For those who reside in the United States of America and have a long three-day weekend ahead of them, traveling is likely on the radar. While three days might seem too short, there are some nations that are ideal for a weekend with an extra-day getaway. Obvious choices like the Caribbean come to mind, but less obvious choices like smaller European nations shouldn’t be overlooked. Sometimes, staying domestic even does the trick. Here’s our top 10 picks for a 3-day weekend getaway for those who live in the USA.
10 Grenada
For those wanting to get away to a less-visited Caribbean tropical island, Grenada is the best option for a quick 3-day weekend. Grenada is underrated, but with direct flights from New York, Miami, and Charlotte, it’s an easy jaunt down to paradise. For a true cultural celebration, head down anytime between May 17 and 21 of 2023 for the annual Chocolate Festival, where the island showcases the chocolates grown locally. Not only is Grenada great for its pristine beaches, but for the rich cultural connection to its cuisine, from chocolate to spices. With only three days, make sure to include enough time to snorkel or dive near the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, as well as explore some of the island’s many famous waterfalls.
9 Iceland
While this might be tough for a three-day weekend from the west coast, getting to Iceland from USA’s East Coast is an easy feat. With only a four-hour flight from New York and several airlines offering direct flights to Reykjavik from major US cities, a three-day venture to Iceland is not as unimaginable to pull off as one might think. Iceland is fairly small, so though three days won’t be enough to see all that this stunning island has to offer, three days will certainly be enough to get a taste. Those who travel from October-March might even see the northern lights.
8 Panama
With Copa Airlines having connections in several US cities, a quick 3-day escape down to Panama is hardly a hurdle. Panama has much to offer, but for the best trip possible, situate a stay in Panama City and book day trips to explore. Panama City, particularly the neighborhood of Casco Viejo, is full of history, colorful buildings, delicious food, and of course, the notorious Panama Canal.
7 New York City
While this is not technically outside of the USA, New York City is an aspirational destination within the country that can easily be explored in three days. For those who don’t want to whip out their passports but still want to get away, head to The Big Apple and see some of the country’s most famous sites, such as The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, The Empire State Building, and of course, eat delicious late-night grub, sip post-Broadway cocktails, and indulge in some of the best pizza in the USA. For a real getaway that feels like a trip to a far-off land, stay at Henn na Hotel New York, a Japanese-themed hotel serving up delicious authentic Japanese cuisines, such as omakase, tonkatsu, and a wide selection of sushi, at their onsite restaurant Gostuke. Henn na Hotel New York is conveniently located close to Penn Station, making it easy for those traveling via Amtrak, Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, or coming from any of NYC’s major airports, and is a less-than-10-minute walk from Times Square.
6 The Netherlands
Does it seem borderline insane to head all the way to Europe for a three-day getaway from the USA? Perhaps so, but if there is one place to explore in just 72 hours, it’s got to be The Netherlands. Fly direct to Amsterdam with KLM Airlines, and explore the flowers and canals of this European favorite. Luckily, The Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe, so though three days can be a little hectic, primarily due to air travel, it is ample time to explore this eclectic European nation.
5 Antigua & Barbuda
For travelers where heading down to the Caribbean is the only admirable option, Antigua & Barbuda is one of the best nations to head to. Why is this so? Well, they are notorious for having 365 beaches, meaning one beach a day per year! Antigua & Barbuda is increasing in popularity but is still nowhere near the ranks of nearby nations such as the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, or Jamaica. With so many unique things to do, travelers can head down for a peaceful, pristine, and paradisaical getaway, leaving all of their worries back in the USA while sipping rum, the national drink of the nation.
4 Guatemala
Visitors to Guatemala in 2022 jumped by tenfold, and for those who haven’t caught onto this popular destination yet, what’s the hold-up? Guatemala is a tiny nation in Latin America, and though it can easily be explored in two weeks or more, three days to the magical Lake Atitlán is the epitome of utopia. Stay at the heavenly Casa Palopó, situated right on Lake Atitlán, and kick it back for a few days in this popular Central American nation.
3 Saint Lucia
Fewer places in the Caribbean are as aspirational as Saint Lucia. Notoriously one of the region’s most beautiful islands, Saint Lucia, is known for The Pitons or volcanic plugs. The Pitons of Saint Lucia are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and anyone who travels here will quickly understand why they have such notoriety. Saint Lucia makes for an easy three-day getaway from the USA. In just three short days, enjoy snorkeling, spa treatments at Point Serene Spa and Wellness, paddle boarding, and exploring Soufriere’s drive-in volcano. Three days might be enough to explore Saint Lucia, but don’t be surprised when it still somehow feels impossible to leave due to how relaxing and divine this island nation is.
2 Orlando, Florida
Similarly to New York City, as aforementioned on this list, Orlando might not technically be outside of the USA, but it is indeed an aspirational destination within and makes for an easy three-day getaway for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of leaving the country. Orlando is certainly not just for kids, though it is famously kid-friendly, thanks to Disney World. For adults looking to take a three-day weekend, take the money that would have been spent on park entry tickets, and live a luxurious lifestyle. Dine at the Michelin-star Spanish steakhouse Capa, indulge in a spa treatment, and for those who still want to get a beach day in, head to nearby Cocoa Beach.
1 Trinidad & Tobago
Finally, one of the most overlooked Caribbean islands is a land of delicious food, vibrant culture, one of the best Carnivals in the entire region, and two islands waiting to be explored. Trinidad and Tobago is easy to jaunt to from mainland USA thanks to Caribbean Airlines and is a perfect destination to explore in just three short days. Tobago is where folks should head for a laid-back, typical “island” vibe, and Trinidad deserves to be explored by those who want the hustle and bustle of a busy city. Why not make time for both? Just make sure to eat as much as possible when visiting since this fun nation is known to have some of the best cuisines in the Caribbean.
