The Best Long Weekend Trips to Take From Philadelphia in 2024

In the past, a three-day weekend meant catching up on your chores, having a barbecue — maybe squeezing in a night at your favorite B&B. But today’s more flexible work schedules mean that pretty much any weekend can be a long weekend. Whether hopping a flight to London to take in the theater or basking in Bermuda’s dazzling sun, you’ve got more opportunities than ever to escape on a mini-vacay. Here, we’ve done the hard part for you with our calendar of quick trips (via plane, train and car), to ensure you’re off to somewhere new every month this year.

 

Jump to:

• January: Dallas
• February: Jamaica
• March: Lancaster
• April: The Solar Eclipse
• May: Baltimore
• June: London
• July: Iceland
• August: Dublin
• September: Newport, RI
• October: Bermuda
• November: Knoxville
• December: Alexandria, VA

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January: Dallas

Travel time: 3:45 by plane
Fly direct to DFW on Frontier or American Airlines (though if you’re okay with a layover, Southwest flies into Dallas Love Field, a breezy airport just 10 minutes from downtown).

You’ve heard the expression “Everything’s bigger in Texas” —  perhaps you’ve even used it yourself. Well, stop. You’re an adult, you’re being silly, and everyone there is making fun of you for saying it.

After you’ve washed that out of your mouth, drop your bags at downtown Dallas’s Joule Hotel (rooms from $499 a night). The neo-Gothic icon houses a warren of quirky shops and restaurants and is centrally located for everything you’ll want to do. Hungry? Take a quick 20-minute walk east to Revolver Taco Lounge, where you’ll be greeted with double-stacked hand-pressed corn tortillas stuffed with chef Gino Rojas’s trompo-roasted octopus al pastor or baby goat birria. Afterward, dip into Deep Vellum Books, home to the country’s largest publisher of translated literature. (It’s not just an A-plus bookstore; be on the lookout for its rooftop concerts, too.)

Hop on the city’s free trolley and ride to the country’s largest arts district, where there are more museums and performing-arts venues than you could conquer in a month, never mind a weekend. If it’s nice out, start at the Nasher Sculpture Center, where you’ll wander through de Koonings and Mirós and Serras and feel tiny in their presence. (Okay, some things are bigger in Texas.)

To wash down the weekend, you could head to the basement of the Joule to the stunning Midnight Rambler cocktail lounge, but I suggest Adair’s Saloon, a ramshackle Lone Star-soaked honky-tonk with the best jukebox in town. Flip on some David Allan Coe, slide into the second booth on the right — the best seat in the house — and Sharpie your name onto the wall like the thousands who’ve come before you.   — Bradford Pearson

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February: Jamaica

Travel time: 3:45 by plane
American Airlines runs nonstop flights from PHL to Montego Bay.

With its sun-drenched beaches, Jamaica is a no-brainer for a short but much-needed escape from February’s bleakness. Maximize your time at Half Moon (rooms from $750 a night), a luxe resort only 10 minutes from the Montego Bay airport. The property boasts several lodging options, from multi-bedroom ocean suites to airy cottages and villas complete with a butler, chef and housekeeper, but you won’t be spending too much time in your room, considering all the on-site activities.

Choose your own adventure with yoga, HIIT and kickboxing classes, tennis and pickleball clinics, water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, and biking around the 400-acre resort. Golfers will enjoy teeing off on the 18-hole course (you can book inclusive packages with your stay), while equestrians will love the opportunity to ride horses on the beach.

For ultimate R&R, visit Fern Tree Spa for indulgent massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, baths and more; exploring the lagoon pool or meditation labyrinth; and refueling with cold-pressed juices or homegrown teas. Plus, you’ll want for naught when it comes to food at the resort, whether it’s Jamaican fine dining, fresh-caught fish, Italian specialties, or barbecue right on the beach.

But if you really want to go off-site, Half Moon offers cultural tours, including a day trip through Kingston and the Blue Mountains and a jaunt to an organic farm for a locally inspired feast. — Laura Brzyski

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March: Lancaster

Travel time: 1:15 by train
Amtrak’s Keystone Service runs multiple times per day between 30th Street Station and Lancaster, or it’s less than a two-hour drive from Center City.

