Are you one of those people who have a plethora of paid time off from work and can travel extensively whenever you want? Well I'm not and I don't like you. Ok, fine, I still like you but I am jealous of you when I have to stare at a calendar and plot to maximize my vacations every year. Luckily, I have discovered a few destinations that are less than seven hours from my home in Washington DC that never fail to recharge my batteries. Book a trip to one of these locations and have breakfast at home and lunch in another country.
1. Cap Haitien, Haiti
Flight time: 5 hours 30 min
Haiti is one of those countries that has been dealt every blow but still manages to shine. The country has absolutely everything to offer on a quick weekend trip from great food and gorgeous beaches to historic sites and ATV tours.
The beauty of the island is displayed in the crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Take advantage of the sand and sun by enjoying a sail on one of the luxury yachts, hop a jet ski or go snorkeling in the clear blue water.
If land activities are more your speed, take the time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Citadelle Laferriere. Hiking the four miles to the summit to see the great views afforded by the amazing location, are only part of the benefit of making your way up to this unique historical site. If hiking is not your cup of tea, go zip lining over the treetops in Labadee or take a trip to the hidden waterfall in Montrious on an ATV.
While navigating the island can be a little confusing, the pleasure of the experiences unique to Haiti make it all worth the extra planning effort. Enlist the help of one of the many tour guides on the island (I used www.HaitianNomad.net) to smooth over any hiccups in your planning.
2. Cartegena, Colombia
Flight time: 6 hours and 35 min
Cartegena, Colombia is one of my all time favorite locations to visit. The city has the party atmosphere of Miami combined with great food, black sand beaches and the friendly people unique to Colombia.
As anyone who knows me will tell you, I will absolutely travel for food. The street food offerings in Cartegena are some of the best I have tasted. Some of my favorites are pantacones (fried green plantains seasoned with garlic); arepas (most popularly made with cheese, are corn flour tortillas fried and grilled to perfection); ceviche (mix of raw and cooked seafood seasoned with mayonnaise, salt, garlic, tomato and onions) and empanadas (fried pastries stuffed with seasoned meat). If you get tired of eating at a food stand, stop in one of the amazing seafood restaurants and enjoy a fresh caught, wonderfully seasoned seafood platter that will make you liquor your fingers and sigh in ecstasy.
If you can manage to pull yourself away from the food offerings in the city, take advantage of the sun on a black sand beach, take a trip to the Tutomo Mud Volcano for an authentic mud bath or visit San Basilio de Palenque, a designated Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Palenque was the first freed city in the Americas and offers a wonderful unique history that the locals are happy and anxious to share. Hop a tour to the city, enjoy a musical experience and take time to eat at one of the local restaurants (I had the BEST whole seasoned fish of my life in this small town).
3. Montreal, Canada
Flight time: 1 hour and 40 min
For a change of pace, try going north to Montreal vs hitting another island. While Montreal does get very cold in the winter, time your trip for the spring and summer if you want to avoid low temperatures and multiple layers. The beauty of Montreal, besides being a short flight from Washington DC, is it has a European flair that isn't matched in any other city in North America. It is the perfect mix of sky scrapers and technology and historic sites and cobblestone streets.
Art and culture is paramount in Montreal. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and stroll the streets enjoying the plethora of street performers, jugglers and artists looking to share their crafts. Stop by the Notre Dame Basilica to see the stunning AURA light show which makes the already gorgeous Basilica a heart touchingly beautiful experience. Stop at a cafe and grab the Montreal specialty of poutine (gravy smothered fries tossed with cheese curds) for a surprisingly tasty dish.
If relaxing in style is more your speed, stop by the Bota Bota spa situated at the Old Port of Montreal. This spa is located on a converted ferryboat and has every amenity required to help you relax and recharge. Take advantage of the water treatment rooms, get a massage or enjoy a relaxing facial while taking advantage of the glorious views available at this one of a kind spa experience.
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Flight time: 3 hours and 55 minutes
Ok I know, Puerto Rico is not an international destination since its a US territory but its culture and history is so unique from the mainland US that I am going to count it on this list anyway. One of the best parts about visiting Puerto Rico is the benefit of not having to have a passport or worry about the currency exchange rate.
San Juan offers the beauty of white sandy beaches and the charm of the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Take a tour to one of the historic forts in Old San Juan to see the Spanish architecture and hear the stories of the the brave men and women who lived and fought there. Take some time to wander the streets and partake in some authentic Puerto Rican food. While Puerto Rican food normally consists of some form or grilled meat or fish with rice and beans, my favorite specialty is mofongo. Mofongo is mashed fried green plantains with chicarrones (fried pork cracklings) and served with a broth and choice of meat.
If you want to participate in more adventurous activities, take advantage of one of the many tours that circumvent the island to go jet skiing, kayaking or even snorkeling in the bioluminescent bay with glowing micro organisms. If land adventures are more your style, go on a tour of the Bacardi factory to see (and sample!) how the island's famous rum is made or take a zip lining tour through the island's rain forest. If you want to try your luck, stop in any of the hotels in the Condado neighborhood to gamble the nights away in the their casinos. No matter what you desire to relax and unwind, Puerto Rico is sure to have it covered.
5. Havana, Cuba
Flight time: 5 hours 35 min
Cuba has always been on my list of bucket list of dream destinations. With the recent change in the travel restrictions to the largest island in the Caribbean, it is now so much easier to travel to the home of the mojito. While you will still need to travel for a government approved reason, the island is much more accessible to the masses than it was in years past.
Above and beyond the beauty of the island, the people's energy is contagious. Walking down the sidewalks of this city, you will see smiles and calls of greetings from strangers. Arrange for a tour of the city in one of the vintage cars to feel like you have traveled back in time. Buy a authentic Cuban rolled cigar from a wonderful cedar filled room housing the world's most famous cigars in carefully constructed humidors. For an even more unique experience, take a trip to Vinales to roll your own cigars and see an authentic tobacco farm in person.
Enjoy any number of restaurants scattered throughout Havana and salsa the night away at any of the fabulous nightclubs. Traveling to Cuba does take some planning as the Wifi services are spotty and your cell phones may not work. Take the time to set up your itinerary and tours before leaving the states so you can ensure your weekend trip is everything you need to recharge.
Let me know in the comments if you agree with these choices and where you like to go to recharge your batteries, I am always looking for new suggestions!
Till next time.....
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