How to Maximize a Long Weekend Trip: Planning Logistics from the Midwest to the East Coast
Photo by Nils Nedel on Unsplash
For people living in the Midwest and Quad Cities area, the East Coast can feel far off, even though it’s just a short flight away.
By creating a sensible itinerary and planning accordingly, you can enjoy three fully rewarding days on the coast or exploring vibrant big cities.
Here’s how to plan your dream weekend escape.
East Coast Weekend Options from the Midwest
When choosing your destination, look for a city or region that offers a rich variety of experiences within reasonable distances.
Popular East Coast experiences include:
- New York City: You can easily spend three days in New York. We’re talking Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Broadway, galleries, restaurants, sports stadiums, museums, Ground Zero, ferry and bus tours, and plenty more!
- Washington, D.C./ Philadelphia: The capital features many bucket-list landmarks, including the White House, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian. From D.C., you can do a day trip (around 2 hours on Amtrak) to Philadelphia. In Philly, visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the “Rocky” steps, and Reading Terminal Market.
- Boston/Cape Cod: In Boston, visit the Freedom Trail, the Waterfront, Quincy Market, historic neighborhoods, and museums. A Boston cruise is a tempting excursion, but this trip is too short for that. Rather head to Cape Cod (a 2-hour drive) for its scenic beaches, friendly villages, and fresh lobster rolls.
- Portland, Maine/ Providence, Rhode Island: The Portland-Providence combo offers small-city charm, fresh seafood, and creative culture. The cities, both inviting and walkable, are about 3 hours apart.
Choosing Your Transport
Let’s be honest, to get the most from your three days, flying is the way to go. Sure, a road or rail trip may be scenic, but you lose precious time.
Flying Times
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and D.C are around 2 hours flight time from Midwest airline hubs. These major cities offer the best selection of direct flights from the Midwest.
Airport locations and transit efficiency
How easy it is to get from the airport to your hotel matters a lot for a short trip. Here’s an idea of how convenient the main airports are:
- Boston (BOS): Good choice, the airport is minutes from downtown.
- Philadelphia (PHL): Manageable, with decent airport-to-city transport.
- D.C. (DCA or IAD): DCA is best for a long weekend. It sits on the Metro system and is close to downtown.
- New York: Not great! EWR (Newark) and JFK (Kennedy) require long, expensive, and unpredictable rides. LGA (LaGuardia) may be a preferable option.
- Portland, Maine (PWM): Simple and quick to get downtown.
- Providence, Rhode Island (PVD): Efficient and close to the city center.
How To Fly Smart
Optimize your travel arrangements by:
- Going Direct: The advantages of a direct flight are obvious: you avoid a delayed or missed connection that upsets your plans.
- Flying out Friday; back on Monday night: Book an evening flight out on Friday. Return on the late evening flight on Monday. This gives you three full days, sunrise to sundown.
- Checking in 24 hours early: Use your smartphone to check in early, reserve seats, and get your boarding pass. This saves you at least 30 minutes on the way out.
Efficiency Tips
Follow these tips to move smoothly and efficiently:
- Carry-on luggage: If possible, avoid checking any bags. A carousel delay can easily set you back 40 minutes. Smart travel hacks will help you optimize your packing.
- Transit apps: Download your destination city’s main transit app (e.g., SEPTA, MTA, MBTA) and familiarize yourself with buying digital passes before you arrive.
- Enquire about digital keys: A mobile hotel key lets you skip a busy front desk.
- Make food and entry reservations: For popular restaurants and activities, book well in advance. This avoids frustrating waits for a table or tickets.
Photo by Qihai Weng on Unsplash
How to Maximize Your 72-Hours
Recognizing that everyone’s priorities are different, here’s a general planner for a rewarding time.
Day 1: Friday Evening
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Land, transit to hotel.
- 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Check-in.
- 9:30 PM onwards: A chilled activity near your hotel, perhaps a cozy local restaurant or a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
Day 2: Saturday
- Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): The main cultural attraction, e.g., a museum or historic tour.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Lunch and outdoor exploration. For instance, after the Smithsonian, walk the National Mall.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner, followed by the main event, e.g., a Broadway show, music concert, or sports game. Splurge on the experience.
Day 3: Sunday
- Morning (9:30 AM – 12:00 PM): Neighborhood focus, e.g., Greenwich Village.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Browsing independent boutiques, small bookshops, or specialized markets.
- Evening: Relaxed dinner.
Day 4: Monday
- Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM): A short, meaningful activity or breakfast at a cool spot.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel for check out.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Arrive at the airport with enough time for a relaxed bite.
Happy Travels
Your epic East Coast adventure awaits! The next three-day weekend might be the perfect opportunity. So, pick your city, book that flight, and start planning.
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