika Broere and Tony Hillebrandt spent a year restoring it, debuting the property in 2017 and earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Yet they also retained some of the roots to the original era, including a vinyl record collection and record player.

Amberg House in Grand Rapids, Michigan

This stunning example of Wright’s Prairie Style was completed in 1911 for David and Hattie Amberg as a collaboration between Wright and Marion Mahony Griffin, the first female licensed architect in the US and an associate of Wright’s from 1896 to 1909. The home was thoroughly renovated between 2013 and 2016, with George Mann Niedecken and Stickley furnishings from the era completing the look. Overnight guests bunk in the house’s dedicated guest suite, which features a private entrance. Windows look out onto a waterfall, pond, and gardens, while a bedroom, bath, kitchen, and sitting area—as well as a dedicated workspace—are in the suite. Two blocks away is the Wright-designed Meyer May House, built in 1908-1909 and owned by Steelcase. (It’s open for tours, but not overnight stays.) The parents of Meyer May’s wife—Sophie May—commissioned Wright to design the Amberg House.

The Pratt House, Galesburg, Michigan

Broere and Hillebrandt—who restored and own the Eppstein House—spent two and a half years getting this two-bedroom beauty that’s also within The Acres (in fact, it’s actually right next door) up to par. They completed the work, which included updating the bedrooms, in late 2021. Like the Eppstein House, it is an example of Usonian style and on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior is stocked with midcentury-modern furnishings (including a womb chair), art, collectibles, and other decor—as well as Taliesin-designed furniture and a Taliesin II table lamp—as a nod to the home’s 1951 completion. As with the Eppstein House next door, it features a vinyl record collection and record player. Eric and Pat Pratt were the first owners. It is important to note that the space is booked till February—but that shouldn’t be a problem for those of you who love to plan ahead, or want a winter getaway .

Still Bend / Schwartz House, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

In 1938, Wright designed a “dream house” for an issue of Life magazine, which was to be built for the Blackbourne family of Minneapolis. However, the house was never realized due to a series of complications. Yet the architect was able to adapt the design with this 1940 home for Bernard Schwartz and his family, resulting in this four-bedroom Usonian home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin—about a three-hour drive from Wright’s own home, Taliesin. As seen on Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, it’s referred to as “Still Bend” and the “Bernard and Fern Schwartz House,” and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Another rare feature within Wright’s portfolio is the house’s two stories; most Usonians have one. The 63-foot-long living room features a wall of windows, plus a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and built-ins holding books. Co-owner Michael Ditmer stocked the home with period-specific decor, right down to the bar glassware. In a residential setting, the backyard faces the East Twin River and is a mile from the mighty Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Joyce Chen

By Perri Ormont Blumberg

Palmer House, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Crafted from brick and Wright’s signature tidewater cypress and based on an equilateral triangle design, this three-bedroom home spans two wooded acres only a mile from the University of Michigan’s campus. Completed in 1950 for William and Mary Palmer, who lived in the house until 2009, it features Wright’s signature long hipped roof boasting deep overhangs, as well as a cantilever above the terrace. Staying in this multilevel marvel is a true Wright immersion, as many Wright-designed furnishings (including four of his Origami chairs) and built-ins adorn the rooms. There’s even a typewriter in one of the bedrooms for a writer who needs a quiet retreat to pen the Great American Novel. In later years, Wright’s apprentice Jack Howe built a tea house on the property that has seasonal availability.

Norman Lykes House, Phoenix, Arizona

The house has been on and off the market for years , but you can still book a night or two at this Frank Lloyd Wright Airbnb within a rural area of Arizona’s largest city. Working with his apprentice John Rattenbury, Wright designed the three-bedroom home for Aimee and Norman Lykes just before his death in 1959, and Rattenbury shepherded the 1967 completion. As one of Wright’s 14 circular homes, the futuristic design flaunts overlapping concentric circles without compromising views of Palm Canyon. Globally sourced materials for the design include Philippine mahogany (another of Wright’s treasured woods), slate floors from India, and Italian rose marble. An outdoor pool is also available for rental.

