While we all can do with long vacations to very exotic islands, such vacations can be costly both expense and time wise. However, there are times when all we need is a weekend trip that allows you to rejuvenate, have fun and create memorable moments.
While planning a weekend getaway might seem like an easy task, there’s actually a lot that goes into the planning. You will have to think about budget, accommodation, what to bring, where to eat, and, here’s the killer, how to keep your luggage light!
While it isn’t always easy, it doesn’t mean that it’s not doable. Here are a few handy tips for weekend getaways that anyone looking to plan a weekend should bear in mind.
Handy Tips for Weekend Getaways
Keep Light Luggage
Most travelers don’t know how to travel light even when the trip is as short as two days. And I’m not judging – I’m often in this category too!
It’s totally understandable – you’re never too sure what to bring for the trip and love to have alternatives. Plus, if you’re going on a road trip it really doesn’t matter if you overpack when you can toss everything into the back seat of the car. Right?
Alternatives are great, but it’s important that you only carry enough for clothes for three or two days. It saves time on the day when you don’t have to rifle through 10 different outfits, and especially if your trip involves a flight, traveling with carry-on only makes it so much easier to travel.
Consider getting weekender bags that will limit what you carry especially when the trip is just two or three days.
Choose a Destination That Speaks to You
Choosing a destination can be a hard task for most people. One critical rule to remember is that it’s your getaway – unless of course, you plan to go with friends or family – and you should, therefore, choose a place that speaks to you.
If you love the water how about going to someplace that has a beach? If sightseeing is a huge thing for you how about going to a town that will allow you to explore and sight-see from dawn till dusk.
Remembering that you only have 2-3 days, it’s best to pick a destination with a maximum 5 hours travel time. Otherwise transit eats into too much of your actual getaway.
Accommodation
When planning your trip, this is one of the most important things you need to factor in. And especially since you only have a few days, location should be your first priority.
If you are headed to the beach, finding accommodation near the beach is a great way of helping you reduce the time you spend from your room to where the beach is.
If you’re taking a city break, staying within walking distance of the main sights will mean you won’t have to rely on public transport.
When choosing accommodation for a short weekend getaway, your priority should be choosing a location that allows you to maximize your time.
Budget
This is at the top of the list when it comes to handy tips for weekend getaways. While you can plan a weekend getaway within two days, your budget will largely determine where you want to go to.
And be advised that just because you’re only traveling for two days, doesn’t mean it can’t get expensive.
A 2 day luxury city break could easily be more expensive than a 2 week budget backpacking adventure. Especially if you throw activities like shopping into the mix.
So it’s important to plan out a budget even for weekend getaways. Not having a budget can mean you spend a lot more than you otherwise would have, so make sure you plan it carefully.
Itinerary
Depending on the duration of your weekend, you could plan out an itinerary for each day, or you could decide to keep your plans flexible to explore at leisure.
Either way, it’s a good idea to research your destination and make a list of some of the places you’d love to visit, dine in or activities that you’d like to take part in.
Even if you’re a spontaneous traveler, not having at least an idea of what you want to do wastes precious time figuring it out once you arrive.
And you want to be out there exploring and enjoying your weekend getaway – not getting to know the concierge’s first name!
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
References: TCVB Fashion Trends, Departful, NY Times, The Globe Trotting Teacher
13 Comments
No. Travelling with carry on can be :
1. Hard on the back
2. Contributing to early exhaustion
3. Causing problems with gels and liquids and make up in carryon
4. Anxiety about luggage space in overhead
So no, I check luggage all the time.to be able to relax.
Hi Max, thanks for sharing your travel style. We’ve personally found that traveling carryon only can be very liberating, so much easier to move around and a lot less hassle dealing with checking luggage. And if you choose the correct bag with back support in mind you shouldn’t have any trouble with that or with exhaustion.
It is always a personal preference though, and has its pros and cons as with everything :)
Happy travels!
Thanks!
You’re welcome Miranda, I’m glad the post was helpful :)
We can’t ever take time off for a weeklong vacation, so weekend trips are our travel. Fortunately living in London means that we have a lot of Europe within a short flight, and we’ve become quite good at perfecting the 36 hour itinerary!
So many cool short flights at your disposal from London … I loved the 12 months I spent there for the ease of weekend trips :)
Picking an easy to reach destination is so important, and we usually try to travel on the Friday night so we have the whole day on Saturday, and then head back as late as possible on Sunday night. A four hour drive max, or a non-stop flight otherwise you really do waste far too much time traveling and it’s not worthwhile.
Absolutely Deedee, and flying on the Friday night to maximize the Saturday is a clever strategy :)
We live in Australia, so the weekend getaway means local travel. Mad jealous of people who live in Europe and Asia, so many possibilities for short vacations!!
I’m in Australia too so I share in your jealousy :D!
this is a perfect article for someone looking for tips on how to plan a weekend getaway!
Thanks Monika! I’m so glad it was helpful. Hope you’re having a great weekend :)
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