Imagine breaking free from the 9 to 5 grind without breaking the bank, and heading off to a new place for some family adventure.
That’s where weekend getaways come in! They’re a chance to spend quality time with your family, experience new places, and let go of the stress of day-to-day life.
Without the need for extensive planning or exorbitant expenses, a short trip can splendidly recharge your batteries and let you bond with your kids.
Use these tips to help with planning a weekend getaway that will help you let go of the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with your loved ones.
Planning Your Weekend Escape
Embarking on the quest for the perfect weekend getaway might seem daunting at first, especially when you likely want to squeeze every drop of family fun you can into those precious two days.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to start with a little planning, to help ensure you all have a great time.
The best place to start can be to create a “quick trip fund.” Since weekend getaways are less expensive, you likely won’t need to set much aside each paycheck before you’re ready to head out on your adventure!
Next, comes the fun part – picking a destination. Whether it’s an unexplored corner near home or a bustling city, the idea is to find great deals that maximize the fun without draining your wallet.
Finally, it’s time to make some lists, so that you have some basic plans about what you want to do and what you need to bring for your weekend getaway.
If you’re making a quick trip across the border from Canada to the USA, then passports, travel insurance info, and a prepaid sim card for USA calls will all be a must, for example.
Or, if you’re exploring the great outdoors in a nearby provincial or state park, you’ll want to ensure that you have bug spray, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.
Regardless of your destination and your planned activities, leave time for some spontaneous fun as well.
Keeping an open mind could lead you to some spectacular places and amazing activities that you might not have experienced otherwise.
Remember, the essence of weekend vacations lies not in the distance traveled, but in the memories created and the time spent together as a family.
Details Matter: Lodging and Transport
As anyone who’s ever decided on a quick trip over a weekend will tell you, lodging and transport can make or break your perfect weekend getaway.
Start by deciding how you’ll be traveling to your destination. Do you need to book plane tickets? If so, you’ll likely want to buy them at least two months in advance.
Or, if you’re planning to drive to your weekend getaway spot, think about whether you want to take your own vehicle, or use a rental for your trip.
Then, it’s time to consider your sleeping arrangements.
If you have a large family, a home rental may be a great choice, especially since you’ll have access to a kitchen so you can save on eating out.
On the other hand, if you have young kids, then looking for a hotel with kid-friendly amenities like a pool or a kids club may be a better option.
If you’re the adventurous type, consider roughing it at a nearby campground! Camping with kids can be a lot of fun for all ages.
No matter what options you choose, seeking out those great deals well in advance isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential for keeping the stress levels low and ensuring you have more to spend on enjoying your time away.
By comparing your choices and booking your stay and ride early, you’re not just locking in some great rates, but also giving yourself the luxury of choice – something that’s especially important when you’re heading out with kids.
Planning Entertainment
Even on short weekend trips, there may be times when your family is left with free time, wondering what to do.
So, to avoid those inevitable “I’m BORED!” complaints from the kids, take the time to plan out things to do in your downtime.
For some kids, that may be as simple as packing a coloring book and a new box of pencil crayons. Others might prefer activities like card games.
If you’re hitting the road to get to your destination, then pick out a few fun games to play in the car. This can be a great way to bond with your kids while also keeping them occupied.
If you’re flying to your destination, then consider packing snacks, magnetic board games, and activity books for the flight.
A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to making sure your kids have a great time even if you aren’t out and about every second of your weekend getaway!
Consider a Digital Detox
Imagine, just for a couple of days, saying goodbye to the constant binging of your phone, the glow of your laptop, and the relentless stream of emails.
A weekend getaway with your family can be a great time to do just that!
Stepping away from our screens allows us to reconnect with the world around us and, more importantly, the loved ones we’re sharing our short trip with.
It can be a wonderful experience to enjoy quality time without distractions, as you discover new places and make memories with your kids.
And you can also likely expect improved sleep, a significant drop in stress levels, and an overall great time.
A digital detox vacation can be an especially good choice if you have teens that also tend to be glued to their screens.
Since the whole family is taking part in the experience, and since you’re out doing something fun in a new place, your kids will be less likely to complain about the loss of their devices.
Discovering What Works For You
In the end, it’s important to remember that every family is unique, and the perfect weekend getaways for others may not suit you and your kids at all.
Think about the things your family most enjoy, and make sure that when planning your weekend getaway, you tailor your choices to ensure that everyone has something fun to do.
And, if one type of trip doesn’t end up being a good fit for you, then take it as a learning experience to help you plan an even better family getaway next time!
After the rush of discovering new places and experiencing the thrill of a perfect weekend getaway, it’s natural to feel a touch of sadness as you return to the routine of daily life.
Yet, this is exactly why weekend vacations are so special. They remind us that adventure and relaxation are never far away, and that quality time with our loved ones can be easier than we think.
The joy of a spontaneous family weekend, the excitement of snagging great deals for a short trip somewhere new, these experiences enrich our lives beyond measure.
As you unpack your bags and get back into your usual family routine, let the memories of your great time inspire you to keep these short vacations a recurring feature in your calendar.
There’s no need to wait and pine for the next long holiday when the perfect weekend getaway with your family could be just around the corner!