Oct 25, 2023
Easy Steps to Plan a Weekend Getaway
Everyone loves weekend getaways, but effective planning is the only way to have fun. The best part about planning a weekend getaway is that you get to go on a holiday without traveling seriously. Serious travel plans can be complicated when it comes to planning; however, weekend getaways are much easier.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, have a look at the steps below and have the time of your life.
Make a Budget
Traveling can be expensive. Budgeting will allow you to travel better and enjoy the getaway with a relaxed mind, as the last thing you will want to consider is your finances. You will want to plan a vacation and have quality time without feeling super broke.
If you are on a low budget, you might feel slightly discouraged to leave town and enjoy quality time with yourself. However, even if it is a low budget, you can make a few adjustments accordingly. For instance, you might avoid heading far away and choose a nearby place instead so you can return home later – on the same day – without booking a place for the night.
There are plenty of fun places to visit, even when you are low on money. So, you will want to start planning the getaway with your budget in mind. Depending on your budget, you can plan a mini-vacation and get other people on board to split the expenses.
If you opt for a road trip, you can prepare most snacks at home, so you don’t have to spend money on food. Don’t forget to bring your portable water bottle so you can refill water on the way without buying it.
Select Your Destination
You will want to choose a destination that you like while keeping in mind that you will want to keep things as simple as possible. So, be mindful while deciding where you want to go. Ideally, you should avoid opting for a destination that you cannot reach via the road.
Ideally, your weekend getaway destination should be at a reasonable distance from home that you can drive to so that you can keep things simple over the weekend. Another determining factor will be the cost, so you will want to choose a destination that suits your travel budget.
That said, if you are on a budget, you will want to choose a nice picnic spot that is less populated – ideally – some beautiful place in the countryside. If you choose a nice spot in the countryside, you will need to pack food and drinks too. So, choose one of the best hard coolers to keep your beverages cold and food fresh.
If you are stuck at choosing the best destination for your weekend getaway, you can make a list of your dream destinations that you would like to visit. Depending on who you are traveling with, you will want to invite your friends or partner to give their opinion.
Assess the Travel Route
Once you have decided on the weekend getaway destination, you will want to decide on how you intend to get there. Since it will be a short holiday (for the weekend only), your ideal option would be to drive to your destination.
However, the thing is that everyone has different travel preferences, which is why you might want to book a flight in advance if flying is your preferred mode of travel. But – we strongly recommend opting for a road trip for a weekend getaway.
If you do the research, we are sure that you will find loads of things to see and do over the weekend that are at a reasonable driving distance from your home. That said, if you are driving to your weekend destination, then you will want to take your car to the mechanic to ensure that it doesn’t break down in the middle of the road.
Select a Place to Stay
Since it will be a weekend getaway, you will need a place to stay for the weekend as well. You can get on a weekend getaway by staying at a luxurious hotel or inn you have always dreamed about.
If you want to add an adventurous touch to your weekend getaway, you could also consider camping and experiencing Mother Nature at a more intimate level. We recommend avoiding vacation rentals, such as Airbnb, for your weekend getaway because you wouldn’t want added fees to your short trip and unnecessarily spend money.
However, whatever you do comes down to your personal preferences, so you will want to check all potential accommodation options and choose the one that seems like the best option for you. You can find your much-needed information on the internet and can make bookings from the comfort of your home.
Pack for Your Trip
Now that you have completed your initial plans, you can pack the things you want to take with you on the weekend getaway. The things you pack should reflect your destination, the season, and the activities that you would like to do on your getaway.
As a rule of thumb, you will want to make a list of things that you need to take with you and then tick off the items from your list as you continue packing your bags. Ideally, you should keep your papers close to you in an anti-theft crossbody bag.
If you have decided to go hiking, you will want to include a backpack to carry your essentials with you, including healthy snacks and a portable water bottle so that you can keep sipping water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Don’t forget to pack your power bank, sunscreen, wipes, and hand sanitizers. You must include your medicines and supplements, too.
Final Thoughts
Planning a weekend getaway will help you feel like you are on vacation without spending a lot of money. Taking some time off from work can help you feel better mentally and physically. People who frequently go on trips and take vacations have fewer health problems and have a positive outlook on life.