Unbuilt Frank Lloyd Wright House Brought to Life, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

The only Wright house in Hawaii, this home has a unique and storied history. While the space was designed by Wright, he never actually built it. The home was completed in 1995, after his death, when Sanderson Sims partnered with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin Associated Architects, John Rattenbury to bring the plans to life. The home blends Wright’s style with the beauty of Hawaii through coral aggregate block in the walls or a lava-rock hot tub outside. Built into a hillside, the home offers breathtaking views of the ocean and three volcanoes. The home sleeps six comfortably, is close to a wide array of parks and beaches, and offers a spectacular view of three volcanoes.

The Elam House, Austin, Minnesota

Enjoy a cozy guest suite inside of one of Wright’s Usonian homes. The guest suite includes one bedroom (with the option to add an air mattress), a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen. Guests can also tour the rest of the home with the owner and check out features like the three floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, Webster Electric Teletalk intercom system, and beautiful stonework. The home is also located a mere five miles from the Spam museum.

American System-Built Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Offering up the rare and wonderful opportunity to enjoy a Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home in a large city, this is one of the architect’s American System-Built homes—designed to provide beautiful housing for people with a variety of incomes. This home has three bedrooms and a sleeping porch, two and a half bathrooms, a fireplace, a lawn, and deck. The furniture is either period-appropriate or original built-ins. There are stunning stained glass and leaded windows throughout. The house is close to many of Milwaukee’s main attractions and part of a block of American System-Built Homes.

All Glass House, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Hard to think of something better than a trip to Martha’s Vineyard , except for one that involves staying at a Frank Lloyd Wright house with an incredible view. Built in the ’60s but updated as recently as last year, this four-bedroom (one of the bedrooms is in a studio separate from the main house), two-bath property has floor-to-ceiling windows in every single room. If that isn’t enough there’s a wraparound porch on the outside of the building and in the exterior courtyard. The home is in a prime location close to two beaches and a pond, so we understand if you never want to leave. There’s a gourmet kitchen for cooking all your meals at home and a Sonos system for dance parties or even some meditation.

Woodside, Marion, Indiana

You can rent the entirety of this 1955 home and the grounds that surround it. With four bedrooms and four and a half baths, it is perfect for a family or group get together. The fireplace and firepit make it a welcoming spot in any season, and the dedicated work space means you could camp out there for quite a bit. With soaring ceilings and huge floor-to-ceiling windows, you will certainly feel connected to nature—and Frank Lloyd Wright.

By Kathryn O'Shea-Evans

By Audrey Lee

More From Forbes

3 must-visit travel destinations for summer 2024.

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Beautiful woman tans on sandbank surrounded by turquoise ocean from above

Summer 2024 has the potential to be the busiest travel season of all time.

In the first quarter of this year, global tourism reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels. Some 285 million people traveled internationally between January and March, which is a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Indicators suggest that a high number of Americans in particular will travel in the next few months. Between October 2022 and September 2023, the State Department issued 24 million passport books and cards —the highest number in U.S. history.

TSA projects to screen record numbers of travelers this summer and is already seeing unusually high traffic. While it has historically been busiest on major holidays, it recorded one of its busiest days of all time ( with 2.8 million travelers ) on May 17.

With all of this global travel on the horizon, where should tourists travel in the summer of 2024?

My advice is to avoid Europe’s tourist hotspots—particularly the destinations where locals are actively opposing more visitors. Instead, head to one of the three destinations I recommend for unique and compelling travel experiences.

Paros, Greece

Greek village of Naousa, Paros island, Greece

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With thousands of islands, jaw-dropping views, and sparkling Mediterranean waters, Greece is a perennially popular tourism destination.

It receives 31.3 million tourists annually, making it the 13th most visited country in the world. Its popularity shows no signs of waning, and if last year’s travel trends are any indication, Greece is set to be busy again this summer.

