4 Amazing Destinations Less Than a 6-Hour Flight from New York

New York is the city that never sleeps, and there’s always something new or exciting to do, regardless of the season. That said, all New Yorkers can use a change of scenario now and then, and you don’t need to travel far to get it. There are some incredible travel destinations within only 6 hours of New York by plane. Regardless of whether you want to escape to a tropical beach or explore the icy landscapes of the north, here are five excellent options.

1. Iceland

It’s hard to believe that you can be in such a different place, both physically and culturally, in just six hours. The island of Iceland features some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world and you can be there in as little as 6 hours from JFK. Leave your car in JFK airport parking and hop on a flight to float in the infamous Blue Lagoon, hike on glaciers, and visit the black sand beaches. You might even see some fairies if you’re lucky!

2. Tulum, Mexico

Travel the opposite direction and head south to Tulum, Mexico, in less than 5 hours. Tulum offers the perfect balance of tropical climate, blue water beaches, and historic Mayan ruins. The weather is excellent all year round, allowing you to relax on the beach or head out for a snorkeling trip to see the incredible sea life. Get your culture fix by visiting the local ruins or head to the freshwater sinkholes (called cenotes) for a swim.

3. Montreal, Canada

Visit the neighbors to the north, while feeling like you’re in Europe by flying to Montreal, Canada. The flight is insanely short, at just over an hour to get there. One cool thing about Montreal is that everyone speaks French. The entire province of Quebec is French-speaking, so you may want to brush up on your “bonjours” and “mercis.”

Montreal is essentially an island, although located in the St. Lawrence River. It’s one of Canada’s most historic towns where you can wander the cobbled streets of Old Montreal and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Visit the Cirque du Soleil to see amazing acrobatics and catch stunning views from the top of Mont-Royal, from which the city got its name.

4. Bogota, Columbia

If you’re looking for a dramatically different cultural escape, you can’t beat Bogota, Columbia’s capital. You can be enjoying arepas after less than a 6-hour flight from JFK airport. Visit the jaw dropping Catedral de Sal, an underground cathedral built into the salt mines beneath the nearby city, Zipaguirá. Take the aerial tramway or tackle the 2-hour climb to the top of Monserrate for unparalleled views across the city of Bogota. If you have the time, you can also head out to the Cocora Valley to see the world’s tallest palm trees and even float in the mud of a former volcano!

You don’t need to travel far from New York to find these incredibly unique and diverse travel destinations. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a new culture or spend some time on the beach, you can find it in less than a 6-hour flight.