Jamaica Hijacking Puts Focus on Stateside Jaunts

The Jamaica hostage situation that broke headlines on Monday morning has wound down safely, but it does have us thinking about vacations closer to home today. If you don't have time to travel far, there are plenty of places to stop for a quick work break--possibly even in your backyard.

The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea- Wailea-Maui offers weekend getaway packages that are an easy hop-skip of three hours from the West Coast, and without any hang-ups. Named the "#1 Tropical Resort in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler readers twice in the past six years, this Maui stop provides glamorous settings for a hassle-free escape. If you're an East Coast traveler looking for something within train's reach, The Rittenhouse or Four Seasons Philadelphia are an easy ride away from New York City.

Planning to go for something really lush? Las Vegas luxury hotels booked at Whatahotel.com provide an easy change of scenery along with affordable entertainment, because you can score plenty of discounts at your hotel. Relish the change of pace that's just a shuttle bus trip away from Los Angeles or an interesting 4.5 hour drive from other Californian points of interest.

If you did have your hopes set on Jamaican luxury hotels, never fear: this isolated incident won't put a kink in your plans. With the proper precautions, the skies are yours, whether you are jetting off to Los Angeles, Denver, Montreal, or Montego Bay.