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Earnings and pricing updated July 10, 2007
Grab Your Carry-On and Getaway!
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I once worked over a year without taking any vacation days. I’d convinced myself that I couldn’t take the time off since there were too many pressing projects. Plus, I was traveling constantly for work, so the last thing I wanted was to get on another flight. Needless to say, it had an effect on my health and outlook on life. I constantly had a cold, gained weight, and I hated my job. Ever since, I’ve been careful to carve out time for vacations no matter how stressful my schedule gets. Since it’s not always possible to take off a week or more at a time, so I make the most of three-day weekends. Block off several Fridays or Mondays far in advance and pick the destinations later when you see a good deal. This is especially important if you’re trying to coordinate your schedule with friends or family.
Here are some of my favorite three-day weekend destinations:
Boston
I lived in Boston for several years, so I am biased. I love going back-- it’s a great weekend getaway, especially in the summer. The “T” (Boston’s subway system) makes getting around the city easy. A trip to Boston is a must for any history buff. Statues and monuments are everywhere, like this one of Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride. There are too many historic attractions to name, but don’t miss the Freedom Trail and the U.S.S. Constitution/Old Ironsides. If you’re up for an excursion, I adore Walden Pond in the summer. Take a quiet walk around the pond or wade in the water to soak up some American history. Salem also is a favorite spot of mine. You can tour the House of the Seven Gables, learn about the Salem Witch Trials and visit the Peabody Essex Museum. Boston has tons of dining choices, too. While it is known as a seafood town, my favorite spots are on the North End for yummy Italian food. Newbury Street has great people watching and a range of restaurants. Check out Tealuxe on Newbury Street. They offer 50+ types of teas, all far too good to throw in Boston Harbor. Learn more about Boston and get pricing from Expedia now.
Charleston
If I had to pick one word to describe Charleston, it would be charming and it is Southern hospitality at its finest. Charleston’s known for Rainbow Row and colorful row houses, impeccably preserved antebellum mansions, fountains, lush gardens, and historic sites from the Civil War plus food, food, food! Fresh seafood is a major attraction in Charleston and activities on and around the water abound. You can start with a ferry ride to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Next, visit an antebellum mansion. Two not to miss? Drayton Hall is the oldest plantation hall in America that is open to visitors and Middleton Place has over 65 acres of gardens full of picturesque oak, magnolia trees and blooming camellias. Head over to the Charleston Tea Plantation, America’s only commercial tea farm. Since I love tea, I found it fascinating to learn how tea is grown and processed. Need a break from your history lesson? Relax away an afternoon on the beautiful white sand beaches of nearby Kiawah Island. If none of this heritage and culture interests you, visit Charleston simply for the food! There is no better place in the country except perhaps New Orleans to experience such exceptional regional cuisine. Low Country cooking found in Charleston has its own taste and distinctive flair. Try delicious She-Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits or Peach Cobbler (yum!) using locally grown peaches at one of Charleston’s exceptional restaurants. Try the casual Charleston Crab House or the upscale four-star Peninsula Grill. Go to Expedia for the Charleston destination guide and earn TANGO Bucks when you go.
Salt Lake City
The immense, sparkling temple is what most people first think of when they think about Salt Lake. The Winter Olympics showcased the great skiing in the Salt Lake City area, but summertime fun abounds as well. Utah has some spectacular national parks and historic sites including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park. Arches National Park in Moab is a day-trip from Salt Lake City. There are over 2,000 astonishing natural stone areas. You can tour the major sites in the park without getting out of your car or take one of the hiking trails. Canyonlands National Park is also in Moab. If you enjoy mountain biking, this is the park for you. Bryce Canyon National Park is also a day-trip from Salt Lake City. Take in a romantic sunset or sunrise to see the way the light reflects off the cliffs. Bring a gourmet picnic dinner and watch the sun set—it is a sight you’ll never forget. Next, check out the Golden Spike National Historic site. This is where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads were joined to complete the first transcontinental railroad. People with an interest in trains and engineering will enjoy seeing the steam locomotives, and this is an essential stop for an American History lover. Go to Expedia for their destination guide to Salt Lake City.
San Diego
San Diego’s sunny weather will improve your disposition from the moment you land. The beaches, particularly in La Jolla and Coronado, are beautiful year-round. If you’re the adventurous type, take a surfing lesson. Indulge the kid in you by visiting the San Diego Zoo. And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. The zoo is massive—over 100 acres. Trust me; flimsy flip-flops are not up to the task. You can easily spend an entire day at the zoo without getting bored. Aside from the world famous panda, I loved the hippos. Previously, I’d only seen hippos standing around or submerged in a pond thought they were boring. Once I was able to see them from the spectacular underwater view, I can understand how they inspired all those scenes in Disney’s Fantasia. Coronado Island is a must-see. Aside from the beach, which the Travel Channel once ranked the second best in the country, you can stay at the Victorian-era Hotel Del Coronado—an incredibly elegant and picturesque property. Once a favorite of stars like Marilyn Monroe, the Hotel Del Coronado has a top-quality spa and offers a delicious Sunday brunch. Try the “Sand” package. It includes a 50 minute facial, 50 minute message and an eye care treatment. Get more information on sunny San Diego from Expedia and start planning your getaway.
Las Vegas
Vegas is perfect for a romantic weekend, a girls or guys weekend, a family outing, and it’s an easy city to visit by yourself, too. Since so many low-cost airlines including Southwest fly to Vegas, you can generally get a good deal on airfare.
Gambling is obviously the main attraction in Vegas. Luckily, there are lots of things to do in Vegas even if you don’t gamble. Make time to attend a show or two. I saw Le Reve at the Wynn Hotel. Created by Franco Dragone, the mastermind behind the incredible and riveting Cirque du Soleil, the show incorporates music and theatrics with aerial acrobatics, synchronized swimming, diving and dancing in a custom-built round theatre. It’s definitely one of the most spectacular shows I’ve ever seen. I also snagged tickets to “LOVE,” the Beatles’ themed Cirque du Soleil show at the Mirage. If you’re a fan of the Beatles, this is a must-see. Tickets to both shows are readily available through Expedia.
There are world-class spas in Vegas so make time for some relaxation and pampering. You should definitely make a spa appointment before you arrive because it can be tough to snag a last-minute spot on a Saturday or Sunday. My favorite is the Canyon Ranch Spa at the Venetian. Try the Tension Zone Therapy Massage or indulge in the Ayurvedic Herbal Rejuvenation which includes a warm exfoliating herbal mask and a massage with warm, herb-infused oils. Canyon Ranch Spa certificates are available through SpaFinder. While many fine dining options abound in Vegas, don’t miss at least one trip to a legendary Vegas “all-you-can-eat” buffet. My top three favorite buffets in Vegas are at the Wynn, Bellagio, and the Paris Paris Hotel. There’s something for everyone, and the food quality is high. Afterwards, you can snooze contentedly by the pool for hours. My favorite Las Vegas pool is at the Mandalay Bay which is actually a man-made beach with wave pool.
No matter where you decide to go on your weekend getaway, select a destination like these that offer plenty of day and evening activities plus a good balance of activities and attractions to relaxation opportunities so you don’t need a vacation from your weekend getaway when you return home.
Earnings opportunities mentioned in this article include: |
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uTANGO is a new kind of reward program specifically for singles, engaged couples, and newlyweds (married less than 3 years). The program is FREE and allows you to earn TANGO Bucks (points) toward annual cash back bonuses up to $200 and cash payouts of up to $1 million for your future.* It's easy - just enroll, then make all of your online purchases through any of nearly 300 uTANGO merchants and watch the TANGO Bucks add up!
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