There’s really no right or wrong time to visit Lancaster, though going when there’s something playing at the Fulton Theatre is a plus. (It’s the oldest continually operating theater in the U.S.) With its blending of past and present, its lively arts and culture scene, and a countryside full of places to explore, Lancaster makes a great weekend trip any time of year.

Stay at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square (rooms from $149 a night). While it lacks the charm of a B&B, you’ll find warm service and ample amenities, like a pool and spa, a farm-to-table restaurant, and the highest rooftop bar in the city.

Your exploration can begin diagonally across Penn Square at Central Market. Founded in 1730, it’s the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country, and everything on offer is fresh and local, from S. Clyde Weaver’s meats and cheeses to the lettuces from Groff’s Vegetables and horseradish grated on the spot at Long’s.

If you want to sample dishes from all over, head a block south to what had been Lancaster’s other farmers’ market. The Southern Market, opened in 1888, has been reborn as a dining bazaar featuring 12 chefs offering globe-trotting fare, organized around a central bar.

Lancaster was once home to Pennsylvania’s first U.S. president, James Buchanan. Wheatland, his estate on the city’s west side, contains artifacts collected over the decades that illustrate how he and his family lived over the years.

Gallery-hopping on North Prince Street and shopping on North Queen Street will keep you occupied for at least a day. Highlights include Gallery Row (100 block North Prince Street), whose salons feature the work of individual local artists; the aforementioned Fulton Theatre; and boutiques that include Pappagallo (Italian women’s fashion) and Bellaboo (cute stuff for kids).

Devote a day to exploring nearby communities such as Lititz, an antique lover’s Valhalla; Ephrata, home to the historic Ephrata Cloister; and Blue Ball, one of three nearby towns with nudge-nudge, wink-wink names and the home of Shady Maple, a ginormous tourist magnet of an all-you-can-eat buffet. You can get to all three without a car using Red Rose Transit, the local bus system, but beware: Most of its routes run infrequently (from every 30 minutes to every other hour), and all end their day around 6 p.m. — Sandy Smith

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April: The Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cut across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, giving the lucky swath in its path a view of the moon obscuring the bright face of the sun. The alignment will throw the sky into darkness for just a few moments. And it won’t happen again until 2044, so head to one of these cities to experience it — along with a host of out-of-this-world programming.

Indianapolis
Indiana

Thanks to Indy’s prime position on the eclipse path, NASA selected it as one of three cities for official viewing. Indiana’s capital city will experience the total eclipse at 3:06 p.m., but there’s plenty to do while you’re waiting. Spend the day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, which is offering a day-long celebration with live broadcasts and activities hosted by NASA astronauts. After the revelry, retire to the Hotel Indy (rooms from $190 a night), in the heart of the city, and unwind on the rooftop lounge with  an eclipse-themed cocktail. Mode of travel: Plane.

Rochester
New York

This destination on Lake Ontario will experience the solar eclipse from about 2 to 4 p.m. Spend the rest of your time in the city visiting the Rochester Museum & Science Center, which is hosting a “Roc the Eclipse” three-day festival full of food and music. The Strong National Museum of Play is marking the occasion with a Celebration of Light, where you can workshop some Lite-Brite board art or practice your shadow-puppet theater. Book a stay at the Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa (rooms from $399 a night), which is running an eclipse package with discounted rates for a three-night-minimum stay. Mode of travel: Car.

Cleveland
Ohio

Cleveland won’t be in the path of totality again for 400 years, so the Ohio city is going all-out in 2024. The eclipse will strike in the late afternoon — join the community watching party at public green space Wade Oval, hosted by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The museum is featuring family-friendly activities all weekend long, with live music, games, and lessons from museum pros. Adult sky-watchers should try the Total Eclipse Wine Trail at Debonne Vineyards. For an original Cleveland experience, the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade (rooms from $210 a night) and the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel (rooms from $265 a night)  are classics. Mode of  travel: Plane.

Here’s how to watch the solar eclipse right:

Bring supplies. Snacks, drinks, and a chair to relax in are all highly encouraged. It’s best to make yourself as comfy as possible while you wait for the eclipse.

Wear filters on your eyes. Looking at the sun is dangerous, even during an eclipse. Always wear filters!

