Your next adventure could be closer than you think

Key takeaways

• When you only have a week, location is key. Choosing a destination that’s close to your home region means less travel fatigue and time spent in transit.
• From the Northwest: Las Vegas, Nevada. Leave the Strip in the dust to discover the expansive desert canyons of the Mojave.
• From California and the Southwest: Baja California Sur, Mexico. Find water to suit your experience with options for chill surf or larger waves.
• From Texas and the South: Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. Channel your inner explorer in this lush rainforest.
• From the Midwest: Boulder, Colorado. Visit a town with the ultimate blend of vibrant city culture and nearby nature.
• From the Northeast: U.S. Virgin Islands. Hop between three distinct Caribbean islands, each packed with unique items for your itinerary.

Make the most of your vacation with a shorter flight

When you only have one week to spare, you want to spend more time at your destination and less time getting there. Fortunately, you’re likely never too far from one of the many adventure travel hot spots in or near North America. The next time that itch for excitement strikes, consider someplace (relatively) close to home with one of these vacation ideas.

From the Northwest: Las Vegas (beyond the Strip)

At only a 2-to-2.5-hour flight from the major Northwest hubs like Seattle, Portland and Boise, an entirely different side of Sin City awaits. Past the neon glow and slot machines lies the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. With towering rock formations and hidden canyons throughout, the desert offers a unique kind of rush — one you don't have to hit a jackpot to feel.

Get ready for a peak experience

Hike through the sun-kissed, rust-colored trails of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to discover the beauty of the desert. Climb to the top of an overlook and see land stretching endlessly into the horizon. On the other side of the city is the Valley of Fire State Park, where millions of years of geological history swirl into vibrant red and white rock walls with natural pockets ready for rock climbing.

Looking for more adrenaline?

Strap into a dune buggy and barrel through the desert in a sequence straight out of “Mad Max,” where every dip and bump in the rugged terrain adds to the thrill. Let the roar of the engine fill your ears. Feel your stomach drop as you careen over the rolling dunes.

Trade the sand for water

Grab a kayak, and take it down the Colorado River through the Black Canyon to the Emerald Cave. Enjoy the chill of the river as a welcome contrast to the heat of the desert. Time your arrival for midday when the sun directly hits the water, and the light dances off the riverbed in a vibrant green glow. When you’re cooled off and done exploring, let the hours of hiking, racing and kayaking melt away with a soak in one of the nearby natural hot springs along the river.

When to go

Aim for spring and fall when the desert heat is at its mildest. Summer temperatures regularly go past 100, making outdoor activities not just uncomfortable but unsafe — there aren’t many shady spots to take a breather in the wide-open desert. If you prefer cooler weather, winter highs hover in the mid-60s. While snow and ice storms are a rarity, nights often dip below freezing.

Where to stay

Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa (Las Vegas, Nevada): Sitting on the edge of the Las Vegas metro area and the Red Rock Canyon, this expansive resort has nine full-service restaurants along with quick-service bites and a dessert shop for sweet treats, so you can fuel up before each adventure.

From California and the Southwest: Baja California Sur, Mexico

This tropical getaway is only 2 to 3 hours from the main Arizona and California airports like Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s a slice of paradise where the desert meets the sea. The southern half of the Baja Peninsula offers the ultimate contrast: tall waves perfect for surfing on the west side and tranquil, turquoise waters on the east side.

No surfing experience? No worries.

Cerritos Beach is the best place to take Surfing 101. It’s known as the most beginner-friendly spot on the peninsula, offering a soft, forgiving ocean floor to cushion inevitable tumbles. And the waves are consistent, predictable and manageable — the best combination for a first-timer. There are many surf schools on the beach to choose from, all ready to teach the basics.

Venture below the surface

There’s a whole world waiting to be explored under the waves. In the crystal-clear waters, snorkel alongside the gigantic (but harmless) whale sharks as well as curious, social sea lions that love to swim alongside snorkelers. You might even spot an elusive sea turtle if you’re lucky. It’s basically an underwater safari, where you control the pace and where you want to go.

