Short getaways : escapes under 25,000 Aeroplan points

Vacation days are often limited, so short getaways are our best friends.

There is this commonly known trick of pairing a day off or two with a bank holiday to get a long weekend, and you have your short getaway. But where can you go when you only have 3, 4 or 5 days? How far can you really go?

To save on travel time and maximize exploring, you should narrow it down to direct routes from your departure airport. You can easily do that with Flight Connections and use Seats.aero to find affordable flights with points.

In this article, I’ve selected the best short getaways that I could find for under 25,000 Aeroplan points (per person), so you can quickly view affordable locations for that long weekend you have in mind. While there are many other attractive places for a short getaway, I am focusing on trips that wouldn’t necessitate too many of your points.

Also, a simple credit card can do the trick if you do not have the required points. Indeed, the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card has a lovely bonus that can get you to any place mentioned below; you can even bring a plus-one with the generous welcome offer!

Travelling with your tribe? No problem! Each adult can signup for their card, making your family sharing points bank fat enough to take 4 people.

New York City is a great short getaway destination for Canadians, easily accessible by air and road. The city can be explored in just a few days and offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including the iconic Central Park, Broadway shows, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can also tour midtown and visit famous landmarks such as the Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building.

For those interested in sports, Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Rangers and other teams and hosts concerts and events.

With the upcoming long weekend of American Thanksgiving (and Black Friday), now is the perfect time to plan a trip to New York ; while the tree will only be lit in early December, you can get a Christmas feel around that weekend. It is also very affordable with points that you can take 4 people with you with the signup bonus from the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card.

Los Angeles is one of the best short getaways, offering various activities and sights to see within just a few days. It might seem far for just a few days, but when you look at the time difference, you land without losing too much time!

You can focus on Hollywood and Beverly Hills, where you can visit the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theater and stroll on Rodeo Drive. Or wander around Santa Monica and Venice Beach, where you can enjoy the seaside and take in the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Los Angeles is also the cradle of Disney, so you can easily spend a day at Disneyland. If that is not your cup of tea, Universal Studios Hollywood also fits nicely in a short weekend getaway.

Chicago is one of the best short getaways choice for people looking for diverse activities. The Loop is a must-visit spot, where you can take in the bustling business district and climb to the top of Willis Tower, also known as the Skydeck, for breathtaking views. Another excellent option for panoramas is the 360 Chicago Observation deck. An evening boat ride on the Chicago River is a great way to see the city’s architecture and listen to the sound of the horns.

Chicago is famous for its pizza, particularly the Chicago-style or deep-dish pizza, and Lou Malnati’s or Gino’s East are considered some of the best places to try it. Other top attractions include Navy Pier, where you can enjoy the Ferris wheel, the fireworks display, and various museums. Lincoln Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing walk, and the Magnificent Mile is a shopper’s paradise.

The welcome bonus of the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card is enough for a party of 3 in this case.

Las Vegas is a popular spot for a long weekend and one of the best short getaways destinations. The city is known for its neon signs, casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment. Often referred to as “Sin City,” Las Vegas offers a variety of exciting activities.

The classic itinerary includes visiting the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is also home to recreations of iconic structures worldwide, and each lavish casino has its unique attraction.

Have a bit more time? Think about renting a car and venturing out to the Grand Canyon nearby! It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and well worth a trip!

Toronto has a wide range of activities for a short getaway. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a must-visit event over labour day that provides a variety of rides, shows, and games. The CNE is also famous for its unique food offerings, such as rainbow grilled cheese and cotton candy fried Oreos. The Canadian International Air Show takes place at the same time and location as the CNE and features aerial spectacles and parachute acrobatics.

Canada’s Wonderland is a theme park in Vaughan with 70 rides and a water park. The Toronto Dragon Festival at Nathan Phillips Square has free dragon dance performances, street food, and Chinese arts demonstrations.

Some other popular attractions in Toronto include the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Toronto Islands, the Field Hockey Hall of Fame, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, and Casa Loma.

At a mere 10,000 Aeroplan points, the welcome bonus from the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card goes really far!

Vancouver is a charming city located in western Canada, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. You can start by strolling along the waterfront pedestrian trail, renting bikes to tour Stanley Park, and making stops to take photos and explore the area. The park is home to various wildlife, such as Canadian geese, ducks, squirrels, and raccoons which is ideal when you have little ones to entertain. After visiting the park, you can walk to the lovely waterfront.