Don’t take pictures of the eclipse. Unless you’re NASA, photos of the eclipse won’t look quite right, so it’s better to drop the phone and take in the view. — Catherine Sorrentino

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May: Baltimore

Travel time: 1:15 by train
Amtrak runs multiple trains per day between 30th Street Station and Baltimore’s Penn Station.

Late spring is the perfect time to head south along the Northeast Corridor (or down I-95) to Charm City, for horses, quirky art and, yes, lots of crabs.

The Preakness Stakes are the middle “jewel” in the Triple Crown (after the Kentucky Derby, of course). The horse-racing spectacle is held the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course, and even if you’re not interested in betting on the ponies, the days-long event offers concerts, food and drink, and plenty of giant hats.

For a different kind of “derby,” check out the American Visionary Art Museum’s Kinetic Sculpture Race. Similar to Philly’s event in Kensington, the contest pits artistic human-powered contraptions against each other on an obstacle course. Last year’s included a 15-foot-tall pink poodle named Fifi — and you can now visit her at the museum. In a town full of museums of varied focus — from transit (B&O Railroad Museum) to Black history (the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum is a hidden gem) — AVAM stands out by highlighting outsider art, often by artists without formal training. Don’t miss the sculpture of Divine, the legendary drag queen perhaps best known from hometown hero John Waters’s films. For something more traditional, the Baltimore Museum of Art has free daily admission.

Hungry? Grab a meal at Papermoon Diner, a candy-colored eatery filled with retro toys, art and memorabilia. But you can’t visit Baltimore during crab season without feasting on the blue crabs that put it on the culinary map. Try Locust Point Steamers, or Faidley’s Seafood, which has an outpost in Lexington Market so you can sample the crabcakes while sipping on Natty Boh. And swing by Berger’s for one of the iconic chocolate cookies.

Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore, so visit his museum and then walk two blocks to the Orioles’ home at Camden Yards — a must for any baseball fan (even if the Phils aren’t playing there till June). Paying homage to its historic setting on an old freight rail yard, the ballpark inspired all the newer neoclassical versions that sprang up in the 2000s, including Citizens Bank Park.

Take advantage of waterfront views by staying at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore (rooms from $400 a night). And cap things off at the Bygone, the hotel’s posh rooftop bar that gives off 1920s vibes with drinks like the “Fine & Dandy.” — Laura Swartz

Philly Picks
Chance Anies, chef-owner of Tabachoy, tells us his favorite Baltimore restaurants.

 “We love Baltimore for a little one-night-away trip. The food is awesome, and we love a city on the water. We usually stay near the Inner Harbor and enjoy all the restaurants in the area, like Baltimore Seafood, for a classic seafood bag with corn and potatoes, and Clavel in Remington, for amazing Mexican food. Last time we went, we were telling my parents that Maria, my wife, was pregnant, so we met them for lunch at Duck Duck Goose and told them in the dining room. My parents almost flipped a table. It was a very memorable meal! And we cannot leave Baltimore without eating at Ekiben. It inspired Tabachoy a lot, and because it’s fast-casual, we usually get enough that we can take some back to Philly.” — Regan Fletcher Stephens

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June: London

Travel time: 6:30 by plane
American Airlines runs nonstop flights from PHL to LHR.

London may have a rainy rep, but England’s capital city especially shines in summer, with bustling markets, cultural festivals, and 3,000-plus public parks to explore. Visitors can actually get a peek into the city’s private green spaces on June 8th and 9th during London Open Gardens, a yearly event highlighting usually cloistered urban yards. And over two TBD days in June, see free performances from some of London’s best theaters in Trafalgar Square as part of West End Live. (The 2023 fest included songs from Six and Hamilton.) And speaking of epic shows, Taylor Swift takes her “Eras Tour” to Wembley Stadium starting June 21st.

Don’t miss a taste of London’s food scene, starting with the stalls at Borough Market: BAO Borough for Taiwanese steamed buns, and the long-standing Kappacasein Dairy for hot raclette over potatoes and toasted cheese sandwiches. For more fromage, hit up Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden for Pick and Cheese, the world’s first cheese conveyor belt, which highlights British makers.