See the sights by saddle or sky

Feel the warmth of the sun as you traverse rolling dunes on camelback, falling into a meditative trance with the creature's gentle sway. Then strap into a thrilling zip line in Baja (aptly named the “Superman” line) for pure velocity, and fly face-first down a lush canyon at 60 mph with the wind roaring past your face. 

When to go

Winter and spring bring perfect highs in the 70s and 80s, along with the arrival of majestic gray, humpback and blue whales. Avoid hurricane season, which typically starts at the beginning of summer and lasts through fall. It brings rainstorms with high winds that ground activities like zip lines and make the waves choppy and dangerous.

Where to stay

Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico): Wash away a long day of adrenaline with a relaxing soak. This luxurious resort has four infinity pools with direct views of the ocean. Watch the waves roll in, then step straight onto the beach and feel the warm sand radiate under your feet.

Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa (El Pescadero, Mexico): This adults-only retreat is focused on wellness away from distraction. Thoughtful design weaves locally sourced materials with art like handmade textile and wooden designs to deliver an authentic Baja experience.

From Texas and the South: Costa Rica (Guanacaste Province)

Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s northernmost province, is only about 3.5 to 4-hours by plane from Houston, Dallas or Atlanta. No matter what cities you choose to visit in the area, expect the world-class nature the country is known for. This province stands out as one of the most successful forest regeneration projects in the region.

Grab a monkey’s-eye view of the rainforest

At most cities in the Guanacaste province, local tour companies offer exhilarating adventures. One standout and uniquely jungle-based activity is the Tarzan Swing. It’s like a bungee jump, but after you step off the 470-foot-high platform, you don’t launch back up. Instead, feel the wind rush through your hair as you swing back and forth like a monkey in the trees. And, of course, there’s always zip lining, where you can choose between a more relaxed tree-top walk or a high-speed journey through the local flora.

Slide through the jungle

Ride the longest mountain water slide in the Costa Rican jungle at the Buena Vista del Rincón Eco Adventure Park. Brace yourself as the operators release a surge of water, hurtling you through the dense rainforest down a flume carved into the mountain. Spend 60 breathless seconds sliding from side to side as you ricochet up the banked turns, feeling like you could fly out at any moment but never getting too close to the edge.

Paddle through glowing waters

About an hourlong drive from the water slide is the Papagayo Peninsula, where a stunning volcanic mountain range fills the skyline. It’s an unbeatable backdrop for an action-packed day of jet skiing and sea scootering on the ocean. On moonless nights, look out for the rare but beautiful bioluminescent plankton aglow in the water. Feel like you’ve been transported to another world as you paddle over the plankton that sparkle below.

When to go

Mid-December to April is known locally as the dry season. While temperatures can climb into the mid-90s, you’ll avoid the heavy downpours that can happen at a moment’s notice during the rest of the year.

Where to stay

Occidental Papagayo (Guanacaste, Costa Rica): Use this adults-only, all-inclusive hotel in the heart of Papagayo as a quiet oasis of relaxation after busy days of adventure. No kids shouting “cannonball” and splashing in the pool here.

Occidental Tamarindo (Tamarindo Guanacaste, Costa Rica): More interested in seeing mangrove swamps full of wildlife than the typical Costa Rican jungle? Head to Tamarindo, and make this all-inclusive waterfront property your luxurious home base.

From the Midwest: Boulder, Colorado

Flights to Boulder are just 2 to 2.75 hours from Midwest hubs like Minneapolis, Chicago and Indianapolis. With the dramatic, jagged Flatirons piercing the sky, Boulder puts the “great” in the great outdoors. Vibrant city culture is woven into the heart of nature. And from atop one of the many mountains, the town nestled in a large open field below makes a perfect selfie background.

