Best long weekend destinations for every traveler type

Everyone has different vacation goals. Some aim to fall asleep reading a book in the shade of a palm tree, while others spend hours tirelessly trying to catch that perfect wave. To some folks, touring a historic mansion is akin to watching paint dry, but to the right person, it can be culturally enlightening and Instagram gold! Depending on what type of traveler you are, we’ve laid out the perfect long-weekend getaway to satisfy your unique desire for wanderlust!

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The Foodie: Houston

Houston’s culinary scene has flown under the radar for quite some time… until now. One of the most culturally diverse cities in the US, Houston boasts an array of outstanding cuisines from Vietnamese and Cajun to Mexican and barbecue. Talented up-and-coming chefs have been flocking to America’s 4^th largest city in recent years, garnering a lot of praise along the way. As a result, food-lovers can enjoy innovative creations born of Houston’s melting pot of cultures, like Vietcajun crawfish! Celebrity chef David Chang famously highlighted the Texas town in his 2018 Netflix Series, Ugly Delicious, for groundbreaking restaurants like Crawfish & Noodles and Theodore Rex.

Of course, you can’t come to Texas as a foodie and not seek out amazing BBQ. The Pitroom off Richmond Avenue has some of the most mouthwatering Texas brisket, along with some great tacos and margaritas, too. Another fan-favorite BBQ joint is Pinkerton’s Barbecue in the Heights neighborhood. For just a few bucks, you’ll find heaping portions of ribs, mac and cheese and baked beans. Lastly, for classic and wonderfully greasy Tex-Mex, don’t miss a meal at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Their fajitas sizzle like no other, and the queso is second to none. Fantastic food adventures await in Houston; the only thing is, you’ll probably need to be rolled home at the end of the weekend.

The Shutterbug: Page, AZ

There are few places on this planet more scenic than the Arizona-Utah border. If you set your home base in Page, you’ll have some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations within a 2.5-hour drive. Whether you’re an Instagrammer looking to snap epic selfies or a pro photographer aiming to capture the brilliant, unpolluted night sky, you’ll find an incredible number of natural wonders in this corner of the country. On the Utah side, admire the distinctive pillar-shaped rock formations at Bryce National Park and soak in the epic red cliffs of Zion National Park. On the Arizona side, spend your days photographing meandering Horseshoe Bend, the most photographed slot canyon in the world, Antelope Canyon, and of course, the one-and-only Grand Canyon. With so many insane rock formations in the area, don’t forget to capture the silvery blue waters of Lake Powell, too,  just minutes from Page.

The Adrenaline Junkie: Chattanooga

Outside magazine has twice named Chattanooga, Tennessee “The Best Town Ever.” Nicknamed the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga is located in the heart of the Tennessee Valley surrounded by mountains with the Tennessee River snaking through it. The ample array of outdoor activities is one of the main reasons so many folks, young and old, visit Chattanooga and end up staying for good! Hot summers and mild winters mean you can be outside paddle boarding on the Tennessee River or go hang-gliding off Lookout Mountain for most of the year. Everyone from novice hikers to Iron Man athletes can enjoy the bounty of activities. The newly renovated and whimsically designed Dwell Hotel is the chicest place to stay in town and their swanky bar, Matilda Midnight, is the perfect place to grab a post-paddle boarding cocktail.

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Trover photo by Aaron D. Hunt

The Culture Vulture: Charleston

Charleston’s rich culture is reflected in everything from the museum galleries and historic homes to the Southern food and friendly locals. Every corner of this beloved South Carolina city is packed with charm, especially in the Historic District. Spend a morning biking around the South of Broad neighborhood, then grab a fried chicken brunch at Leon’s Oyster Shop. Afterwards, walk the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter dipping into boutique shops and art galleries. Don’t miss the Meyer Vogl Gallery with contemporary pieces, primarily oil paintings, by talented artists. Another great way to learn about the city’s heritage is to take a home tour. Numerous jaw-dropping mansions grace the city’s different neighborhoods, but you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Aiken Rhett House. Beyond the historic sights, Charleston’s culture really shines through in its food scene. Acclaimed restaurants like Husk serve mouthwatering southern favorites with a modern twist. Book in advance though, because reservations at some of these restaurants are among the toughest in America to score!

