I’m the kind of person who peruses wikitravel regularly.

I like to look at the advice given to tourists in a certain area; I like reading about how to get around efficiently and what foods I should try. I feel like I can go just about anywhere vicariously by clicking random links, but unfortunately for me, given the current economic state and the state of my wallet and bank account, I’m probably not going to get too far this holiday season.

But there are places I can check out easily that are only a car, bus or train ride away. Here are some ideas for weekend getaways this winter:

*Leavenworth, Wash.:

This picturesque Bavarian-themed town is perfect for a weekend getaway, especially if you want to get into the holiday spirit. Shop downtown for handmade gifts for your friends and family while enjoying the architecture of the shops and sweeping backdrop of the mountains — you’ll really feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.

How to get there: Leavenworth is about a two-hour drive east of Seattle, following U.S. Route 2. Look up specific directions using mapquest.com or maps.google.com.

What to do: Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Book a sleigh ride, catch a performance of A Christmas Carol or a Christmas in the Mountains concert, do your holiday shopping and more. Check out Leavenworth’s tourist Web site for more information on events, ticket prices and business directories: leavenworth.org.

*North Bend and Snoqualmie, Wash.:

In the mood to visit Santa this Christmas? Take a trip to North Bend, where the Santa Train will take thousands to Santa’s home in Snoqualmie, er, the North Pole. The Santa Train runs Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20, taking visitors to greet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and treating them to cookies and complementary gifts.

How to get there: North Bend and Snoqualmie are about a half hour to an hour drive east of Seattle along Interstate 90. It is possible to take several buses to North Bend; check transit.metrokc.gov.

What to do: While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to hike, ski or browse the shops in the area, depending on your idea of fun.

For more information, visit trainmuseum.org/SantaTrain.asp or www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us/

*Portland, Oregon:

Feel like you’re still not getting far enough away? Portland is four hours away by train, and offers its own unique blend of holiday cheer. Boasting countless holiday activities, you won’t get bored there.

How to get there: Driving will take about three to three and a half hours, and a train ride on Amtrak will take a little bit longer for about $30.

What to do: Holiday bazaars and artisan markets, a Christmas Ships parade and a mansion decorated in the spirit of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, will take place this December. Check out travelportland.com for more information on events, hotel packages, tips and more.

*Vancouver, Canada:

For those of us jealous of friends or family who are jet-setting to foreign locales for the holidays, take comfort in the fact that Canada is only hours away. OK, while not as tropical as Hawaii or Fiji may be, our northern neighbors offer a plethora of holiday activities.

How to get there: Vancouver is a pleasant three-hour drive away along I-5 North. One other option is taking a bus shuttle, $56 round trip for students, according to quickcoach.com.

What to do: Check out the light shows from 6-10 p.m. nightly at Canada Place (yes, that is the real address: Canada Place, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.), watch a stage version of the classic It’s A Wonderful Life from the Arts Club Theatre Company and don’t forget to “shop the line” on the weekends, when you can hop on a free trolley that stops along many major shopping, dining and entertainment routes.

For more information, visit canadaplace.ca/christmas, artsclub.com and shoptheline.ca.

*Forks, Wash.:

With the intense popularity of the Twilight books and movie, Forks has, for better or worse, become quite the tourist destination.

How to get there: Head north on I-5 to Edmonds to catch the ferry to Kingston, after which you can drive along WA-104 and then US-101. The drive can take up to four hours.

What to do: Visitors from all over the world are flocking to the little town on the Olympic Peninsula to see where Bella met Edward and the rest of the vampiric Cullen clan. Go to Forks to see her supposed home and the police station where her father works, but be sure to take in everything else that Forks has to offer, including lush rainforests and gorgeous beaches that are only miles away.

For more information, visit forkswa.com.