5 Destinations for Busy Small-Business Owners Looking to Get Away for a Weekend

Many time-strapped entrepreneurs feel like the past two years have flown by in a blur. Juggling COVID-19 restrictions, supply chain challenges, hiring shortages and rapidly changing customer behaviors (just to name a few) has made the past 24-plus months more stressful than ever for small-business owners.

Taking time off, unsurprisingly, has been pushed to the back burner. According to a 2021 report by the U.S. Travel Association, workers didn’t use an average of 33% of their allotted paid vacation time in 2020. (The report polled 1,200 employed Americans who worked at least 20 hours a week at a company that employed at least two people and earned paid time off in 2020.) That trend, though, may be changing now that restrictions have loosened and remote work has increased. A 2022 report of 1,323 US consumers by personal finance website ValuePenguin predicts 45% of US residents will be traveling more this year. Additionally, travel spending within the US could reach nearly $2 trillion in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 6.2%, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. 

Belvin Baldwin II is seeing a mentality shift around travel from his clients compared with two years ago. “A lot of people used to hold off on the bucket list vacations, but not anymore,” says Baldwin, owner and CEO of Showtime Travel, a luxury travel advising company based near Atlanta. “Now people are asking, ‘How can I make this happen?’”

Yet hesitations still linger. Out in San Francisco, Camille Porta, founder of Stonebridge Travel Consulting, sees her business-owner clients open to the idea, but worried that time away from the companies they’ve worked so hard to build would be considered a ‘waste.’

“People shouldn’t view vacation time as wasted time; instead think of it as time you are giving yourself to have more energy to pursue your goals more efficiently,” she says. “When you don’t take a break, it leads to burnout, which hampers professional growth.”

Planning a trip but not sure where to go? Here are five perfect long weekend getaways beautifully suited for busy entrepreneurs.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

A short flight from anywhere on the eastern side of the country, the 137,000-person city of Charleston is easy to reach and has a plethora of things to do.

“The city has so much Southern charm and has an excellent food scene,” says Porta.

One of the best ways to check out local cuisine is to go on a food tour. These experiences usually last a few hours and feature food from multiple locations, as well as lessons in the history of the area. Charleston Culinary Tours is a great option, as is Bulldog Tours.

The hotel scene in Charleston is top notch (if you’re into haunted yet beautiful hotels, try The Meeting Street Inn). Some favorites include the Emeline, a super stylish boutique property, and Hotel Bennett, which a national newspaper named one of the top luxury hotels in the US.

A short drive away is Kiawah Island, where the golf resort there is a private and breathtaking reprieve from the busyness of the city.

2. Miami, Florida

“In Miami, you have a little bit of everything,” says Baldwin. “You have the yachts, the jet skis, great food. You just cannot go wrong.”

Worried about the crowds? Skip South Beach and head to the area just north of the city and try staying at Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort, a contemporary property with jaw-dropping ocean views right on the water. But if you’d like to be closer to the action, try the Kimpton Epic Miami, which is in the heart of the city’s Brickell neighborhood, known for its nightlife and thriving food scene.

Another bonus: two airports (Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International) are close by, making finding a flight stress-free, even last minute.

In addition to beachy meanderings, grab a ticket to tour the sprawling Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and look around the funky (and inspiring) Wynwood Art District with companies like Wynwood Buggies and Wynwood Art Walk Tours.

3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

There are few places more chill and well-appointed for road weary entrepreneurs than Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, the 3,000-person beach town. The town is a quick two-hour drive south from San Francisco and a nearly six-hour drive north from Los Angeles (either way, take Highway 1 for the most scenic views).

“My clients in the Bay Area absolutely love Carmel for long weekends,” says Porta, adding that tacking on a day trip to nearby Monterey can also add some excitement.

Spend your time wandering around town, poking into one-of-a-kind boutiques and enjoying the sea air with a picnic on the wide Carmel River State Beach. Hungry but aren’t sure where to go? Book a spot with Carmel Food Tours and try several eateries and don’t leave without grabbing a reservation at La Bicyclette Restaurant, which has some delicious European-inspired dishes. 

Some of the most popular hotels in town include La Playa Carmel and Carmel Valley Ranch.

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Flying a little under the radar, Albuquerque is an ideal place to plan a long weekend if you're looking to get more bang for your buck while also enjoying top-notch attractions. The city is known for its hot air balloon festival every fall, but you don’t have to wait for the leaves to change to try a balloon ride for yourself. Book a day with Rainbow Ryders or Four Corners Balloon Rides and get your camera ready for incredible views of the Sandia Mountains.

“The great thing about Albuquerque is that there is a ton to do all over,” said Porta. “You can hang out in Old Town and even take a day trip to Santa Fe, which is only about an hour away.”

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town is an excellent choice in town, and if you opt to stay in Santa Fe, try the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

“Las Vegas is the perfect place for the person who wants a variety of experiences all in the one place,” says Baldwin. “You have the Strip and everything is there, but then if you want to get away, you can rent a high-end sports car or go on a helicopter ride. I love staying at the Aria if I’m going to be on the Strip and Green Valley Ranch if I want to relax.”

Be sure to check for shows during the weekend you’ll be there, and consider going on an adventure like a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon with companies like GC Flight and 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours.

Expert Advice

Convinced to open your calendar and pencil in a long weekend away? Baldwin recommends making sure your destination checks a few boxes, such as access to fast internet.

“Also, try to establish your vacation goals,” he recommends. “Are you looking for a place that will help with relaxation like a beach destination or somewhere with a great pool, or would you prefer a more active place like a big city with tons of things to do?”

People shouldn’t view vacation time as wasted time; instead think of it as time you are giving yourself to have more energy to pursue your goals more efficiently.

—Camille Porta, founder, Stonebridge Travel Consulting

From there, start planning. With travel forecasts up this summer, availability may be limited. Grab your carry-on bag (“Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about what to wear,” says Baldwin. “You aren’t going to a business meeting. Pack light and enjoy.”) and get out there.

Photo: Getty Images