Another must-see attraction in Vancouver is Grouse Mountain, which can conveniently be accessed by car. While the weather may not always be ideal, you can take a gondola ride to the top and watch the grizzly bears in captivity. However, it should be noted that the gondola ride may not be worth it if the weather is not good and the facilities at the summit may be closed. There is plenty to do in Vancouver in a short getaway.

Miami is a great short getaway choice because of its beautiful shores, warm weather, and Cheerful culture. You shouldn’t miss going to South Beach, known for its clear blue waters and white sand beaches, as well as its Art Deco architecture.

You can also explore Little Havana, a historic neighbourhood famous for its Cuban heritage and nightlife. Another must-see attraction in Miami is the Wynwood Arts District, home to numerous street art murals and galleries.

For nature lovers, the Everglades National Park is a must-visit destination, offering opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and airboat tours.

Like for Chicago, the signup bonus from the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card can help you and two other people journey to Miami the next time you feel the harsh November blues.

San Francisco is a city full of history and culture, offering many things to see and do. One of the must-see places is Fisherman’s Warf, the oldest part of the harbour, where you can find the Bay Aquarium, meet the sea lions at Pier 39, or enjoy some food and shopping.

The Exploratorium at Pier 15 has interactive exhibits and activities for science enthusiasts and children. Another popular attraction is Alcatraz Island, which can be reached by ferry from Pier 33. You can learn about the prison’s history, the inmates’ lives, and the famous 1962 escape.

The Golden Gate Bridge is also a must-see, giving beautiful views of the bay and the opportunity to walk, bike, or drive across it. For a family day out, you can head to Muir Woods National Park or the Bay Area Discovery Museum, offering great outdoor activities.

To taste San Francisco’s iconic architecture, you can check out the “Painted Ladies” on Steiner Street and the winding Lombard Street. If you are a Wine lover, you can also take a trip to the Napa Valley region in the north.

Boston has a rich history and culture, offering a variety of activities for you to enjoy as one of the best short getaway destinations. One of the must-see attractions is the Freedom Trail, a path that brings visitors through different historical locations and buildings.

Sports fans can also enjoy a game at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox home, or participate in the Boston Marathon.

Newberry Avenue is a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts, and for a unique view of Boston, the Prudential Center’s observatory is a great option. You can also hop in a water cab to see the city from the water or check out the Symphony Hall for a cultural experience.

Families can also spend some time at the Boston Children’s Museum and the Science Museum, as well as Franklin Park’s Zoo and playgrounds.

The points given by the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card welcome offer are enough to bring your whole family of four to Boston.

Seattle, the Emerald City, makes a great short getaway. One of the must-see attractions is the Space Needle, an iconic tower with stunning views and the surrounding area. You can also take a trip to the top of the Smith Tower, the oldest skyscraper in town, which gives a glimpse into Seattle’s history.

For those interested in nature, Seattle has plenty to offer. It is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. You can hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island and explore the many trails in the area or head to Discovery Park for a peaceful stroll through the woods.

Seattle is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Seattle Art Museum, which houses a collection of over 25,000 works of art from around the world, and the Museum of Pop Culture, which celebrates the town’s music and science fiction culture.

Mexico City is a vibrant and historic destination with a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the Zócalo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a public square and the heart of the city that houses important national governmental and religious buildings.

The Palace of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology are must-sees for those interested in museums. The trendy neighbourhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Condesa are also worth exploring, with streets lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural and religious centres. Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera fans should not miss the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli.

The Colonia Roma district is also great to stroll around with shops, restaurants, and rooftop views. The Pujol culinary experience is a must-try as well. The best time to visit Mexico City is during spring break when the temperature is mild and the jacaranda trees bloom, but the Dia de Los Muertos weekend at the beginning of November is something to experience as well!

In this article, we highlighted the best getaway destinations that can be covered within a long weekend with a budget of under 25,000 Aeroplan points (per person). These destinations are ideal for those who want to make the most of their limited vacation days and enjoy a quick getaway.

We suggest using a credit card like the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card to make these trips more affordable and even bring a companion along with its generous welcome offer. Each adult can sign up for their card and pool points to travel with family as well.

Did you manage to find some other nuggets under 25,000 points for amazing short getaways? If so, please come join us and share your find in our Facebook community!