DEN
Anywhere from Denver
Denver already has the mountains. The interesting wishes from here are a beach, a city, or a park that is not the one in your backyard.
These are places with enough of a reason to leave Denver, not a thin list of every airport code we know. Prices are not shown here because a fare without a live source would be a guess.
San Diego
Mild weather and a city you can enjoy without a packed schedule.
March through June and September through November. June can be gray in the morning and perfect by lunch.
Maui
Beach and mountain in one island, if the fare cooperates.
April through May and September through November for a little more space on the beach.
Cancún
A beach reset with meals included, close enough for a long weekend from much of the East and Midwest.
December through April for drier days. Summer is hotter, cheaper, and still very swimmable.
Las Vegas
Flights are frequent, and a midweek stay can land inside a modest budget.
March through May and October through November, when the desert is walkable.
Yellowstone
A national park trip with a real sense of occasion.
June through September. Roads and lodges have seasons, and they close.
Chicago
A big-city weekend that is often cheaper than the coasts.
May through October, with June and September especially kind. Winter is a real coat.