Residents of Charlotte are in a unique position geographically and logistically. CLT serves more small market, hard-to-reach destinations than any other airport on the east coast.
With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also many international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Charlotte area within a 4 hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends what you want to do at your destination.
Bear in Mind: When travelling internationally as of June 14th, 2021, you're required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test upon return to the United States. This is on top of any restrictions in the country you are visiting. Since the rules are changing frequently, I'll leave that out. Instead, I'll include a link to the embassy site where you can find the latest information.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
When to go?
- Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather.
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- SkyWest from CLT - See flight deals
- Spirit Airways from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
When to go?
- Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- SkyWest from CLT - See flight deals
- Frontier from CLT - See flight deals
- Southwest from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) - Just Over a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Turquoise waters, friendly people, and close proximity to Florida make the Bahamas a popular destination.
When to go?
- December to July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
- May to August to avoid crowds and surcharges.
- November to February to avoid the summer heat.
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- Rent a car! Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.
Puerto Rico - 3.5 Hours to San Juan (SJU)
Why go?
- Surfing, culture, and hiking. Oh and you don't need a passport to travel.
When to go?
- December to July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
- April to June to avoid the busy winter and the upcoming rainy season.
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - Just Over a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Great city for history buffs and seafood enthusiasts.
When to go?
- Summer
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- Jetblue from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
When to go?
- Summer
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- More restaurants per capita than any other North American city.
When to go?
- Summer
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
When to go?
- Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
- Southwest from CLT - See flight deals
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- Delta from CLT - See flight deals
- United Airlines from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - Just Over a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Food, bars, sports, rivers!
When to go?
- Summer
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- Southwest from CLT - See flight deals
- United Airlines from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
When to go?
- Year-round
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
Bermuda (BDA) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Pink sand beaches and diving.
When to go?
- Year-round (might want to avoid hurricane season)
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
- History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and watersports.
When to go?
- Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
When to go?
- Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- Southwest from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) - Just Under a 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Art, craft beer, and the Smoky Mountains. I'd recommend driving instead of flying, but it's your call!
When to go?
- Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Cancun, Mexico (CUN) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Your money goes a long way: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.
When to go?
- December to April for the best weather.
- Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be in peace.
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Sure, many Charlotte residents come from New York. Why not go back for a nice weekend during the summer to see the sights in the city that never sleeps? Or take a trip during the holiday season and see the tree at Rockefeller Center and a Broadway play.
When to go?
- Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
- Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- Delta from CLT - See flight deals
- United from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - Just Over a 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Disney & Universal Studios. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer.
When to go?
- Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
- Spirit Airways from CLT - See flight deals
- Frontier from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
When to go?
- Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
- Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.
Austin, Texas (AUS) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
- Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
When to go?
- Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
- AA from CLT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
- Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
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