A near endless number of trails

Many of the hikes feature sweeping plains with tall grass that sways in the wind, quiet streams passing through the middle of rocky arches and, at the top of one of the Flatirons, a truly unforgettable view. Take a deep breath in to fully appreciate that crisp pine air. With around 150 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to tough climbs, there’s a route for every type of hiker.

Hiking isn’t the only way to get around

Consider renting a mountain bike to explore trails ranging from smooth, rolling paths to adrenaline-pumping wooden ramps and steep drops. If you want to bike but riding on dirt isn’t your cup of tea, Boulder has an extensive city trail system. It’s easy to get from one side of the city to the other on car-free multi-use paths and sidewalk connections. If you’re traveling with a family, this is a great time for an impromptu stop at a local ice cream parlor or toy store to keep little ones entertained.

Soak in the scenery

Take a paddleboard out on a crisp, blue reservoir, where the chirps of robins, jays and finches are the only sounds you’ll hear. For more of a thrill, grab an inner tube and get ready to hold on as the quick current of Boulder Creek bounces, twists and carries you downstream. But don’t worry, depending on the water flow there are usually slow sections too where you can catch your breath and take in the beauty of the surrounding forest.

When to go

Summer delivers ideal hiking weather with highs in the 80s, while fall paints the surrounding forests in striking yellows and oranges. The vibe you prefer is up to you. Winter is known for the cold and snow, and so is spring, since late-season snowstorms aren’t uncommon for the area. Avoid these times of year if you’re shivering just thinking about it.

Where to stay

Limelight Boulder (Boulder, Colorado): A modern retreat right in the middle of the energetic University District, this hotel provides easy access to trailheads to start your days with a hike and finish with a cool drink at one of the city’s many breweries.

From the Northeast: U.S. Virgin Islands

Four hours from hubs like Boston and New York are three Caribbean islands you can visit without a passport, each with its own distinct vibe. St. Thomas is the bustling hub, offering city plazas packed with shops to browse. St. John is the smallest island and the wildest, largely protected as the Virgin Islands National Park. And St. Croix is the biggest of the three with an expansive landscape dotted with historic architecture.

Find balance in the forest

Each island has designated wildlife sanctuaries that are prime for adventure. Rent a paddleboard and glide through the shallow lagoons of the mangrove forests. Be on the lookout for exotic birds that sing from the tangled tree canopies above. Find your personal oasis and breathe in the sweet scent of blooming flowers that rest in the forest off the shoreline mixed with the salty sea breeze.

Dive into a living gallery

Snorkeling here is like swimming through a submerged natural history museum. Learn more about the local wildlife as you swim through it with two self-guided tours (one on St. John and one on St. Croix). These paths have directional signage and informational plaques tucked between colorful reefs with tropical fish darting around them.

No need to hike down when you can jump

To cliff dive, take a boat out to the deep water and climb up the rugged shoreline. Stare down at the ocean from a 40-foot jagged cliff edge. That high up, the ocean looks a lot farther down. Take a deep breath, then feel the exhilarating rush of gravity as you leap into the crystal-blue water below.

When to go

December to May has the best weather. Aim for April and May, specifically, to dodge the heavy winter crowds and score better resort rates. Hurricane season is no joke here; the islands are in a particularly vulnerable part of the world for hurricane activity. Steer clear of summer and fall to avoid the risk.

Where to stay

The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands): This legendary resort sits right on the water, with three private beaches where you can unwind. Golfers will likely never find a course with a better view.

Lovango Resort & Beach Club (Lovango Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands): Situated between St. John and St. Thomas, this private island resort is only a 10-minute complimentary ferry ride away from each island. Stay in a villa, tent or treehouse in the forest to experience a true connection to the land.

Adventure is calling — answer with Citi Travel

Whichever destination you choose to make the center of your next thrilling vacation, booking with Citi Travel can take the adventure further. You can use an eligible Citi^® credit card to earn ThankYou^® Points on hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions. Apply to become a Citi cardmember today, or log in to your account to plan your next getaway.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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