15 Dreamy International Escapes Perfect for a Long Weekend
If you’ve got a passport and a few days to spare, the world opens up more than you might think. These international getaways are close enough to visit without burning through your PTO but far enough to feel like a real escape. Here are 15 dreamy destinations worth the stamp.
Bali, Indonesia
Credit: iStockphoto
Bali might sound far for a short trip, but it’s a no-brainer if you’re already in Southeast Asia. Base yourself in Ubud or Canggu, and you won’t have to move much to enjoy waterfalls and jungle swings. Balinese hospitality also makes everything easy.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Credit: iStockphoto
You can see a surprising amount of Iceland’s capital in just a few days. Reykjavík delivers geothermal pools and fresh seafood in an otherworldly setting. Winter brings northern lights. Summer gives you 20+ hours of daylight. Either way, the city’s creative energy runs year-round.
Cartagena, Colombia
Credit: iStockphoto
Flights from Miami or New York to Cartagena are short, but the sensory shift is instant. Inside the walled Old Town, bougainvillea spills from balconies, and horse-drawn carriages clip through cobbled streets. The city’s food scene leans coastal—ceviche, fried fish, and coconut rice.
Singapore
Credit: iStockphoto
Don’t let the city-state’s size fool you. Singapore squeezes modern skylines, hawker food stalls, jungle walks, and high-end shopping into a space smaller than Los Angeles. You can take a train across town in under an hour. Clean, efficient, and walkable, it’s built for first-timers.
Lisbon, Portugal
Credit: iStockphoto
Lisbon’s walkable streets and riverside cafes give travelers plenty to explore in a short span. Direct flights from major U.S. cities clock in under eight hours, and the time difference makes adjusting easy. The mild weather and compact layout make it perfect for an unhurried weekend.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Credit: iStockphoto
Just off the coast of Cancún, Isla Mujeres moves at its own pace. Golf carts and scooters are the main means of transportation, and Playa Norte’s shallow turquoise water barely changes depth. It’s also one of the best places to see whale sharks gathering offshore—giant fish that can stretch over 30 feet long.
Banff, Canada
Credit: iStockphoto
The air gets quieter the closer you get to the mountains. Stroll through the town or just sit by Lake Louise and let the view reset your brain. Calgary’s airport makes it a surprisingly quick trip, even if you only have a few days.
Dublin, Ireland
Credit: iStockphoto
Dublin doesn’t waste time. Pubs are never far, and neither are bookshops, street performers, or bowls of Guinness stew. You can walk from medieval cathedrals to the modern art gallery in under 20 minutes. Nearly everyone speaks English, and they’ll probably say something that makes you laugh.
Cayman Islands
Credit: iStockphoto
Seven Mile Beach is the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is. The water’s clear enough to see stingrays from the surface, and the island’s size keeps things simple. Dive, snorkel, nap, repeat. Food-wise, chicken and grilled fish are the main event.
Tokyo, Japan
Credit: iStockphoto
A long weekend might sound rushed, but Tokyo’s efficient rail system makes a short trip worthwhile. Stick to one or two neighborhoods—maybe Shibuya’s neon crush or Asakusa’s temple streets—and eat like royalty at casual sushi counters. Vending machines serve everything from hot coffee to ramen. It’s sensory overload in the best way.
São Miguel, Azores
Credit: iStockphoto
Direct red-eyes from Boston or JFK get you to the Azores overnight. São Miguel, the largest island, greets visitors with hot springs and hydrangea-lined roads. You can hike volcanic ridges in the morning and eat stew cooked in geothermal steam by lunch. It’s like Hawaii, but with fewer crowds and more cows.
Tijuana, Mexico
Credit: iStockphoto
Tijuana’s food scene is no longer a secret. Walk across the border, and you’re suddenly in a city filled with Baja-Med cuisine and edgy art spaces. Try octopus tacos, sip local drinks, and browse design shops without needing a single Uber. It’s close enough for a day trip.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Credit: iStockphoto
Canals crisscross the city, but bikes rule the roads. Amsterdam rewards wanderers with museums in old mansions, pancakes as big as plates, and a flower market that floats. Art lovers can visit the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum and relax in Vondelpark.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Credit: iStockphoto
Punta Cana doesn’t try to be mysterious. It offers all-inclusive resorts and palm trees swaying in the breeze. But there’s also kitesurfing and cenote diving for those who want more. Direct flights from U.S. cities are short, and customs moves fast.
Seoul, South Korea
Credit: iStockphoto
Seoul runs 24/7, and it has everything: palaces, free Wi-Fi, English signs, and cafés where you can pet a sheep or a corgi. Public transport is top-tier. And if you’re not sure what to eat? Start with something sizzling at Gwangjang Market and let the night take it from there.