Last summer, Greece’s most popular areas were, by most accounts, overcrowded. The Acropolis was slammed by so many visitors that officials had to cap the number of daily visitors at 20,000 . Massive queues for photo ops formed at iconic spots on Mykonos and Santorini.

Instead of battling the crowds, those after a dose of Greek island inspired relaxation should seek out Paros, a low-key alternative to Mykonos and Santorini.

It’s a Cycladic island, just like its two more famous counterparts, so the appeal is much the same. It features whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea and beautiful Aegean Sea beaches, as well as an appealing assortment of restaurants, hotels, and places to shop.

Exploring by boat, visiting Antiparos (its tiny sister island) for serene, unspoiled beaches, indulging in local seafood dishes, and visiting ancient ruins are some of the best things to do here.

While Paros is right now a more tranquil alternative to Greece’s over-touristed islands, its star is rising. It’s named among Condé Nast Traveller’s “The 24 Best Places to Go in 2024,” and A-listers like Tom Hanks and Jeff Bezos have been spotted on Paros and in its waters.

New luxury hotels like Cove Paros and Avant Mar have recently opened, and it’s easier to reach than ever before, with new airlines (Saudia, Etihad Airways, British Airways, and more) now serving the Cyclades.

People enjoying riding horses riding on tropical sand beach facing the lagoon, aerial view, Indian ... [+] Ocean, Mauritius Island

For powder-white beaches, inviting blue waters, luxury resorts, and a dynamic cultural scene, there are few better places to visit than Mauritius.

Mark Twain described this island country’s beauty best when he said, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.”

Mauritius is part of the Mascarenes, a group of islands that float in the Indian Ocean about 1,000 miles off the coast of southeastern Africa. Its remoteness plus its astounding natural beauty made it a haunt for jetsetters in the 1980s.

Today, a new wave of hospitality has arrived. New luxury resorts are opening, and existing ones are being restored. It made Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best Destinations” for 2024. I predict this island’s popularity will take off soon.

Mauritius is a paradise for watersport enthusiasts, with opportunities for world-class boating, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. On land, there are forests, waterfalls, national parks, and exotic flora and fauna.

Mauritius is also culturally fascinating. At various times across its history, the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British have settled the island. Slavery brought people from East Africa, and workers were imported from India, China, and other places.

Today, the island is ethnically, linguistically, and religiously diverse. It’s the only African country where Hinduism is the most practiced religion. It has no official language; instead, its people flit between Mauritian Creole, French, and English as needed.

Mauritian cuisine is widely celebrated and reflects the ethnic diversity of its population. Dishes combine Indian, Creole, French, Chinese, African, and Persian influences.

Visitors can take in Mauritius’ history and culture at the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, which chronicles the country’s slave trade, and the House of Digital Art, which features art installations and immersive experiences.

Fishermen on stilts at the sunset, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, another island country floating in the Indian Ocean, is a land of verdant highlands and stunning beaches. Its appeal is a blend of surf and wellness cultures, similar to Bali before its boom in popularity and resulting over-tourism.

Centers of yoga, reiki, breathwork, and other well-being practices have sprung up around the island in recent years. Some of these centers, like Kalukanda House and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, combine wellness concepts with luxury-level amenities and accommodations.

Sri Lanka is a place for nature lovers, home to 22 national parks. Its mountains and thick, subtropical jungles support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Visitors catch glimpses of elephants, otters, sloth bears, and elusive leopards on safari.

The Pekoe Trail, a 186-mile path that was completed in 2023, takes trekkers through the Central Highlands, including local villages, tea plantations, and holy shrines. You can also explore Sri Lanka by train, traveling easy while taking in scenic views and enjoying a unique cultural experience.

In the lowlands and along its coastlines, Sri Lanka serves up soft-sand beaches with frothy, surfable waves. There are beach towns with trendy hotels and cocktail bars, as well as quiet strips of untouched sand.

Mirissa Beach, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and rock formations, shows up among Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best Beaches” for 2024.

