Best Places to Take a Weekend Getaway Abroad

17 December 2025

Let’s be real—life gets heavy. Between endless Zoom meetings and that bottomless laundry basket, sometimes all you want is to toss your phone in airplane mode and vanish to somewhere mind-blowingly beautiful. But here’s the catch: you’ve only got a weekend. Just 48 hours (give or take) to unwind, unplug, and recharge those weary batteries.

Sounds impossible? Not even close. The world is full of magical little corners that are tailor-made for a whirlwind escape. Whether you’re chasing urban chaos, mountain serenity, tropical bliss, or rustic charm, we've got the ultimate list of weekend getaways abroad that are easy to reach, and hard to forget.

1. Lisbon, Portugal – For the Street Wanderer with a Sweet Tooth

Have you ever strolled through a city so picturesque it feels like a movie set? That’s Lisbon for you. Cobblestone alleyways, pastel-colored buildings with ceramic tiles, and trams trundling up steep hills—it’s like Europe in postcard form.

And the best part? It’s compact. You can cover a ton in just two days. Ride the iconic Tram 28, munch on a warm pastel de nata at a café in Belém, and soak up panoramic views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Just don’t forget to bring your walking shoes—Lisbon is basically a vertical maze.

Quick Tips:
- Stay in the Alfama district for boho vibes and live Fado music.
- Time your visit during a Friday-to-Sunday to catch local markets and events.
- Try a ginjinha shot—a local cherry liqueur that'll surprise your taste buds.

2. Kyoto, Japan – A Tranquil Time Machine

Picture this: you're sipping matcha tea while surrounded by bamboo groves, ancient temples, and the faint scent of cherry blossoms. Kyoto is where time slows down, and every corner whispers stories from centuries ago.

It’s perfect for a weekend reset. Visit the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, get spiritually centered at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and if you're lucky, spot a geisha gliding through Gion. Even two days here can feel like a spiritual sabbatical.

Quick Tips:
- Rent a kimono for a fun twist on sightseeing.
- Book a ryokan (traditional inn) for the full cultural experience.
- Avoid peak cherry blossom season if you want fewer tourists.

3. Prague, Czech Republic – Where Every Street Tells a Fairy Tale

Straight up—Prague looks like it was designed by a fantasy novelist. Picture Gothic spires, medieval bridges, and hidden alleys echoing with centuries of stories. It’s also incredibly walkable, so you can see a lot in a very short time.

Start at the Old Town Square (that Astronomical Clock? Mesmerizing), then snake your way across Charles Bridge toward the castle. As night falls, things get even more enchanting. Prague lights up like a European snow globe.

Quick Tips:
- Sip on a pint of Pilsner at a historic pub.
- Catch a jazz show on a riverboat cruise.
- Try trdelník, a cinnamon-sugar pastry spiral that’s downright addictive.

4. Reykjavík, Iceland – Nordic Cool Meets Natural Wonders

Don’t let the small town vibe fool you—Reykjavík is the gateway to some of the world’s most surreal landscapes. And yes, a weekend is just enough time to get a taste.

From the Blue Lagoon's geothermal spa to chasing waterfalls along the Golden Circle, you can pack serious adventure into two days. Then at night? Kick back with locals in a cozy bar, maybe even under the Northern Lights.

Quick Tips:
- Rent a car for more freedom.
- Layer up—it can get chilly even during summer.
- Fuel up with skyr (Icelandic yogurt) and a cinnamon bun before hitting the road.

5. Marrakech, Morocco – A Color Explosion for the Senses

If you’ve never been completely, deliciously overwhelmed, Marrakech will do it—in the best way possible. Think bustling souks filled with spices, handwoven rugs, lanterns, and the hypnotic call to prayer echoing through pink-hued streets.

In just a weekend, you can get lost in the medina (intentionally, of course), relax in a traditional hammam, and savor a tagine under starlight. It's chaos and calm, all in one place.

