Toronto Joins Mexico City, Cancún, Montreal and Calgary Among the Most Sought-After Destinations for Americans Crossing Borders on Power-Packed Long Weekends – You Need to Know

Americans are turning long weekends into quick international escapes, with Toronto, Mexico City, Cancún, Montreal and Calgary leading the list for easy, high-impact cross-border getaways.

The idea of squeezing the most out of a short break is no longer just a travel trend — it’s becoming a lifestyle choice. The latest wave has a name: “weekend maxing.” In simple terms, it means using a three- or four-day window to take a proper international trip instead of settling for a staycation. With careful planning, a long weekend can feel like a full escape — one that leaves travelers refreshed without draining vacation days.

Fresh booking data from JustFly shows a clear pattern. More Americans are departing between Friday and Sunday for quick international getaways, choosing destinations that are easy to reach, packed with experiences, and manageable within two or three days. The focus is on efficiency: nonstop flights, compact city layouts, and a mix of culture, food, and scenery that can be enjoyed without feeling rushed.

Here are the destinations rising to the top for travelers determined to make every weekend count.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto currently leads the list as the most popular choice for short international escapes. One major reason is accessibility. With direct flights from more than 50 U.S. cities, getting there rarely requires complicated connections or long travel times. For many East Coast and Midwest travelers, the flight can be as short as a domestic hop.

Once in Toronto, the city’s layout makes it easy to cover major highlights within two full days. The CN Tower offers sweeping skyline views and a quick orientation to the city. The Art Gallery of Ontario provides a deep dive into Canadian and international art without overwhelming visitors on a tight schedule. The historic Distillery District, with its brick-lined streets, independent boutiques, and restaurants, offers a walkable way to spend an afternoon.

Toronto also strikes a balance between urban energy and relaxed waterfront living. A stroll along Lake Ontario, a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, or a quick food tour through diverse neighborhoods can all fit neatly into a well-planned long weekend.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City ranks high for travelers who want intensity and variety in a short span of time. The city delivers culture, history, and cuisine in concentrated form, making it ideal for a three-day sprint.

A weekend here can easily include a visit to Casa Azul, the iconic blue home-turned-museum dedicated to Frida Kahlo. History lovers can dedicate half a day to exploring the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, located just outside the city. Back in the capital, neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa offer leafy streets lined with cafes, art galleries, and some of the most talked-about restaurants in Latin America.

Despite its size, Mexico City rewards focused planning. Many key attractions cluster within central areas, reducing transit time. For travelers willing to map out their days in advance, the city offers an immersive experience that feels far longer than a weekend.

Cancún, Mexico

For those whose idea of weekend maxing leans toward relaxation rather than sightseeing, Cancún delivers a seamless option. Nonstop flights from major U.S. cities make it possible to leave work on Friday and be poolside by evening.

The appeal here is simplicity. Resorts are designed for ease, offering beachfront access, dining options, and entertainment within walking distance of your room. Early outbound flights allow travelers to maximize time on the sand, while late Sunday returns squeeze in a final morning swim.

Beyond the resorts, there are optional excursions for those who want to add a dash of adventure — snorkeling in turquoise waters, exploring nearby cenotes, or taking a short trip to ancient Mayan ruins. But the essence of a Cancún weekend lies in doing less. By keeping the schedule light, travelers can return home genuinely rested.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal offers a taste of Europe without the transatlantic commitment. For American travelers craving cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and café culture, this Canadian city feels like a shortcut to another continent.

Old Montreal is a natural base for a long weekend. The area’s 17th-century buildings, narrow lanes, and waterfront views create a distinctly old-world atmosphere. Days can be spent wandering through Notre-Dame Basilica, browsing local shops, or lingering over pastries at corner cafés.

A short ride away, neighborhoods like Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End showcase the city’s creative pulse. Here, travelers find independent bookstores, vibrant murals, and a dining scene that blends French influence with global flavors.

Montreal’s compact layout works in favor of weekend travelers. Much of what makes the city special can be explored on foot or with short metro rides, making it possible to cover a surprising amount of ground in just a few days.

Calgary, Canada

Calgary stands out for travelers who want both city life and access to dramatic landscapes. The city combines modern urban development with a strong western identity, offering a distinct character compared to other Canadian destinations.

Downtown Calgary features sleek architecture, cultural spaces, and a growing food scene. A day or two in the city can include visits to observation decks, local markets, and riverfront paths. But the real draw lies just beyond the skyline.

The Canadian Rockies are within driving distance, making it possible to pair urban exploration with a scenic road trip. Renting a car and heading toward mountain towns or national parks can turn a standard weekend into a high-impact adventure. Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and winding mountain roads provide a sharp contrast to office life back home.

For travelers willing to wake up early and plan efficiently, Calgary offers a two-in-one experience that feels expansive despite the limited timeframe.

The Appeal of Going Far in a Short Time

Weekend maxing reflects a shift in how people view time off. Instead of waiting for long vacations, travelers are breaking up their year with short, high-impact escapes. The key ingredients are simple: easy flight access, manageable itineraries, and destinations that reward focused exploration.

With more airlines expanding cross-border routes and cities investing in tourism infrastructure, the long weekend is becoming a powerful travel tool. A passport, a well-timed Friday departure, and a thoughtful plan can turn 72 hours into something that feels much bigger.

In a world where schedules are packed and vacation days are limited, the message is clear: you don’t need two weeks to reset. Sometimes, all it takes is one well-maxed weekend.

