This post is brought to you by The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express. As you plan your vacations for next year, try to think outside of the old standards. Instead of LA, New York or Chicago, what about Boulder, Asheville or Minneapolis? All three could be called second-tier, sure, but they’re definitely not lacking in scenery, food, drinks or atmosphere. Plus, they’re all going through a bit of a renaissance lately, so…

This post is a sponsored collaboration between Gothamist and the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express. Can you fit your whole trip in the overhead bin? Packing for short journeys can be surprisingly tough! With the help of SPG Amex, we asked six travel pros to share their ideal weekend destination and exactly how they’d stuff that carry-on for a few days away….