Quick Tips:
- Stay in a riad for an authentic experience.
- Haggle in the markets—it’s expected.
- Don’t leave without trying mint tea (aka Moroccan whiskey).

6. Santorini, Greece – Where Romance Wears White and Blue

Sure, Santorini screams “honeymoon,” but who says you need a plus-one to bask in its glory? This island is the stuff of dreams—whitewashed houses, cobalt domes, and sunsets so beautiful they’ll make your heart stutter.

Two days? Totally doable. Spend one day exploring the cliffside towns of Fira and Oia, and another lounging on black sand beaches with a glass of local wine in hand. That’s what we call balance.

Quick Tips:
- Travel in shoulder season for fewer crowds and better prices.
- Use ATVs to zip around the island quickly.
- Watch the sunset from a quiet spot in Imerovigli, not just Oia.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia – For the Throne-Seeker at Heart

If you’ve binged Game of Thrones, you’ve already mentally walked Dubrovnik’s ancient walls. But nothing compares to the real deal. Towering stone walls? Check. Crystal clear Adriatic Sea? Double check. Medieval magic with a coastal twist? Triple check.

Walk the city walls at sunrise (beat the crowds), boat over to Lokrum Island for a green escape, and dine under the stars on octopus salad and local wine. Oh, and bring your camera—this place is Instagram gold.

Quick Tips:
- Visit during spring or fall to avoid peak tourist season.
- Skip the cruise ship rush by exploring early morning or late evening.
- Use the Dubrovnik Pass to bundle attractions and transportation.

8. Barcelona, Spain – Art, Tapas & Mediterranean Burnout Cure

Barcelona is like that eccentric friend who’s equal parts wild, cultured, and effortlessly cool. A weekend is just enough time to get a crash course in Catalan charisma.

Marvel at Gaudí’s twisted dreamland of architecture, dig into tapas at a sidewalk bar, and hit the beach for a siesta under the sun. From the laid-back Gothic Quarter to the electrifying vibe of La Rambla, this city’s got serious soul.

Quick Tips:
- Buy tickets to Sagrada Familia in advance.
- Stay up late—the best nightlife doesn’t even start until midnight.
- Enjoy churros and hot chocolate for breakfast (trust us on this one).

9. Cape Town, South Africa – Where Mountains Meet the Sea

What if you could hike a mountain, sip local wine, and chill with penguins—all before dinner? That’s Cape Town in a nutshell. It’s wildly diverse, impossibly scenic, and practically begging for a weekend getaway.

Climb (or cable-car) up Table Mountain for sweeping views, explore the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and drive down to Boulders Beach where actual penguins waddle along the shore like little tuxedoed tourists.

Quick Tips:
- Uber is safe and widely used around the city.
- Pair your visit with a half-day wine tour in Stellenbosch.
- South Africa’s seasons are opposite the Northern Hemisphere—plan accordingly.

10. Bali, Indonesia – A Spirit Recharge You Didn’t Know You Needed

Okay, so this one’s a stretch for a weekend if you live far away—but if you're already in Asia or Australia, it’s a dreamy option. Bali is more than beaches and Instagram yoga poses. It’s a place where time moves like honey—slow, sweet, and golden.

Two days here can include sunrise at Mount Batur, waterfall-chasing in Ubud, and sipping from a coconut as you sway in a hammock. It’s both a sensory overload and a soul detox.

Quick Tips:
- Hire a private driver for the day—it’s affordable and saves time.
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Don’t miss the traditional kecak fire dance at sunset in Uluwatu.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve That Escape

Let’s be honest—your soul isn’t meant to run on deadlines and coffee alone. Sometimes, all it takes is two days and a plane ticket to feel human again. Whether it’s losing yourself in the alleys of Marrakech or watching the sky burn orange over Santorini, these weekend getaways abroad are proof that magic doesn’t take a full week off.

So, the next time your calendar clears for a few days, don’t just binge-watch another series. Book that flight, chase a new skyline, and come back with a suitcase full of stories. After all, life is short—but weekends are shorter. Make 'em count.