If it happens to be raining during your visit, there are, of course, plenty of indoor museums in the cultural capital. Opt for the summer exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, which kicks off mid-June and has been showcasing emerging artists since 1769. Home base should be the stately and central Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel London (rooms from $600 a night). It’s set in a historic building in Russell Square, where each evening, you can stop for a nightcap at Fitz’s, its glamorous and cozy cocktail bar. — R.F.S.

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July: Iceland

Travel time: 5:40 by plane
Icelandair runs nonstop flights from EWR to KEF.

One of Iceland’s major draws is the chance to see the northern lights over the dark winter months. But the Nordic country has so much to offer while the sun shines (which, by the way, it does for 19 hours a day all through July). Go to experience moss-covered lava fields, waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs — all much closer than you’d expect.

Once you land, head straight for Reykjavik, a little less than an hour’s drive from the airport. Drop your bags at Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton (rooms from $250 a night), for a plush home base in the center of the supremely walkable city.

Hit up Brauð & Co. for the world’s greatest cinnamon roll and BakaBaka for lunchtime pizzas and natural wine. Stroll the waterfront and take in the Harpa concert hall, home to the Icelandic symphony orchestra. Ride an elevator to take in views of the city from the top of Hallgrímskirkja, the striking church with a modernist design inspired by the country’s natural landscape. Later, pop into boutiques and art galleries on Laugavegur Street, and don’t miss Bónus, the no-frills supermarket, where you can stock up on locally made souvenirs like Omnom Chocolate bars and Saltverk hand-harvested salt. Spend a day driving the Golden Circle, a 186-mile trek that hits Thingvellir National Park, the Great Geysir, and the staggering Gullfoss waterfall.

Summer is also a beautiful time to drive out into the country’s remote central highlands. Stay at the new Highland Base (rooms from $1,019 for two nights), where accommodations range from Scandi-chic hostel rooms to lavish lodges; all have access to the geothermal baths, with their views of the surrounding Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. You can marvel at the fact that even though it’s a shorter flight here than to L.A., the landscape makes you think you’re on another planet. — R.F.S.

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August: Dublin

Travel time: 6:30 by plane
American Airlines, Aer Lingus and others offer direct flights from PHL.

When it comes to European travel, Ireland often gets overlooked. But it’s a gem — filled with castles, dramatic emerald-hued vistas, and surprisingly good food — and its capital city is a great place to start.

While the isle is crowded during the summer, the weather’s more temperate: A former local who now lives in the States once told me summer feels like Philly in March. (Pack wisely.) But whenever you go, splurge on your accommodations. The historic Shelbourne Hotel (rooms from $513 a night) puts you in the heart of it all, and its dining options ensure you’re satiated from breakfast to afternoon tea to the wee hours.

If this is your first visit, take part in the standard attractions — an immersive tour of the Guinness Storehouse, an Irish coffee at the Temple Bar (go early), a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Old Library of Trinity College is always a marvel — with bi-level floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves, a curved ceiling that seems to go on forever, and busts of famous figures (Shakespeare, Mary Wollstonecraft). And the library’s Book of Kells exhibit illuminates the ninth-century gospel manuscript. Afterward? You’re just a 10-minute walk from the Oscar Wilde monument. (By the way: Public transit via DART or Irish Rail is easy and efficient.)

Consider a day trip to the quaint seaside village of Howth (accessible via a 30-minute DART ride), a suburb of Dublin. Hike Cliff Walk for unbeatable views of the coastline. (You’ll pass Balscadden House, where poet W.B. Yeats briefly lived.) The path loops back into town, so you can lunch on über-fresh seafood as your reward. (Mamó is creative, while King Sitric is cozy.) It’s a peek at what’s beyond the city proper — and enough to pique your interest in another Irish trip. — Kristen Schott

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September: Newport, RI

Travel time: 1:2o by plane
American Airlines flies direct between Providence and PHL.

Newport buzzes during the summertime, when its harbor is dotted with yachts and the temperate weather offers escape from the heat of the city. But the summer months also bring crowds, all partaking in the same activities as you. Visit in early autumn instead, when the fall foliage is in full swing but the dip in tourists is a breath of fresh air.

