Top 10 Easy Spring Weekend Getaways

• Introduction
• 1. Antigua and Barbuda
• 2. Asheville
• 3. Austin
• 4. Charleston
• 5. Death Valley
• 6. New Orleans
• 7. Playa del Carmen
• 8. Santa Catalina Island
• 9. Santa Fe
• 10. Whistler

Antigua and Barbuda

The arrival of spring means one thing on Antigua and its smaller sister island, Barbuda: Sailing. April marks the beginning of several annual events, including the Classic Yacht Regatta (April 17–22, 2008) and Antigua Sailing Week (April 27–May 2, 2008), one of the top regattas in the world and the biggest in the Caribbean. Thanks to constant trade-winds and idyllic harbors, the island coasts are perfect for racing and attract a mélange of sailors, yachters, and admirers. However, on-land pursuits are just as appealing, with 365 sugar-white-sand beaches and historical attractions on Antigua and fabulous resorts, pink-and-white shell beaches, and untouched Caribbean life found on Barbuda, just 30 miles and a quick flight away.

How: Fly direct from to Antigua (ANU) from New York (Continental; about 4.5 hours), Atlanta (Delta; 4.5 hours), Charlotte (US Airways; about 4 hours), or Baltimore (US Airways; about 4 hours). A puddle-jumper will get you to Barbuda from Antigua twice daily (Carib Aviation; about 15 minutes).