Weekend Getaways

Isabel OToole

Southern Italy's Sought-After Coastal Resort Town Is Known As The 'Pearl Of The Mediterranean'

The "Pearl of the Mediterranean" is a small town in Sicily that's perched high on top of a mountain, but also offers access to beaches, including Isola Bella.

Hot springs in winter, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Amy McMahon

Colorado's Underrated Ski Town Features The World's Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring Aquifer

Visit this underrated gem offering pristine slopes, relaxing hot springs, and laid-back charm for a great Colorado ski town adventure without the crowds.

aerial view of Howth, Ireland coastal town

Lisa Curran Matte

Escape The Busy City Of Dublin On One Of Ireland's Best Day Trips For Outdoor Adventure

Make sure you add this day trip to your Ireland itinerary for a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin, just half an hour from the city.

The Delaware River with autumnal trees in background

Madison Scrivano

Escape New York City In A Nearby Hidden Town With Mountain Views And River Floats

New York State has many hidden gems for weekend getaways, but one in particular boasts mountain trails, water sports, and plenty of local festivals.

River view with bridge leading to building in Lambertville, New Jersey

Christine Dulion

One Of New Jersey's Most Photogenic Tourist Towns Is Full Of Victorian Era Charm

Get out your camera because this small town in New Jersey is a perfect place to take pictures for social media or just because you love beautiful pictures.

The village of Monreal with red and white half-timbered houses

Nikki Wentling

The Underrated German Town That's Straight Out Of 'Beauty And The Beast'

The village in "Beauty and the Beast" is idyllic. And you can visit a real-life version of it! This small town in Germany is a perfect escape from life's chaos.

Camila Pérez B

A Charming Seaside Village In New York Offering Gorgeous Wineries And Waterfront Views

Not everyone likes the chaos of New York City. Instead, head to the North Fork of Long Island to visit this seaside town that's a perfect weekend getaway.

Aerial view of rice fields in Pai, Thailand

Camila Pérez B

A Hidden Town In Thailand Is A Local Favorite For Mountain Views And Tranquil Vibes

Is Chiang Mai and Bangkok too busy for you? Instead, avoid the crowds in Thailand by traveling to this small town that has a big personality (and lots to do).

Camila Pérez B

The Underrated Coastal Town In Australia Where Blowholes And Lighthouses Steal The Scene

The largest blowhole in the world is tucked away in this lesser-known small town in New South Wales, Australia, but that's not all it has to offer.

Houses crown the hilltop village of Peillon

Robert Isenberg

A Hidden Village In France Where No Cars Are Allowed Offers Sweeping Views And Serene Streets

Skip the tourist-filled cities in France and discover the tiny hilltop towns in the Riviera. This small hidden village offers beautiful views and relaxation.

Palm trees in front of Centro Ybor shopping center

Joshua Meyer

One Of Tampa's Oldest And Most Interesting Neighborhoods Was Once The Cigar Capital Of The World

Tampa is an amazing city to visit in Florida. But this neighborhood in particular offers a "city within a city" that is filled with cigar and mobster history.

Grinder House, death site of Meriwether Lewis

Madison Scrivano

Wild Adventures Await In An Under-The-Radar Tennessee Town With Elephants, Wine, And History

This small town in Tennessee packs a ton of activities, including award-winning wineries, history around Lewis and Clark, and even an elephant sanctuary!

Jenna Intersimone

The Most Charming Small Towns In Illinois For A Weekend Getaway, According To Travelers

Our list of enchanting towns in Illinois offers natural and breathtaking scenery, historic buildings, charming shops, and more. Choose one for a weekend break.

Madison Scrivano

Texas' Oldest Town Offers Endless Outdoor Activities, Antique Shops, And A Historic Downtown

Visit the oldest town in Texas for a dose of small-town charm, outdoor beauty (including a huge azalea garden), and lots of Wild West history.

Volendam, Netherlands, promenade and boats

Brie Schmidt

The Picturesque Day Trip From Amsterdam Rick Steves Says Too Many Tourists Miss Out On

Amsterdam is great, but Rick Steves recommends you travel away from the city to get the true Dutch experience. This nearby area offers many charming villages

Lee Adams

Washington's 'Little Norway' Is An Underrated Port City Full Of Boutiques, Art, And Treats

For a taste of old Viking charm, head to this coastal town that feels worlds away to learn about Scandinavian traditions through museums, shops, and food.

Anna Robinson

An Unlikely Midwest Destination Is Home To One Of America's Best-Ranked College Towns

College towns are lively, offer lots of activities, and often smaller and more intimate than major cities. This town in Iowa provides all this and more.

Diann C. Johnson

Thermal Baths And Waterfalls Make This Overlooked German Town An Enchanting Outdoor Haven

If you're visiting Germany, head to this historic town just south of Stuttgart that offers a charming village vibe with stunning waterfalls and thermal baths.

Brie Schmidt

Step Into The World Of Some Of Your Favorite Fall Movies In This Pacific Northwest Town

The Pacific Northwest is regularly used as a filming location for spooky Halloween movies. This town near Portland will especially give you Disney nostalgia.

Amanda Morgan

This Long Island Village Boasts Scenic Stretches Of Sand And Small-Town Seaside Charm

This seaside town is a great escape if you're seeking a luxury retreat where you can relax like a wealthy New Yorker. Here's what makes the town so charming.

Brie Schmidt

Camp, Picnic, And Hike At This Underrated Indiana Forest With Stunning Fall Foliage

Head to Indiana for the perfect fall getaway where you can embark on outdoor adventures surrounded by stunning autumn leaves changing color.

Shelly Abramovich

This Little-Known Medieval Village Was Ranked One Of The Most Beautiful In All Of Italy

Italy can get packed. Luckily, you can skip the crowds at this lesser-known, beautiful medieval village in Sicily near Madonie Regional Natural Park.

Anna Robinson

This Serene Tennessee Town Is A Perfect Gateway To The 'Peaceful Side Of The Smokies'

This cute, underrated village is the perfect jumping off point for a trip to Great Smoky National Park and makes for a relaxing vacation spot.

Lee Adams

Rick Steves Says This 'Floating' Hill Town In France Is A Must-Visit For Panoramic Sea Views

You'll be in awe at the views when you visit this town on the French Riviera. This "floating" village is one of Rick Steves' favorites, and it'll be yours, too.

Lee Adams

This Underrated University Town Is A Perfect Day Trip From Berlin, Per Rick Steves

Berlin is magnificent, and it also acts as a fabulous base for visiting fascinating cities around Germany. Rick Steves has his eye on this underrated town.

Anna Robinson

Rick Steves' Favorite Town In Ireland Has The Best Live Music And Some Unique Urinals

Put on your dancing shoes because Rick Steves' favorite town in Ireland will have you bopping from pub to pub, where at least one has some unique urinals.

Camila Pérez B

This Untouristed And Affordable College City Has Spain's Best Plaza, Per Rick Steves

Skip Madrid and Barcelona. Instead, on your next trip to Spain, take some advice from Rick Steves and check out this plaza in a less-crowded college city.