One of the many things a military background provides is preparedness. Not preparedness for the sake of preparedness, however, but for the unknown — the mystery that lies just seconds or minutes ahead — that spur-of-the-moment feeling that keeps one fresh, young, and alive.

Spontaneity is exciting, especially when it comes to travel. And for vets, it’s in the blood: that ability to pick up and go anywhere in the world. And be ready for anything.

That’s why many would agree there’s nothing like an impromptu long weekend trip to jar one from a rut, a mechanical routine, and elicit giddiness. A mini adventure — just like that. Fire up an internet browser, tap into a discount travel site like Hotwire (who actually offers this awesome military discount) and enter where you want to go. Moments later, you’re booked and raring to take off.

Unless of course, the destination is up in the air, in which case here are some ideas — the five best last-second long weekend trip stops in the United States:

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Atlanta

Free places to check out: the BeltLine, Centennial Park, Piedmont Park
Great cheap place to eat: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

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Chicago

Free places to check out: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo
Great cheap place to eat: Portillo’s

Austin

Free places to check out: Cathedral of Junk, Lady Bird Lake, Mount Bonnell
Great cheap place to eat: Four Brothers ATX

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San Diego

Free places to check out: Balboa Park, Torrey Pines, Black’s Beach
Great cheap places to eat: Hodad’s, Wahoo’s

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Palm Springs

Free places to check out: San Jacinto Mountains, Tahquitz Canyon
Great cheap places to eat: Wilma & Frieda’s