Last-Minute Getaway Trips

Blame it on a busy work schedule if you must, but just because you forgot there's a three-day weekend coming up doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to staying in your apartment binging on the latest Netflix series.  

RELATED   These Are the Most Adventurous Culinary Vacations in the World "

These six Memorial Day destinations require the bare minimum when it comes to preparation, are relatively affordable and will still feel like a real getaway come the long weekend.

Forget the overcrowded wineries of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Whether you're coming from Los Angeles or San Francisco, this gem of California's Central Coast can be reached via a reasonable four-hour drive along the always-scenic Pacific Coast Highway. World-class vineyards, a myriad of top-notch farm-to-table dining and stunning surroundings only sweeten the fact you won't have to pay French Laundry-level prices to live the wine country lifestyle.

You might have missed the frenzy of cherry blossom season, but on the bright side, you won't have to elbow your way through crowds of tourists on your way to the National Mall. The lack of out-of-towners means decent rates can be had on otherwise-pricey hotel rooms. And, of course, there's no better way to commemorate Memorial Day than spending it in our nation's capital.

This underrated East Coast destination has all the sunshine and fine sandy beaches of the Hamptons without the designer-duds dress code. It's easy to get to via windy road trip through New England and is a welcome respite for city slickers who forget what a breeze that doesn't come from the rush of a subway feels like. And, yes, there are many, many lobster rolls to be had.

While plane tickets to sunny Florida tend to be reasonably priced year-round, May is the perfect time to indulge your secret hankering for a weekend at Disney World. Summer vacation has yet to begin, meaning most of the park won't be overrun by families celebrating the end of the school year. So go ahead, buy that pair of Mickey ears you always wanted.

Sandwiched between stunning coastline and the majestic Coast Mountains, this cultural hub is the easiest international vacation you'll ever plan. Flight times—and costs—are comparable to most domestic destinations in the U.S., and many businesses happily accept U.S. dollars. The only thing you need to do is pack your bag and fish out your passport from the sock drawer.

The ever-reliable destination for folks really in a last-minute bind, Vegas is famous for having affordable flights from all over the country, no matter the time of year. A seemingly infinite number of hotel rooms both on and off the Strip means you won't have to pay a procrastinator's fee for accommodations either. And if you can pry yourself away from the slot machines to step outside, the weather in May remains pleasantly balmy.