Unlike some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations (particularly in Europe), Sri Lanka actually wants more visitors right now. Its tourism authority is investing in marketing campaigns to attract more people, while anti-tourism protests heat up in the Canary Islands, Venice, and Amsterdam, among other places.

Sri Lanka is still recovering from a bombing event, the pandemic, severe economic crisis, and other recent incidents. Tourism is a major source of income for the country, and visiting the country can help put cash into the locals’ hands.

With all that Sri Lanka has to offer, combined with its tourism authority’s marketing efforts and the proliferation of wellness and luxury hotels, I see Sri Lanka growing in popularity this summer and beyond.

It made Travel + Leisure’s list of “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024” and its south and central regions show up on Condé Nast Traveller’s “The 24 Best Places to Go in 2024.”

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What Causes Jet Lag and What Can You Do to Manage and Prevent It

• Effect on Body Clock
• Traveling West to East
• When to Seek Medical Care

Jet lag occurs when you travel across time zones , and experience challenges adjusting to new sleep and wake times. It can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, wake up in the morning, and feel rested during the day. Jet lag typically happens when you cross three or more time zones in a relatively short period.

Jet lag is temporary, and there are ways to manage and prevent it.

Learn about jet lag, its causes, what it feels like, how to prevent and treat it, and more.

Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

How Jet Lag Affects Your Body Clock

Your body's internal clock ( circadian rhythm ) regulates your sleep and wake times in response to light and dark cues. Traveling across time zones means the sun will rise and set at a different time than you're used to. For example, if you travel six time zones east (e.g., New York to Paris), the sun will rise and set six hours earlier.

Since your body clock is regulated by light and dark, flying across multiple time zones causes an abrupt shift that your body is not equipped to adjust to immediately.

What Does Jet Lag Feel Like?

Jet lag symptoms vary depending on how far you've traveled and your body's circadian rhythm. It can make you feel tired, exhausted, or similar to being sick.

In addition to feeling tired, other symptoms of jetlag include:

• Brain fog (i.e., feeling unable to think clearly)
• Difficulty falling asleep at night, staying asleep, or waking up in the morning
• Digestive issues (e.g., constipation or diarrhea)
• Mood changes and difficulty regulating your emotions
• Physical fatigue

What Causes Jet Lag?

Jet lag is caused by the difference in your body's internal clock and your new location's light and dark hours.

That difference is one hour for each time zone crossed. For example, traveling from California to New York (three time zones apart) would mean being physically located in New York with a circadian rhythm set to California, three hours behind.

Your Clocks Don’t Align

When you travel across time zones, your body's clock remains synced to your previous time zone. It's like setting a bedtime and alarm clock based on a different schedule. The mind, body, and internal clock may take several days to adjust to the new time zone—typically one to 1.5 days for every hour crossed.

While the actual cause of jet lag is a shift in sleep and wake times, other factors can make the symptoms feel better or worse.

Sleep Timing

One strategy to prevent jet lag is slowly shifting to a new sleep schedule before traveling. When traveling east, for example, slowly move bedtime and wake time earlier. Conversely, when traveling west, slowly move bedtime and wake time later.

Since light cues regulate the sleep and wake cycle, natural sunlight can help you adjust to a new schedule in a different time zone. Sunlight is the most powerful environmental tool to help you become more awake in the morning and earlier in the day.

Experts recommend opening the curtains first thing in the morning and then going outside in the sun as early as possible.

Travel Fatigue 

Fatigue caused by your travel experience can worsen jet lag symptoms. The physical and mental demands that often accompany travel can contribute to jet lag. Travel fatigue can be prevented with the following strategies:

• Planning ahead
• Resting before and after travel
• Avoiding illness
• Getting proper nutrition and drinking plenty of water

Altitude Sickness

Traveling across time zones can also include changes in altitude, which can cause you to become ill. Some symptoms of altitude sickness are similar to those of jet lag, including feeling tired, exhausted, ill, and having difficulty sleeping.

