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kept to a minimum. There are similar traits in many American cities, but there is uniqueness to Canadian cities like London, Kitchener and Saint Thomas, to name a few. Unless you prefer driving and romping in snow and ice, travelling there in warm weather is better. You will catch some of the outdoor summer festivals. Making a trip to the shores of a great lake in Ontario is another great idea for the weekend. During one of my road trips in the summer, I discovered Port Stanley. I felt I had discovered some secret Canadian get-away. There was blazing sun, white sand beaches and nice fresh water swimming in a small town atmosphere. This gem is 10 Km (Canada, remember) south of Saint Thomas, right on Lake Erie.

There are restaurants and quaint shops all around town, much right next to the beach. Toronto also has a great set of beaches on Lake Ontario. This may be too far to drive unless you are coming from near the U.S. border. The CN Tower - the highest free standing structure and observation deck in the world - Chinatown and Toronto Island Park are a few things to go see. This type of fun weekend vacation is even possible south of the border if you ask around and plan a little more; informed is the way to go here, as Mexican border towns can be tough to deal with. Just south of San Diego, forty-five minutes on the trolley, is Tijuana. It is a bit dirty and congested in spots, but a good time can be found with the variety in shops and restaurants; and there is an IMAX Theater. If you drive, I would recommend going about an hour south of there to Rosarito, known for fresh, inexpensive lobster. The streets are less crowded, shopping and restaurants are diverse, and there are the nearby beaches of La Mission.

The ultimate weekend vacation idea nearly goes without saying Vegas. I've taken three trips there: two weekend vacations and my wedding in 2007. It is possible to come out of that place feeling drained of life, leaving one needing a vacation from the vacation. Las Vegas is a place where you can unwind instantly. With all the stimulation the city has to offer, issues at home are instantly vanished. It is a good idea to pace your self though, especially in the casinos. Take in some heat and sun at the pool, enjoy breakfast in bed and always go to a show. Good deals can be found, but the city is one of the pricier weekend vacations out there.

Just remember a good time is almost guaranteed. If Las Vegas is not your style, there are alternatives that can provide the same sensory overload, just on a much smaller scale, like Shreveport, LA or Tunica, MS. With my latest gig, in Madison, Wisconsin, I found Baraboo Casino less than an hour north just off I-90. I went there to pass the time away on the weekends. In moderation, casinos can leave you with that "little vacation" feeling. This view seems shared by the multitude of folks from Chicago-land I encountered. Just two miles before the casino, there were a cluster of indoor water parks with lots of restaurants and hotels nearby. This is an ideal family weekend vacation, especially when bringing Granny and Gramps to watch the kids while you run to Baraboo and shoot craps. Happy vacations to you.

Learn more about this author, Ralph Mcallister.
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