Sometimes, a weekend getaway is all you need when you want to relax and recharge before the busy week begins.
It’s alright to take a break from your regular routine every once in a while. In fact, you need it!
Taking short breaks are excellent for your health because you’re less likely to spend money on doctor’s fees and hospital bills.
For you to plan a better and unforgettable weekend getaway, here are tips for a memorable short break:
1. Consider your interests for a destination
Choosing the right destination can be a hard task for some people. Unless you’re traveling with family and friends, remember that it’s your vacation.
So choose a place that speaks most to you and consider your interests.
If you’re drawn to the water, then why not hit up the beach? If you want to go sight-seeing, then why not explore a town or city you haven’t visited before?
2. Do your research
Before you go to your destination, why not do a little pre-trip homework? You can research the places where you can stay like the best accommodation deals, nearby places to visit, and things to do in a particular destination.
3. Plan out a budget
Before you pick a destination for your weekend getaway, one of the things that you have to consider is your budget.
Not everyone could afford to spend thousands of dollars on a trip, so it’s better to have a rough budget first before you proceed with the planning. That way, you can spend your vacation knowing that you can afford it financially. Also, consider the costs of things like transportation, sightseeing, activities, food, and accommodations.
While a lot of people are led to believe that traveling is expensive, if you have a smaller budget, you can still travel close to home.
4. Choose your accommodation wisely
Some travelers prefer spontaneity in their travels, but the reality is, going on a weekend getaway is not always super flexible.
Chances are, you don’t have the time to make decisions, especially if you’re going for a trip that lasts only three or four days long. That’s why it’s best to book your accommodations in advance.
Also, when considering accommodation options, don’t just limit yourself to hotels. You can also search for guesthouses, Airbnb rentals, hostels, campsites, and so on.
Where you’re staying depends on what kind of traveler you are. It’s also best to book yourself to where the “action” is. Close to the beach or the city center. Also, you’d usually find the best rates for your stay if you book weeks in advance.
5. Figure out how long it will take to get there
Another vital piece of advice that you need to factor in is to consider how long it will take you to get to your destination. If you’re only driving 2 hours away from home, then you can take a day off at work, and you can still fit the trip over the weekend.
On the other hand, when you’re flying about 5 hours away, then a 4-hour trip should be ideal.
It’s best to decide where do you want to go first, then figure out how long it will take you to get there and go back home again. That’s where you can start planning the rest of your travel.
6. Set up your itinerary
Depending on the duration of your trip, you can map out an itinerary for each day, or you can keep it flexible enough so you can explore your leisure.
It’s best to research your destination beforehand and make a list of the places that you want to visit, dine, or activities that you want to do.
Even if you consider yourself a spontaneous traveler, it’s best to have an idea of what you want to do so that you won’t waste precious time once you arrive at your destination.
7. Pack light
If you’re going for a two or three-day trip, bring two to three days’ worth of clothes. It’s best to trim down your things as much as you can so that you’ll know for sure what you can use.
Bringing alternatives are great, but the most important thing is to carry two to three days’ worth of clothes on your trip. Packing light also means that there are less stress and hassle during your trip, which is what a weekend getaway is all about.
It saves you more time, too, since you don’t have to dig in through ten different outfits, especially if you’re traveling via plane. Traveling with the best carry-on luggage makes it easier for you to move.
Long weekend getaways are a great way to break away from routines and other stressors from your work and personal life without sacrificing a lot of your time and money. You can even prepare for a few long weekend getaways in a year!