6 Tips to Plan a Fun and Entertaining Weekend Getaway
Does the mundane daily routine of traveling to and from work have you feeling down in the dumps? Are you always daydreaming about being in the Caribbean, sipping on a cold drink with a little umbrella? If you’re craving a change of scenery, it may be time for a weekend getaway.
Weekend vacations are awfully underrated. Although short, they bring back the magic of vacations without having to use up all your PTO days. Plus, what’s better than the spontaneity of unplanned trips? You can take a quick drive to the beach, visit a new city, or even go camping in your backyard.
If you can’t wait to unwind and relax this weekend, but don’t know where to start, then check out these tips to plan the perfect getaway:
1. Lock a Destination
Of course, your plan isn’t moving an inch unless you have a destination in mind. Whether you want to go local or travel a bit further, it’s important to know where you’re going before anything. Your idea of a perfect weekend will help you pick a destination. Are you looking for a place to disconnect from technology and clear your head? Or, are you wanting to explore a new city with a good music scene and amazing food? Or do you want the best of both worlds – someplace like Colorado, maybe?
The diverse landscape, alpine lakes, and the Rocky Mountains make it an ideal destination for any traveler. You can go hiking one day and explore a new town the next. If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience of listening to violinists play some melodic tunes, the Colorado Music Festival is just what you need. Check the classical music schedule for Boulder, CO, to pick your preferred dates.
2. Choose the Right Time for Your Trip
This one’s a no-brainer but an important step nonetheless. Who wants to end up in the rain during the weekend getaway? (Unless you’re planning a romantic trip, of course). Checking the weather forecast will help you better plan what activities to do and what clothes to pack. If you’re traveling somewhere with extreme weather conditions, like the mountains, it’s always better to be prepared.
Plus, you’ll want to make sure you won’t be taking any work calls or have any obligations during your trip. The whole purpose of a weekend getaway is to unwind and recharge, so you’ll want to have that time for yourself.
If you’re running away from the busy streets and noisy city life, ensure to pick a place that’s not going to be too crowded with tourists. You can always look up the best time to visit certain destinations online.
3. Be Picky About Your Travel Buddy
It’s okay to be a bit selfish regarding your weekend getaway. After all, you’re the one planning the trip, and you deserve to enjoy it. But, if you’re planning on bringing someone along, make sure it’s someone you get along with really well.
You’ll spend most of the time with this person, so you want to ensure there won’t be any awkward silences or disagreements. Besides, it’ll make the trip a lot more fun if you’re with someone who is just as crazy as you are. To make the most of your fun weekend getaway, you and your travel bud must be on the same page (chapter: wild and fun).
4. List the Places You’ll Head To
When leaving home, please drop boring and predictable from your dictionary. It is your time to be a little wild and crazy. Make sure you have an itinerary of all the places you want to go and things you want to do. It will allow you to make the most of your trip and not waste time.
If you’re traveling to a new place, do some research beforehand. You don’t want to miss the must-see sights or best restaurants. And if you’re visiting someplace familiar, think about all the places you’ve always wanted to go to but never had the chance.
It could be a pleasant balloon ride over the picturesque landscapes or a thrilling bungee jump off a bridge – anything that’ll give you an adrenaline rush.
When the sun goes down and the night starts getting longer, that’s when the real fun begins. Check out the local bars or clubs and enjoy a night of dancing and drinking. Make some new friends, experience the nightlife, and create some memories that’ll last a lifetime.
5. Plan Your Meals
Food can’t stay out of the equation when considering a fun weekend getaway. You’ll want to ensure you’re not spending all your time waiting in line for a table at the best restaurant in town.
You can look up restaurants in advance and make reservations if necessary. Or, you can find out what the must-try dishes are in the area and plan your meals around that.
If fancy restaurants aren’t your thing, you can always try the pop-up markets or food trucks. They’re usually cheaper and just as delicious. Don’t be predictable and go for the same old things – be adventurous and try something new. Maybe a churro with ice cream or some deep-fried Oreos?
6. Splurge on Shopping
A weekend getaway is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself. You can shop till you drop without feeling guilty. Whether it’s a new outfit for a night out or the most random thing you found in a store, go for it.
You can also take this chance to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home. It’ll be a nice reminder of the fun times you had on your trip.
If you’re visiting a new place, check out the local stores. They usually have unique items that you can’t find anywhere else.
And don’t forget to haggle. It’s a fun experience, and you might get a good deal.
For shoppers with high-end taste, there’s nothing better than a designer outlet. You can find all the luxury brands under one roof and at much lower prices. Do the due diligence and find out if there’s one near where you’ll be staying.
Conclusion
As much as you might not want it to end, all good things must come to an end. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go out with a bang.
Make sure you end the trip on a high note, so you have something to look back on and smile about once back to work. Plan something special for the last day or last night. It could be anything from getting a couple’s massage to getting a tattoo. Be sure you plan your trip such that when it ends, you can resoundingly exclaim, “That was the best trip ever.”
Passionate Writer, Blogger and Amazon Affiliate Expert since 2014.
