The Weekend Getaway: 3 Days, 3 Cities & 3 Suitcases

When we asked our Facebook squad what they couldn’t live without doing every summer, the top response was “Take a Vacation!” We chose 3 cities that we’re loving right now. You can have a blast in each of them for relatively little cash if you’re adventurous. If you’re planning on taking a mini-vacation anytime soon, here’s what to do while you’re there and what to wear.

Oakland, California

Why We’re Loving It

Oakland is full of culture, history and art. In fact, Oakland boasts the largest percentage of artists of any city in the country. It’s super laid-back with all of the chill vibes of California.  Oakland is short $6 ferry ride away from San Francisco, so if you want to take a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or a tour of Alcatraz, it’s all at your fingertips. It’s also only about a 1 hour drive away from Napa, if you’re interested in spending the day at a winery instead.

What to Do

Kick it at a Beer Garden - Oakland is home to several outdoor beer & food joints, Beer Gardens, that serve a wide range of craft beers if you're in the mood to "max and relax." Take a few friends and have a low key night. 

Go Natural - Oakland is next to the beautiful Lake Merritt, one oldest designated wildlife refuges in the US. If you’re down for a real thrill try renting a rowboat for only $38 / person. This also home to the redwood forest, so if you’re down for hike, you can go see some of the world's tallest trees. If you’re a little bit gutsy, enjoy the view of the lake from Jack London Square where you can enjoy waterfront brunch and shopping.

Get Lit at a DJ Red Corvette Set - DJ Red Corvette is serving us all kinds of #blackgirlmagic.  Her mixes are soulful and chill, so if clubs are usually too much for you, you may still vibe to this. Check out her website for gigs  (and mixes to get you pumped for your trip.)

Oakland Style Must-Haves

Oakland is all about creative grunge. Pull elements from your favorite fashion moments and mix them with laid-back, casual must-haves. This is a city for loose fitting plaid, vegan leather, joggers and ripped denim.

Our 3-Day Oakland Style Suitcase

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

Why We’re Loving It

Because Puerto Rico is a US Territory, you don’t have to hurry and get a passport if you don’t already have one. While most people in San Juan speak some English, Spanish is the dominant language of Puerto Rico, and the island has retained much of it’s own culture and flavor, making this feel like an out-of-country trip without having to pay international prices. You’re always just minutes from the stunning, sandy beach so even if you do absolutely nothing but sit on the beach... it’ll will still be amazing.

What to Do

Hike the Rainforest - El Yunque is home to 300-year-old tropical trees, gorgeous waterfalls and the beautiful sound of coquí (the frogs that make the distinct, sound in the rainforest). Come prepared to hike. Luckily there’s a few spots to stop and take a rest along the way, but it’s worth it to capture the beauty of La Mina Falls, the tallest waterfall in El Yunque.

Go Dancing - San Juan is built to accommodate tourists so most of the hotels will having salsa sets in their lobbies or near their casinos to entertain visitors. Get your dance on with a local and let loose a little. (Play the slot machines when your heels start to hurt your feet.)

Tour the Bacardi Factory - Get Bacardi certified on a tour of the Bacardi factory... oh, and get pretty tipsy too. These tours include several drinks from the moment you arrive. The tour will show you how rum is beautifully connected to the island, and then you can learn how to properly make a Mojito or Cuba Libre before head back to your hotel.

San Juan Style Must-Haves

San Juan is all about carefree, sexiness. Anything you pack should be comfortable enough to tour or dance in, but San Juan is lively and a pure celebration of life. That includes celebrating your body in all its curvy glory. It’s a perfect city to show off what you got.

Our 3-Day San Juan Suitcase

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Chicago, Illinois

Why We’re Loving It

Let’s just say this, when Kanye West tried to describe what the “The Good Life” feels like, the best he could compare it to was “Summertime Chi.” Though the city’s violence, sometimes gives it a bad rep, there’s a lot of magic and good in Chicago. It’s home to some of the best food, music, and festivity. Not to mention the city’s history is rich and worthy of seeing up-close.

What to Do

Watch Fireworks over Lake Michigan- Every Wednesday and Saturday, Chicago has a fireworks display over the lake. Because the city is so cold in the wintertime, the summertime is the time of celebration in Chicago. The city also holds music festivals, The Taste of Chicago (a week of amazing free concerts and endless delectable food), and "Dancing in the Park."  

Feed Your Inner Hipster - Wicker Park is home to tasty food, clubs, freestyle hip hop nights, and great shopping. Take the train to the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, North Avenue and Damen Avenue and go explore. Chicago is known for it’s diversity, which results in diverse and delicious food. A short walk (or ride if you’d rather have a guide) can get you Margie’s Candies where you can order Sundaes as big as your head or Irazu’s for Costa Rican Food and Oatmeal Shakes.

Connect With Your Roots - In Hyde Park, not only can you drive by Minister Louis Farrakhan’s and Barack & Michelle Obama’s houses, you can also find the DuSable Museum of African American History. Located Near the University of Chicago, get some glimpses of history and culture without spending a ton on a ticket. The museum will also host events like movie showings or concerts. Stop by a Harold’s Chicken before you leave the South Side for a wing meal with extra mild sauce. (Ask anyone in the area, and they’ll assure you it’s a must-do while you’re in Chicago.)

Chicago Style Must-Haves

Chicago sits on the lake, so layers are important here. The midwest vibe of the city makes the city a little more conservative, and therefore, tad little more formal than it’s West Coast counterparts. That doesn’t mean boring or unsexy. In fact, Chicago plays a little more with fashion, and in the summertime, because it is so frequently cold, it’s almost sacrilegious to not celebrate the warmth with dresses or skirts.

Our 3-Day Chicago Style Suitcase

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Tell us where you're traveling this summer and what's in your suitcase! Do you pack light or do you over pack?