Drop anchor at the Brenton Hotel (rooms from $579 a night), a newish destination next to Newport Harbor with a modern nautical aesthetic and an open-air rooftop. (The rooms feature king beds that face floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water.) For something more intimate, Castle Hill Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property (rooms from $1,775 a night), is a bit further afield but offers private cottages plus rooms in a 19th-century waterfront mansion.

Speaking of palatial pads, there’s plenty of ogling to be done at Newport’s Gilded Age estates. The Breakers — the former summer “cottage” of the Vanderbilts — sits pretty (opulently) along Cliff Walk. Many of its 70 rooms — decked in frescoes, gilt-clad wall carvings and marble — were built in Europe, then shipped to and reassembled in Newport. (And each of the floors spans an acre.) And Rosecliff, with its heart-shaped staircase (portions of 1974’s The Great Gatsby were filmed here), hosts a can’t-miss food-and-wine festival every September.

Have your own Gatsby-party moment at Newport Vineyards, which produces more than 20 varietals, then head back to Newport’s walkable downtown.

Midtown Oyster Bar is known for its raw bar, but the arugula salad with figs and grilled squid makes an unexpectedly delicious light lunch. Mother Pizzeria, a newbie across the street from the Brenton, serves sourdough Neapolitan-style pies. And if you can find a seat at the bar, stop by circa-1673 White Horse Tavern for a drink.

Cap off your visit with a sunset cruise. Newport Classic Cruises might take you out on the 80-foot Adirondack II, modeled after turn-of-the-century schooners, for a sail through the harbor and Narragansett Bay as night falls, with the last of the sun’s rays turning the sky and sea to pink and gold. — K.S.

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October: Bermuda

Travel time: 2:15 by plane
American Airlines runs direct flights from PHL.

Bermuda is about two hours from PHL, meaning it can take you less time to get to the tiny island (way) off the coast of the Carolinas than to Cape May on Memorial Day weekend. And while it would be easy to spend 72 hours soaking up the sun on one of the island’s famed pink-sand beaches, a visit isn’t complete without diving into all the things that make Bermuda so cool. Since it’s only 21 square miles, that’s easy to do.

Check into the Rosewood Bermuda (rooms from $1,175 a night), the seaside-chic resort with access to Tucker’s Point Beach Club — the largest private pink-sand beach on the island. Walk through nearby St. George’s, making stops in the historic village at the near-century-old perfumery Lili Bermuda for souvenir scents and Mama Angie’s Coffee Shop for a Barritt’s ginger beer and a fish sandwich. The local delicacy is a heap of flaky fried white fish layered with coleslaw and tartar sauce on raisin bread. On the way back, stop at the Swizzle Inn for the pub’s namesake cocktail, the boozy, golden Rum Swizzle, made with the island’s iconic Goslings rum.

You could alternatively make your home base closer to Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, if you want tropical-town vibes. The palatial pink Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club (rooms from $539 a night) is filled with a museum-esque art collection (including works by Picasso, Matisse and Koons) and is just a short walk from downtown. Beeline for The Birdcage, where some cocktails are made with local booze and foraged gooseberries or allspice.

But you’ll definitely want to spend some time on those beaches. Take a bike out to a stretch of the Railway Trail — an 18-mile biking path that spans the island — to find your favorite. — R.F.S.

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November: Knoxville

If you love Dolly Parton (and who doesn’t? The woman is a national treasure), plan a pilgrimage to Dollywood, outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. Skip the sticky summer months and visit during the first weekend in November, when the park kicks off the festive season decked out with six million twinkly lights and towering trees as part of its annual “Smoky Mountain Christmas” celebration.

Fly into the university town set along the Tennessee River. Spend time downtown, with a visit to the Knoxville Museum of Art or the Sunsphere, where you can zip to the lofty observation deck atop the 1982 World’s Fair symbol.

Afterward, make the one-hour drive to Pigeon Forge, home to the country-music legend’s Smoky Mountain-themed amusement park, and check in to the brand-new HeartSong Lodge & Resort (rooms from $319 a night), where most accommodations have balconies overlooking the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Your stay comes with Timesaver passes, a handy perk that lets you skip the lines at most of the park’s nine coasters, including Wild Eagle, the first steel wing coaster built in the U.S.

