3 day summer vacation ideas
Three-day weekend coming up? Need a break and have some vacay days you could use? Sometimes all you need to get a weekend trip on the books is a little inspiration—which is exactly what we’ve got for ya. Whether you live in the Northeast, the Southwest or somewhere in between, we’ve rounded up 10 of our top destinations for three-day weekend getaways. Grab some friends or go solo—where are you off to next?
Enjoying ‘La Dolce Vita’ in Italy
When it comes to romance, no place can come close to the allure of Italy. You’ve got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the modern vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean coastline, the wines of Tuscany, the pizza of Pisa, and more. Since the mid-summer weather can be scorching, try to plan your trip at the very beginning or end of summer, so you can stroll the parks and promenades without your third serving of gelato melting faster than you can enjoy it.
Road Tripping from Charleston to Savannah
While it’s mighty hot down South in the summertime, there’s plenty of sweet tea and lemonade available to cool you down. Begin your trip in the port city of Charleston, South Carolina, where you can wander picturesque cobblestone streets, walk the promenade along the ocean, snap photos in front of Rainbow Row, and eat really, really well. Then, hop in the car (your own, or a rental) and make your way to Savannah. The coastal Georgia city is about two hours away, and while you’ll find similar architecture and live oaks draped in moss, there’s a bit more action (and ghost sightings) if you prefer to stay busy on vacation.
Exploring Colombia
Colombia continues to climb the list of must-visit countries for curious travelers, and for good reason: Medellín offers immersion into art and culture, while Cartagena pairs history with seaside allure. Summer in Medellín — often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” — means gin cocktails on outdoor patios, hiking on nearby mountains, pretty blooms from the surrounding rain forest, and a great calf workout (the town is built on hills). While you’re in the port city of Cartagena, you’ll travel back in time to the 16th century through its quintessential Old Town, which features colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus, the nearby white-sand beaches are never too crowded.
Ah, summer vacation. Two words that always conjure up grand plans: rollicking around the French Riviera, digging into fresh uni on the Amalfi Coast, kayaking on the turquoise lakes of Canada’s Banff National Park, basking in 24 hours of daylight in Iceland. This year it will be doubly momentous, especially after all we’ve been through (and were unable to do) the past two summer seasons. So will you be spending three months flitting between seaside hotspots along the Mediterranean? Or will it be a European cultural grand tour? Or maybe you’ll revisit classic American destinations for old time’s sake? From adventures in Jackson Hole and Banff, to wellness in Ojai and on Ischia, to the ultimate geo-tag brags of Fiji and the Galapagos, we’ve curated 21 of the best destinations to consider for summer 2022.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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Jackson Hole is a year-round playground for the rich and adventurous, but come summer, the list of things to do expands exponentially. Proximity to two national parks—Grand Teton and Yellowstone, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary—means plenty of warm weather activities like hiking, paddle-boarding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, wildlife tours, biking, fishing, camping, you get the idea. Plus, the spectacular mountain scenery and perfect summer temperatures really can’t be beat. Stay at the Amangani, whose in-house naturalists will lead private tours through the national parks.
Montecito, California
SAN YSIDRO RANCH
Maybe leave the kids at home for this one. Arguably the most romantic hotel on the west coast, the 129-year-old San Ysidro Ranch has quite a storied history—Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married here, while Jackie and John F. Kennedy honeymooned at the resort. Just 38 standalone cottages—decorated with antiques and appointed with stone fireplaces, outdoor rain showers, deep soaking tubs, and private decks—are sprawled out over 500 acres of lush gardens and hiking trails lined with lavender, jasmine, orange blossoms, and eucalyptus. Need we say more?