A while ago I wrote about weekend getaways from Washington, DC. Now we turn to weekend getaways from Houston.
Heading south is your quickest escape from Houston, although it means you won’t gain any time zone advantages (you won’t lose time either). Because of that, I’ve shortened the travel time. Here are a few easy weekend getaways from Houston that are all less than a four hour flight away.
Nicaragua
Managua is just over three hours from Houston. There is much to see in this diverse country. One suggestion is Mombacho Volcano reserve, an hour south of Managua. The hiking trails on the volcano bring you to a cloud forest and a dwarf forest. Stay in Granada, half an hour from the volcano (book a hotel through Agoda). Quite a change from your average weekend in Houston, I’ll wager.
Costa Rica
Fly into Liberia and head to the beach. Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal are only an hour from the airport. Or travel a little farther south to Tamarindo. Check into a resort and dip your toes into the the warm waters of the Pacific.
Panama
Get a taste of history and visit the Panama Canal. Fly into Panama City, founded over 500 years ago. Explore the locks and then head into the tropical rainforests that surround the canal.
Jamaica
Ok, this one might require you to take a vacation day. There’s only one direct flight on Fridays to Montego Bay and it leaves at 10:30 in the morning. Still, you’re less than four hours from the sandy beaches. Leave the kids at home and stay at an all-inclusive resort like Sandals.
Banner Image courtesy of Sunny Studio via Adobe Stock.