We’re all feeling it – the sun feels like it’s setting as we leave work. The cold feels endless. It’s been ages since a warm day.
A vacation sounds like the perfect fix, but we’re often scared away by the price tag – and the hassle – that comes with it. A vacation may be easier and less daunting than you think if you use some great tools available to us in North Carolina.
@WellTraveledChild on Instagram
First and foremost, possibly the most useful tool in a North Carolina traveler’s handbook is @WellTraveledChild on Instagram. This account is run by a North Carolina-based influencer. My personal favorite series of hers is when she posts nonstop flight deals, ranging from overseas for $500 or less to quick weekend trips somewhere warm. Most of the flights she promotes are from RDU, but she does throw in some CLT options, as well.
Her content is engaging, funny and inclusive to people traveling with families and those who can jet off at any moment alike. If you want to keep an eye on some travel options without your inbox being flooded with Google flight alerts, @WellTraveledChild is the perfect way to start.
Don’t Fear, Budget is Here!
I know that people often pledge loyalty to one airline, and this can be a great call for points, but if you’re looking for a nonstop flight for a weekend, budget might be your new best friend.
In September, I was able to fly to San Diego on the budget airline Breeze for a Thursday-Tuesday with a smooth, direct and economical trip out of RDU which added its 80th nonstop destination in July, and Breeze offers the most nonstop destinations out of RDU. Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) offers a whopping 188 nonstop destinations, including budget airlines Spirit, Avelo and Frontier.
With budget airlines comes caveats. The seats are often tight and a carry-on bag might not be included. Budget airlines only offer a few flights per week, so it offers less flexibility with changing days and times.
Don’t Forget GSO!
North Carolina is lucky to have RDU and CLT, two large and convenient airports within two hours of Forsyth County. Don’t forget, however, about Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)! It is the closest airport to Forsyth County and still completes more than 240 flights a day.
My experiences with small airports, including GSO, have been very positive. Security is quick and efficient. Although there are fewer dining options and an abundance of destinations like RDU and CLT, GSO is a great option, as well. I have found that there are some domestic direct destinations (Chicago and Atlanta, in particular) that are much more affordable and direct than anything offered out of RDU and CLT.