The combination of altitude and changing time zones can worsen symptoms. Like jet lag, the symptoms of altitude sickness typically go away after a few days.

Dehydration

Travel, especially by plane, increases the risk of dehydration . Symptoms of jet lag become worse with dehydration. Drinking water while traveling is vital to prevent dehydration and jet lag.

Coffee and Alcohol

Coffee and alcohol are both dehydrating, so they can increase symptoms of jet lag. However, caffeine may help treat jet lag symptoms. When using caffeine for jet lag, consume it only in the morning to prevent difficulty sleeping at night. And be sure to drink water, too.

Other Factors That Affect Jet Lag

Physical activity and exercise can help prevent or alleviate jet lag symptoms and improve sleep quality. Getting your body moving in the morning while in the new time zone can help you sleep better and adjust faster.

Your thoughts and perceptions of the experience can also make a difference. Focusing on the symptoms will make them feel worse. Holding on to a belief that certain behaviors will help can lead to doing those things, like drinking plenty of water, taking a walk in the morning sunlight, and then feeling better.

Why Is It Harder to Travel From West to East?

Traveling from west to east is more challenging than traveling east to west because the body's internal clock adjusts to time zones faster when traveling west. More specifically, you can adapt 1.5 hours a day when traveling west and only an hour per day when traveling east.

For example, traveling three time zones away will take about two days to adjust when traveling west and three days when traveling east. For most people, it tends to be easier to stay up late at night and sleep in than to fall asleep and wake up earlier.

Ways to Prevent Jet Lag

One of the best ways to prevent jet lag is to slowly shift to the new sleep and wake schedule before travel, making the transition easier when you arrive in the new time zone. Other options to prevent jet lag are to drink plenty of water, get sunlight exposure in the morning after arriving, and exercise in the morning.

How Jet Lag Is Treated

Jet lag typically goes away after a few days when your body has adjusted to the new time. Most people don't need medical treatment for jet lag. Lifestyle choices such as sticking to scheduled sleep and wake times and using light and dark as tools to regulate sleep patterns can help with the adjustment phase.

Some experts recommend melatonin for temporary use to treat jet lag. However, its effectiveness is unclear, and there are associated risks.

How Long Does Jet Lag Last?

Jet lag is based on individual factors, like your typical sleep schedule and how many time zones you've traveled. So, if it typically takes one day to 1.5 days to adjust to each time zone traveled, traveling four time zones away would take four to six days to adjust. It can take weeks to recover fully, especially when traveling across more time zones.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Jet lag symptoms typically go away on their own as your internal clock adjusts to the new time zone. If symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks after traveling, it is important to seek medical care to alleviate symptoms and rule out any other symptom causes.

Jet lag is caused by traveling across time zones faster than the body can adjust to the new sleep and wake schedule. Symptoms of jet lag include feeling tired, being physically exhausted, and feeling sick. Light and dark cues regulate your internal body clock, so sunlight in the morning and darkness before bed can help to make the shift easier.

It can also help to shift to the new schedule before travel, drink plenty of water, and be physically active in the morning when in your new location. Jet lag typically does not need to be treated, but it is important to see a healthcare provider if the symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jet lag . May 1, 2023.

Kumari R, Verma V, Singaravel M. Simulated chronic jet lag affects the structural and functional complexity of hippocampal neurons in mice .  Neuroscience . 2024;543:1-12. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.01.026

Sleep Foundation. Jet lag: navigating symptoms, causes, and prevention . March 22, 2024.

American Psychological Association. Jet lag . April 19, 2018.

Harvard Medical School. Jet lag . July 6, 2023.

Roach GD, Sargent C. Interventions to minimize jet lag after westward and eastward flight .  Front Physiol . 2019;10:927. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00927

Janse van Rensburg DC, Jansen van Rensburg A, Fowler PM, et al. Managing travel fatigue and jet lag in athletes: a review and consensus statement .  Sports Med . 2021;51(10):2029-2050. doi:10.1007/s40279-021-01502-0

National Health Service. Altitude sickness . July 31, 2023.

