Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The Top Cities for Your Next 'Quickie' Getaway

United States
by Olivia Harden Oct 15, 2021

After an unprecedented halt on travel, it makes sense that 75 percent of Americans are eager to travel more to make up for lost trips. And 41 percent would prefer a “quickie” getaway of three nights or less.

Hotwire worked with Wakefield Research to conduct a survey to find the best places to stay for a spontaneous short trip. Wakefield surveyed 1,000 participants in search of the advantages of a short trip. Hotwire analyzed over 10,000 internal and external data points across at least 350 cities, with a focus on 4- and 5-star hotels. 35 percent agreed that quick trips offer the chance to travel more often, and 28 percent agreed it’s easier to take time off work.

As for where to stay? The index looked over four categories for the 350 cities it surveyed: the prices and value, the amount of leisure activities, and the ease of arriving at your destination. Depending on what you’re looking for, these were the top 40 cities.

If you’re looking for a major metropolitan city, Hotwire said these are your best shots:

  • New York, NY
  • Chicago, IL
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Washington. DC
  • Boston, MA
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Houston, TX
  • San Diego, CA
  • Indianapolis, IN

If you’re looking for a mid-sized adventure, these are the top properties:

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Baltimore, MD
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Milwaukee, WI
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Miami, FL
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Lexington, KY
  • Cleveland, OH

It’ll be worth it try out a small town city for size:

  • Orlando, FL
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Reno, NV
  • Richmond, VA
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Madison, WI
  • Buffalo, NY
  • Shreveport, LA
  • Tallahassee, FL
  • Knoxville, TN

And if you’re interested in going even smaller these are the best itty bitty cities:

Your next weekend getaway awaits.

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