The Beach Bum: Dominican Republic

With calm, white sand beaches along the eastern and southern shores and a more rugged, unspoiled coastline up north, the Dominican Republic (D.R.) is certainly one of the most dynamic and beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Not to mention, the island has multiple international airports with direct flights from the U.S., making travel relatively easy and affordable! For beach bums desiring nothing more than a postcard worthy beach, fly in to Punta Cana and stay at one of the dazzling all-inclusive resorts like the Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana or Sanctuary Cap Cana for adults only. For those seeking adventure away from the big resorts, fly into Puerto Plata on the north shore and explore the raw beauty of the island sans the crowds. This part of the island has more wind and waves, making it a haven for water sports. Buzzing Playa Dorada is a beloved playground-like beach in Puerta Plata. It’s also home to one of the most charming boutique hotels on the island, Casa Colonial. For adrenaline-raising water sports (even for the observer!), head over to Cabarate. The consistently strong winds and reef-protected bay make it one of the most prime kite-surfing spots in the world.

Trover photo by Tedi Zlat

The Romantic: Quebec City

You don’t have to pop the pond to enjoy a weekend filled with European charm and Old World romance. With an iconic chateau-style hotel perched above the cobblestone streets of Quebec City‘s Old Town (Vieux-Quebéc) and the beautiful French language swirling in the air, it’s easy to forget which continent you’re on. For a romantic weekend, there’s no question where to stay. Book a room at enchanting Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, established in 1893, and spend your days exploring the café-lined streets of Old Town. For a cozy ambiance and the best French onion soup around, pop into Café Saint-Malo. Next, poke around the boutiques in the Quartier Petit Champlain district, where stone facades and flower stands create a storybook setting. The only remaining walled city in North America, Old Quebec’s historic district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. If you visit during the warmer months, dine al fresco at the cafés and stroll hand-in-hand on Dufferin Terrace, the wooden boardwalk overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. Come winter, ski bunnies enjoy beloved mountains like Mont Sainte-Anne and Stoneham Ski Hill and then cozy up with a bourbon and charcuterie plate at 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar at Le Chateau Frontenac.

The Creative Spirit: Marfa, TX

Way out in basically the middle-of-nowhere West Texas lies one of the most fun and quirky art-filled towns in America: Marfa. Now is the time to enjoy Marfa’s burgeoning art scene, funky free spirit, amazing food and pioneer history—not to mention those unending West Texas vistas! The newly renovated Hotel Saint George is the most comfortable place to call home for your long weekend away. Spend your first day in Marfa marveling at the art. The most iconic art installation is Prada Marfa. Located about 30 minutes west of town, the stand-alone faux Prada store sits on the side of the highway with nothing else in sight. Next, swing by Food Shark for a tasty Marfalafel wrap first. This funky Marfa food truck serves up some crazy delicious Middle Eastern food that even Beyoncé has tried! Now head to the Chinati Foundation, where concrete sculptures, created by the museum’s founder Donald Judd, dot the grassy plains.

An entire day of any Marfa visit must be devoted to Big Bend National Park. Drive due south from town and, suddenly, you’ll find yourself surrounded by endless stretches of wild-looking rock formations, majestic mountains, desert plants and indigenous animals like coyotes and jackrabbits. The park covers more than 800,000 acres and encompasses a large portion of the Chihuahuan Desert down to the Texas-Mexico border at the Rio Grande River. With hundreds of rewarding hikes and jaw-dropping scenery, Big Bend National Park is a not-to-be-missed bucket list experience.

Trover photo by Ismael Padua

The Surfer: Rincon, Puerto Rico

Most of the tourist flow on the island of Puerto Rico goes through the charming and lively city of San Juan. However, if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe coupled with epic waves, head to the west coast to a town called Rincon. This surf mecca beckons both beginners and world-class athletes to ride its famous breaks off beaches like Playa Domes and Steps Beach. After a morning hanging ten, kick back with local mofongo and rum cocktails at favorite spots like La Cambija, La Copa Llena or the Beach House. From some major cities, like New York, you can fly direct to Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, which is only 45-minutes from Rincon. Choose one of the charming guesthouses in the area for your long week. Our favorite is the Spanish Colonial-style oceanfront property, the Horned Dorset Primavera.

Tagged: Arizona, Canada, Caribbean, Houston, Puerto Rico, Punta Cana, Texas, Top 10 Lists