As the summer months wind down, many New Yorkers are looking for some last-minute getaways before pulling out their coats and prepping for the winter. Yet, while most travel agents might recommend you make your travel plans early, sometimes summer plans get overlooked when you’re caught up in the busyness of work and city life.
Before summer slips away for good, now is a great time to start making travel plans so you can end the season on a good note. Here are some of the top cities to visit for every kind of traveler, including the NYC airports you should use for your departure.
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Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater, Florida may be one of the hotter (and more humid) cities in the U.S., but with dozens of beaches within walking or biking distance, you won’t have to travel far to cool off. Sitting on the western coast of central Florida, Clearwater Beach itself ranks as one of the top 10 beaches in America, according to Trip Advisor. So, if you count yourself among the beach crowd and you’re ready to don swimming shorts instead of a business suit, this is the place for you.
Best NYC Airport: If you plan a couple of weeks in advance, a nonstop flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Tampa will only cost you about $200. From there, it’s about a half-hour drive to your destination, and you’ll see some beautiful sights along the way.
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Memphis, Tennessee
When you just need to get away from it all, the city of Memphis hosts a treasure trove of interesting locations and events, and even includes the home of the “King of Rock and Roll” at Graceland. But Elvis Presley’s former residence isn’t the only reason to visit this Tennessee hideaway. The city also offers museums you won’t find in the Big Apple, not to mention the renowned Sun Studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis began their legacies.
Best NYC Airport: The best way to reach Memphis is through LaGuardia Airport, which offers frequent nonstop flights to the city, and doesn’t always fill the seats until its date of departure. This means you could score a truly last-minute deal if you’re up for a rock and roll getaway.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas might seem like the easy pick, but city offers more than lively casinos and jaw-dropping performances. Outside of the Vegas Strip, Las Vegas houses some of the most remarkable spas and resorts in the nation, not to mention it’s only a 30-minute drive to Lake Mead for water sports, swimming and picnicking. If that’s not enough, Las Vegas also boasts Grand Canyon tours, dozens of professional golf courses and plenty of high-end buffets for foodies.
Best NYC Airport: It may come as a surprise, but flying nonstop to Las Vegas from John F. Kennedy International Airport won’t cost you a small fortune. In fact, it’s often about the same price as flying to Tampa, so you’ll have plenty of money for the slots or renting jet skis, depending on your travel plans.
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Portland, Oregon
Looking for cooler weather? Then a coast-to-coast trip from New York to Portland should make your list of last-minute summer trips. With an average high of 80 degrees during August and high 50s at night, you may even want to pack a jacket for an evening on the town. Also, when it comes to nightlife, Portland won’t leave you wanting, as it offers a multitude of pubs, dance clubs and late-night food options to choose from. But you’ll also want to visit the Portland outdoors while you’re there, because Multnomah Falls is something you won’t want to miss.
Best NYC Airport: Whether you leave from JFK International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport, the cost for flying nonstop to Portland is very affordable when you consider the longer flight time. Once you arrive, you’ll instantly be captivated by the unique architecture and culture, and may even find yourself booking a second trip to Portland in the spring.
Didn’t see your favorite NYC airport or your number one summer vacation spot on our list? Find your destination, buy your tickets, then book a ride to the airport with Luxor Limo. We travel to every airport in the New York City area mentioned above, along with Teterboro Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport, Westchester County Airport and Stewart International Airport. Start your vacation in safety and style with Luxor Limo!