The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: October seventeenth, making the most of a long weekend.

Once upon a time not that long ago, journeys and extended vacations often last for a month. But in these days of too much work and too few workers, it's hard for many people to set aside the time for a trip measured in weeks. Yet most of us can occasionally steal away for long weekends. Whether it's a trip planned months in advance or a spontaneous getaway, these mini-vacations can be the break everyone needs and a perfect antidote to workplace burnout.

These days it's possible to flee to a romantic beach, take in the museums and night life of a great city or have an outdoor adventure, and be back home before anyone really misses you.

By setting aside their dates early, travelers can net some nice bargains, especially on airfares, but those who know where to look can also find last minute bargains. Lay the ground work by signing up for free e-mail discounts the airlines now issue every Wednesday for travel that weekend. You can do that on the airline's web-site or any of several services that will consolidate the offerings for you. Most also provide discounts on selected hotels. Other sites offer last-minute trip planning, as well as discounts on cruises and package tours. We list ten of them on our web-site: travelersjournal.com.

There are some caveats. Since an unexpected delay can be the brick that breaks a 48-hour window of opportunity, keep your travel simple and short. Drive if you can. If catching a plane, avoid itineraries that involve connections, departures during peak traffic hours or taking the last flight out that night.

Suggestions for 22 great long weekends are laid out in this issue of National Geographic Traveler, a supporter of our program. Listeners can register for a free sample copy when they call 1-800-553-6341.

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