Zubac D, Buoite Stella A, Morrison SA. Up in the air: evidence of dehydration risk and long-haul flight on athletic performance .  Nutrients . 2020;12(9):2574. doi:10.3390/nu12092574

Arendt J. Approaches to the pharmacological management of jet lag .  Drugs . 2018;78(14):1419-1431. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0973-8

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Exercising for better sleep . 2024.

Ambesh P, Shetty V, Ambesh S, Gupta S, Kamholz S, Wolf L. Jet lag: Heuristics and therapeutics .  J Family Med Prim Care . 2018;7(3):507. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_220_17

By Ashley Olivine, Ph.D., MPH Dr. Olivine is a Texas-based psychologist with over a decade of experience serving clients in the clinical setting and private practice.

How a New Biography Makes Sense of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Short Life

Elizabeth Beller's book, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy , is out now.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Beller’s book doesn’t shy away from those stories that made front-page news, but also offers a deep, thoughtful look at a woman who was more than just a fight with her husband or an unsmiling face for aggressive photographers. Speaking with friends and family members, Beller has developed a clear picture of a person who had a full life before she married into American royalty, and one who struggled with the demands of living in the spotlight. The absorbing biography isn’t without juicy moments, but also doesn’t rely on sensationalism to make the case for Bessette-Kennedy’s importance; it’s a nuanced, complicated book about a person who had similar qualities, and it’s a must read for anyone who wants to go beyond the surface of a story that’s captivated the world for more than two decades.

Here, Beller speaks with T&C about her subject, what went into writing the book, and what she wishes she had known when she started.

You write in the afterword of the book about being resistant at first to writing it at all. What made you want to do this and what were the hurdles you had to overcome?

Like everyone in 1999, I was not paying that much attention. I would see pictures of Carolyn and John on a tabloid cover in the supermarket, but I wasn't reading about them. On the 20th anniversary of the accident, though, news media was a different thing. I started clicking and reading, and what happened was that I noticed a huge discrepancy between the way the media and certain tabloids portrayed Carolyn and the way friends spoke about her. The more I noticed the discrepancy, the more I read, and the more like I felt a compulsion to write, to say, “Wait a minute, I think we've got this person wrong.” The biggest hurdle, I guess, was the resistance; this was someone who really wanted to remain private and a lot of people wanted to respect that—I even respected that in them. But after a while, it does become about legacy and the fact that there is such an incorrect narrative around her, and there are very few people who have had that much media scrutiny and have those wrong narratives surrounding them. I just felt compelled to change it.

When you start a project like this, who is your first phone call?

I happened to have friends who were adjacent. I was friends with [former Calvin Klein employee] Stormy Stokes who worked with Carolyn for a very short amount of time, but who connected me with other people. I also have a friend in New Orleans who knows Carole Radziwill; I spoke with Carole several times over the years, and she had incredible insight to share. It was long process, though, and it took a while for people to feel that they could trust me. I think it had to do with time and hearing the questions that I was asking. They began to understand that I was not looking for sensation, I was not looking for salacious stories, I was looking more for insight into her point of view.

How do you navigate these friends who want to protect Carolyn with being able to paint a picture of a real person?

The way I approached it was really through trying to be understanding of what her viewpoint was and what her background was. She was not a socialite, she always worked, and like all of us, she came with certain vulnerabilities. What I tried to do was understand those vulnerabilities—some of them had to do with growing up without her father, and things in her life that she probably would've wished she had done a little differently—and give them context.

So much of her life has been explored over the years. What surprised you? I had never heard that she and John got matching tattoos!