Dollywood also has plenty of kid-friendly attractions (like Dolly’s favorite, Wildwood Grove, a land of magical forest creatures and nature-inspired play areas) and live musical entertainment. Don’t leave without snagging a loaf of pull-apart cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill in the park’s Craftsman’s Valley section and a walk past the replica of Dolly’s two-room childhood home.

Since you’re in Pigeon Forge, make time to visit the Titanic Museum, an interactive exhibit highlighting artifacts like a deck chair from the 1912 disaster, housed inside a reproduction of the ship built to half-scale.

About 12 miles south, find the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From there, you can peruse the exhibits on native animals and plants and then embark on an easy hike to see Cataract Falls. While you’re there, soak in the dramatic mountain landscapes that have long inspired Dolly. — R.F.S.

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December: Alexandria, VA

Travel time: 2:30 by train
Amtrak’s Northeast Regional runs daily between 30th Street Station and Old Town. (You can also drive.)

This quaint Northern Virginia city, about 15 minutes outside Washington, D.C., is known for dressing up during the winter holidays. (It continually earns praise for its festive flair — Condé Nast Traveler has recognized it more than once.) And one of the best ways to experience it is by strolling past its 18th- and 19th-century buildings, which are bedecked in garlands and twinkling lights and themed displays. (Oh my!)

A free trolley runs up King Street, Old Town’s main hub lined with cafes (Misha’s Coffee, Fresh Baguette) and gift boutiques. Pick up goods from local artisans at Shop Made in VA, high-quality homewares at Manse (it’s hidden in Corsair Alley), or a little of everything luxe at Patina Polished Living, just off the main drag.

Fuel up with a pint and fish-and-chips at O’Connell’s, an Irish pub near the waterfront, but do not miss dinner at Kismet Modern Indian. It’s a popular spot among locals, who go for the biryani and Mumbai sliders.

Once the sun has set, meander to Captain’s Row. It’s the oldest cobblestone street in the city — with homes dating from the late 1700s — and gives off Elfreth’s Alley vibes. Plus, the residents go all-out with decorations for all the festivities.

In need of some non-holiday downtime? Hotel AKA Alexandria (rooms from $193 a night), a new destination from Philly-based Korman Properties, sits on the northern edge of Old Town, just out of the way of the revelry. Its modern-minimal design — and Zen garden! — provides a serene escape.

But for more organized holiday fun, there’s a Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (think tartan everything) and a boat parade on the Potomac. The nearby Del Ray neighborhood celebrates with a tree and menorah lighting (dedicate a couple hours to this retro area filled with vintage shops), while George Washington’s Mount Vernon, about 30 minutes from Old Town, offers candlelight tours through the estate and grounds. (Keep an eye out for Aladdin, the resident camel.)

The best part? That’s just Alexandria. If you want to explore a little more, you can always head to D.C. to see the nation’s capital decked out in lights. — K.S.

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Travel Tips

Planning a long weekend but not sure how to pack it all in? Queen Village-based travel adviser Jessica Parker, founder of the Trip Whisperer, shares her advice for maximizing each moment.

Consider your companions. Not everyone will have the same energy level, especially if you’re traveling with an older parent or a multi-generational group. Think about how much you want to fill your itinerary, so everyone gets what they want out of the trip.

Plan ahead for one major dinner. Make advance reservations for a restaurant that’s a must. Same with attractions. There might be limited availability or hours over a holiday weekend.

Do your research. Every time I see something online, on Instagram, or in a magazine — best tapas bar in Spain, for example — I immediately save it on my Google Maps and whittle that list later.

Driving? Be flexible. Check traffic in advance. If it’s going to be a nightmare leaving on a Friday, go on Thursday night instead.

Flying? Be strategic. Register for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and make sure everyone in your party has it, too. Stick to a carry-on; even if you’re traveling to a cooler location, wear your big boots and jacket on the plane. Spring for nonstop flights, and leave early in the day.

Splurge on the hotel. Stay somewhere with a 24/7 front desk or concierge, so check-in is smooth. A concierge will also be able to make calls to restaurants for you, for example. They will have way more pull than you. And if you’re heading to the Caribbean, all-inclusive is the way to go. — As told to K.S. 

 

Published as “Long Live the Weekend!” in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Philadelphia magazine.