7 of the best day trips to take around the world

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In need of a change of scenery?

Hit the road in the direction of these charming towns—all a short drive (or ferry ride!) away from a major international city.

Los Angeles to Catalina Island

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We know, we know: California is a road tripper's paradise. But once in a while, it’s a good idea to ditch the wheels in favor of something more off-the-beaten track. Enter Catalina Island, the car-free island off the coast of SoCal. The rocky isle looks straight out of a Mediterranean postcard — red tiled roofs, parasol-lined beach clubs, ritzy casinos and harbors dotted with sailboats — despite being a mere hour ferry ride away from Long Beach. Once the set location for a number of Hollywood films (including Harry Houdini’s Terror Island), there’s enough history here to fill an entire weekend's worth of museum visits. Our advice? Check out the monuments, but leave time for a bike ride along the mountaintops or a scuba/snorkeling trip in Lover's Cove. Lunch is served on the breezy wraparound terrace at The Inn on Mt. Ada, the mansion that was once the home of chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley Jr.

RELATED: California for Everyone

Lisbon to Alentejo

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Lisbon’s food and wine scene is nothing short of legendary, and you could spend weeks sampling its diverse palate. But why not go straight to the source to Alentejo, the region best known as Portugal's gastronomic soul. You'll know you've arrived once you start passing "Sheep Xing" road signs and ripe meadows full of lemon, olive and fig trees. And while you'll want to jump out of the car and start exploring by foot, there are a few regional highlights you can't miss. L’AND Vineyards, a high-design resort set amid rivers and vines, has a Michelin-starred restaurant with a drool-worthy tasting menu (order the roasted merino lamb with date tangine and pepper-topped cockle panade). The nearby village of Évora has an abundance of alfresco terraces, where you can enjoy a glass of vino accompanied by views of crumbling ruins, rolling hills and whitewashed houses.

Mexico City to Tlaxcala

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Mexico City is having a moment, thanks to its world-class museums, trendy boutiques and innovative culinary scene. In spite of these attractions, the city of 21 million people can be, well, overwhelming. Escape the crowds and head two hours west to Tlaxcala, the capital of Mexico’s smallest state. With a bucolic setting and a rich sense of history, the city provides a welcome respite from Mexico City’s madness. On your hit list? Museo de Arte de Tlaxcala, the city's contemporary art museum, and the eighteenth-century Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Ocotlán, a Spanish baroque-style church whose architecture alone is worth the steep hike up to its hilltop perch. Finish the day with regional, home-style cooking at the perennially-packed café, Fonda del Convento.

RELATED: Mexico's Best Beach Towns

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