Imagine actually enjoying the commute to downtown Los Angeles. Ponder doing the run in comfort, with no traffic, no stress – maybe even while sipping a glass of merlot. Think Amtrak.

Re-connect to the Big Easy with a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. The hotel's Reconnect package, for $179 a night, includes accommodations in a city view room with breakfast for two at Melange – the hotel restaurant, where guests sample signature dishes from 18 other top restaurants in the city: Try Arnaud's Classic Eggs Benedict for breakfast.