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TUI Strengthens Arctic Network as Over 60,000 Winter Travelers Head to Lapland and New Boeing 737-8 “Kuusamo” Joins Northern Finland Fleet

Finland continues to hold a strategic place in TUI’s global network, serving both as a strong outbound market and a highly sought-after holiday destination. Among its standout regions, Lapland remains one of the company’s most in-demand winter escapes, drawing travelers eager to experience Arctic landscapes, snow-covered forests, and seasonal adventures. Demand shows no signs of slowing. During the current winter season, TUI is scheduled to transport more than 60,000 holidaymakers to Northern Finland, with the majority arriving from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

The steady growth of winter tourism to the region reflects a broader shift in traveler preferences. Increasingly, visitors are seeking immersive cold-weather experiences rather than traditional sun-and-sand holidays. Lapland’s unique blend of nature, culture, and outdoor adventure has positioned it as a premier winter destination across Europe. Direct flight connections operated by TUI have made remote northern towns more accessible, supporting both tourism growth and regional development.

Marking this ongoing commitment, TUI has introduced another Boeing 737-8 aircraft bearing the name of a Northern Finnish destination. The latest addition to the fleet has been christened “Kuusamo,” becoming the fourth aircraft to carry the name of a town in Lapland. Previous aircraft were named “Kittilä” in 2018, “Rovaniemi” in 2022, and “Ivalo” in 2024. The naming tradition underscores the close partnership between the airline and Northern Finland’s tourism industry.

The official naming ceremony took place at Kuusamo Airport on a crisp winter Sunday, providing a fitting backdrop of snow and Arctic light. The event gathered representatives from the local tourism community, including hotel operators, excursion providers, regional tourism officials, and airport leadership. The occasion highlighted the collaborative efforts that have helped transform Kuusamo into a recognized winter hotspot.

The aircraft’s arrival was met with enthusiasm as it touched down against a landscape blanketed in white. The new Boeing 737-8 symbolizes both increased capacity and a long-term investment in the region. By branding aircraft with destination names, TUI reinforces the visibility of these northern towns in key European markets, strengthening their identity among travelers planning winter getaways.

Following the ceremony, the aircraft departed with passengers returning home after their Arctic holidays. Many carried memories shaped by classic Lapland experiences: dog sledding through silent forests, snowmobile safaris across frozen terrain, and encounters with reindeer in their natural environment. These signature activities have become central to the region’s tourism appeal, offering visitors authentic glimpses into life in the far north.

Kuusamo, in particular, has built a strong reputation for combining wilderness adventure with comfortable hospitality. The nearby Ruka ski area attracts winter sports enthusiasts, while guided nature tours introduce visitors to pristine national parks and icy river landscapes. The town’s infrastructure has steadily evolved to meet rising demand, with accommodations, restaurants, and activity services expanding in recent years.

TUI’s expanded operations are expected to further boost the local economy. Increased flight frequency supports hotels, tour operators, and small businesses that rely on seasonal tourism. For many communities in Northern Finland, winter travel represents a crucial economic pillar. Reliable air connections from major European cities ensure that Lapland remains competitive in a global market where travelers have a growing array of cold-climate options.

Sustainability also plays an increasingly important role in the region’s tourism strategy. Modern aircraft such as the Boeing 737-8 are designed to be more fuel-efficient and produce lower emissions compared to older models. As environmental awareness rises among travelers, airlines and destinations alike are under pressure to balance growth with responsible operations. Northern Finland has emphasized preserving its fragile Arctic ecosystems while welcoming visitors.

The symbolic naming of aircraft after Lapland destinations reflects more than branding. It represents a partnership built over years of cooperation between local authorities, tourism stakeholders, and the airline industry. By aligning flight capacity with destination marketing, both sides strengthen their position in the competitive European winter travel market.

With more than 60,000 holidaymakers expected to arrive this season alone, Lapland’s status as a winter tourism leader appears secure. Towns such as Kuusamo continue to gain international recognition, supported by reliable air links and coordinated promotion efforts. As travelers search for authentic seasonal experiences — from snowy adventures to Arctic serenity — Northern Finland remains firmly on the map.

The arrival of the newly named aircraft signals confidence in sustained demand and the enduring appeal of the far north. For TUI and for Lapland, the partnership continues to evolve, carrying thousands of visitors each winter into landscapes defined by snow, silence, and unforgettable Arctic moments.

TUI is a very important travel operator for Kuusamo. Last year, overnight stays by international visitors increased by as much as 14.2 percent, and in December their share was 70 percent of all overnight stays. TUI has played a key role in this growth. Having an aircraft named after Kuusamo is a true honour for us, says Jouko Manninen, Mayor of Kuusamo

TUI holds an important position in Finnish tourism, and it is wonderful to see that travel to the stunning landscapes of Kuusamo continues to grow in popularity. We warmly welcome all TUI guests to Kuusamo and Kuusamo Airport!,says Petri Vuori, SVP, Route Development, Finavia.

Our local partnerships are taking to the skies. Our new aircraft will be named after destinations across our holiday and partner countries, bringing the spirit of these regions into the heart of our fleet.

Tourism is more than travel; it connects people, regions and cultures, creating lasting bonds and shared opportunity. By giving our TUI Airline aircraft the names of our partner destinations, each plane becomes a flying ambassador, symbolising collaboration, celebrating local identity, and showcasing the strength of our relationships. With every take-off and landing, these aircraft will carry not only travellers, but the story of connection that unites us., says Aage Dünhaupt, Director Communications Holiday Experiences & Airline, TUI

This winter season has been record‑breaking, and a large share of travelers arrive in Kuusamo on TUI’s flights. The aircraft named Kuusamo will surely continue to bring back all those wonderful memories for passengers, says Sari Päivärinta, Manager of Kuusamo Airport.

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