I was surprised by that, but I also wasn’t because you don't know them despite all the pictures that we see all the time. I want to point out that in the book—because I go on about her being chased by paparazzi and how that made her so unhappy—I made a conscious choice to not use any paparazzi photos. But the biggest surprise, and I don't know why I was surprised, was how much fun she and John had together. She had this great sense of humor, which doesn't come across in the photographs, and John and Carolyn would laugh together all the time. She also did that with friends, and I mean the kind of laughing where you've just got tears running down your face. It was a nice thing to be able to put in the book that I didn't quite know that I was going to be able to get to.

You’re also able to put all these moments—good and bad—in a larger context, so something like a public quarrel between Carolyn and John feels less emblematic of their relationship and more like a normal part of life.

If you're married and you're never arguing, you're not living together, you're living separately. That is how life works. But tabloids want to sell newspapers, so a fight is what gets the most newsprint. I really wanted to change that idea about Carolyn, because there was so much more to her—and so much more fun.

You deal with her relationship with the paparazzi, which was certainly not fun. And that frustration with being chased like she was meant pictures of her looking angry or frightened, which fed into this persona….

The paparazzi waiting for her like they did really frightened her . It touched a nerve and a particular vulnerability with her that, interestingly, was difficult to grasp for friends and colleagues who saw her as fearless and a warrior. She was truly terrified. I do think she came to being a public figure with a different tool set obviously than John, who learned from the master, [his mother] Jackie. Sadly, what happened is that she withdrew, and the more she withdrew, the more isolated and frightened she felt, and then she withdrew more. It became a vicious cycle.

Do you think things would be different for a couple like them today?

I've thought about that a lot. In many ways, Carolyn was at this crucial juncture where a lot of people find themselves today: she was getting this attention, but she hadn't taken over her own narrative. At that point, the Kennedy motto was that you just don't respond to things like that. It's different now. So, if she was with us now, she would have a lot more control over her story.

Jackie had respect from people, and so did John. When John was walking down the street, it was like, “Hey John, how are you doing?” If it was Carolyn, they would call her names. It was a very different scenario for her. I think she would've gotten over that fear and I think she really would have gone on to do meaningful things, whether it would've been teaching again or making documentary films about underserved communities. That's part of why I wanted to write the book, because it seemed so obvious to me that this was what she was really interested in. She was not interested in fame. In fact, she almost didn't want to marry John because of the fame. She married him because she loved him, and she married him despite the fame.

Was there one that got away in terms of people you wanted to speak to?

Oh, plenty. But I understand and even respect it. These people lost people from their life, lovely and kind people. When I think about asking friends to talk, I always keep that in mind. That was one of the first things I say to anyone: “I'm really sorry for the loss of your friends.”

If you were able to ask Carolyn a question, what would it be?

What do you think you wanted to do next? What were you thinking you would do when John ran for political office? Because we know that that's what he was thinking about doing.

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Knowing what you know now about this book and about these people, is there any advice you wish you’d been given at the beginning of this project?

Don't take it personally when people didn't want to talk or would say, “Why are you writing this now?” At first, I did. I was like, oh, my God, this is going to be impossible . And over time people did speak and then I realized that I could start to believe in the project more because I was getting across what I wanted to get across.

What was the furthest you had to go to try to get someone to talk?

I sent handwritten letters to both of Carolyn's parents. Interestingly, it wasn't her parents who reached out, but her paternal uncle and cousin, who I spoke with.

While you’ve been writing this book, there has been this resurgence in interest in Carolyn. What has it been like to see that happening?

It’s been kind of great because people are interested, and there's a reason I'm writing this now. But I do recall some of her friends saying what made them the saddest when she passed away is that she would be remembered as a style icon and not for the things that really matter about her: warmth, kindness, her sense of humor, and her sense of joy. But seeing this come up makes me wonder if one of the reasons that she's so attractive is her reticence and how it made people wonder about her. She didn’t live long enough to kind of show us, and she never decided to do an interview. I think there's a tendency to have these warm, what-could-have-happened feelings about anyone who dies young, but they were also really at the tail end of an era where you could be that quiet and not be reclusive.

Adam Rathe is Town & Country 's Deputy Features Director, covering arts and culture and a range of other subjects. 

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