Gone are the traveling days of steamer ships and mountains of Louis Vuitton trunks, though for most folks those days never existed. Sadly, long vacations also seem to be a casualty in today’s hectic, fast-paced world, whether it’s because of work, the house, the kids, the pets, the money, or all of the above. In any case, Americans just don’t take as many two-week vacations as they used to. Heck, even a 0ne-week vacation can seem like a stretch. Assuming we won’t be getting a deal as sweet as in Europe any time soon–a 20-day mandatory paid vacation in addition to public holidays–for many Americans, weekend getaways are the way to go.
Weekend getaways I’ve been to
When website travelawaits.com put out a call to its travel experts for recommendations on the best weekend getaways in 2020, I suggested Hermann, Missouri, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from my home. Founded by Germans and famous for its wineries, it’s a great escape in a countryside setting, offering bed-and-breakfasts, German cuisine, festivals galore, and the Hermann Wine Trail.
There are many other recommendations on travelawaits.com in other parts of the country. Some I’ve been to, such as Victoria, British Columbia (at least three times), Milwaukee (I hope to go back again later this year), Boston (though so long ago it’s time for a repeat visit), and Mexico City (ditto).
Last year I visited Washington, DC, for the first time (yes, I know). In addition to seeing the National Museum of American History and the American Art Museum, I spent hours in the National Portrait Gallery, finding it fascinating to put faces to the famous and infamous names I know from history.
After a long search I finally found the grave of my grandparents in Arlington Cemetery (my grandfather, a medical doctor, was a colonel in the Army). But that’s only the tip of the iceberg, so I know I’ll be back.
I’ve also written about some of the destinations on the list, including New Braufels, Texas (published in newspapers back in the day) and the Virgin Islands. And although I was born in Chattanooga, we moved away before I could talk and I went back only once to visit an aunt for a day, so those hardly count.
Getaways on my list
I haven’t been to some of the destinations on the list, mainly because I’ve been busy traveling to Japan and other parts of the world while I’m still able. I’ve always thought I’d tackle places closer to home when I no longer want or am able to put up with those long terrible flights. But, really, what am I waiting for, especially if it’s only for a weekend. Banff National Park? Quebec City? Sign me up.
For more on the list, see Best Weekend Getaways in 2020 According to Travel Experts.
For more on Hermann, Missouri, see my articles The Hermann Wine Trail; The German in Hermann, Missouri; and Explore one of the most underrated wine trails in the United States.
