When it comes to Old World charm, the Austrian capital truly fits the bill. And given its manageable size, Vienna is very over-the-top long weekend friendly. You can book a flight on Austrian Airlines that will get you out of New York JFK at 5:45 PM on a Thursday and have you within striking distance of the Wienerwald park before nine the next morning. See the Kunsthistorischen Museum (with the world’s largest collection of Bruegels), explore the MuseumsQuartier (which includes the Leopold Museum and its collection of works by Egon Schiele) and, when night falls, check into the Bristol Hotel, across the street from the famous State Opera (above).

For more information: Austrian Air

Paris is said to have more non-stop flights heading toward it each day than any other city in the world. If you want to maximize your city time, stay at the trendy Hotel Duo in the Marais district, the historical heart of Paris and a hub of nightlife. A beautiful seaside town like Honfleur (above), in Normandy, is within easy reach for a day trip or overnighter within a larger long weekend trip. Continental Airlines recently added a third non-stop daily flight from Newark to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Flying on l’Avion, a new business class only airline, will get you from Newark to Orly, a smaller airport that’s closer to the Paris city center.

For more information: Continental Airlines and L'Avion Airlines

Go to Milan for the fabulous food and fashion, but take a day out for a drive to nearby Lake Como. Consider an overnight stay at Villa d’Este (above), a hotel that’s legendary for its lush gardens and lakeside setting, before heading back to the city. To minimize the risk of lost luggage (and corresponding loss of long-weekend respite), avoid Alitalia and consider Continental or Delta instead.

For more information: Villa d’Este

The most cosmopolitan city on the island continent is far from just about anywhere, but better to settle in for two nights than never to do it at all. You’ll have time for a cruise on Sydney Harbor, a visit to the Opera House, an outing to Bondi Beach (above), shopping on Oxford Street and maybe even time to cuddle a koala. Check out the Global Deals page on Qantas’ web site, where you could find a roundtrip fare as low as $2,442 from JFK to Sydney.

For more information: Qantas Airlines

Volcanoes, geysers, and Björk: Who couldn’t love Iceland? Twenty-four hour winter darkness makes it less than appealing as a year-round destination, but as gonzo weekend venues go it’s hard to beat. Stay in a luxury furnished apartment in downtown Reykjavik with A Room With a View, soak in the mineral-rich waters of The Blue Lagoon (above), and go on a driving tour of the geothermal zone of Geysir (where the word originated) and the Great Atlantic Rift with Iceland excursions. Icelandair’s Lucky Fares are legendary, plus there’s a fall fare sale under way.

For more information: A Room With a View and Iceland excursions and Icelandair’s

In the category of eminently doable outrageous weekends, Las Vegas will always come up a winner—just name your price. J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort's $49,000 "Mancation" package includes four days and three nights in two, two-bedroom suites for up to four "mancationing" adults, private stretch limo to the resort, $1000 in gaming chips per person and an on-hand hostess during play, use of a Ferrari 360 Spider the whole weekend, dinner nightly, and more.

For more information: J.W. Marriott Las Vegas

This little Idaho town is the home of the Dog Bark Park Inn, the world’s largest artificial sleep-in beagle. Cottonwood is near the gateway to the Lewis and Clark Trail and Salmon and Snake rivers. Here you have all the makings for a rural weekend adventure with elements of Americana and the allure of a road trip too.

For more information: Dog Bark Park Inn

Rio de Janeiro is arguably the most beautifully situated city in the world—so haven't you put off seeing it long enough? Fly down for a long weekend and check into the legendary Copacabana Palace Hotel. Check out the girls from Ipanema, ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, and enjoy the hopping nightlife. American Airlines has attractive fares.

For more information: American Airlines

Buenos Aires is exciting, unsung and budget-friendly. Make your weekend headquarters the Faena Hotel + Universe (above), a hotel that resulted from a collaboration between Argentine fashion designer Alan Faena and Philippe Starck. What was once an ordinary grain warehouse on the Puerto Madero Este waterfront is now a plush study in black marble and red velvet. From Miami, LAN Airlines has non-stop flights.

For more information: LAN Airlines

Devoting only a long weekend to what is for many the ultimate Mediterranean playground—and a quick hop from Madrid, Barcelona and many big European cities—may seem like an insufficient sacrifice to Bes, the Phoenician god of good times who carries a lot of weight on the island, but it sure beats not going at all. If you stay at Atzaro (above), indulge in a spa treatment. The spa at this sumptuous hideaway in the hills is set in the middle of a fragrant orange grove. Fly Iberia to Madrid and then connect for the short hop to Ibiza.

For more information: Atzaro and Iberia Airlines