Plan a Stress Free Weekend Escape

Why you need a weekend escape

The majority of corporate America gets 2-3 weeks vacation a year. Most people choose to try and save that up over the course of the year and take a few weeks sitting on a beach somewhere, and others save their vacation time up over the course of several years in hopes to cash in on a longer vacation. What happens though when you’ve have a few tough weeks and the stress just builds up and you don’t want to use all of that vacation time? You should consider a weekend escape to refresh your mind and spirits.

There are a few things to consider when looking for a place to escape for the weekend in order to make the most of it.

What’s your definition of relaxing

Personally for me, I have various forms of relaxing. Sitting by the water with a good book is one way to get me to unwind, but a stroll through a few historical museums has the same effect for me sometimes. Learning is my key goal. Your’s may be quite different however, so think about just what it is that you want to be doing with your time.

What is it that you think about doing when you’re sitting at the office wishing you were not working? I bet you dream about driving an Indy car, so why don’t you book a weekend escape at Mario Andretti’s racing school.

Anyone can define what is fun and relaxing to themselves, so figure it out and start planning.

Pick a single location

Its not in your best interest on such a short trip to try and cram in a bunch of touristy activities spread across large distances. Remember this is a weekend vacation meant ease the stress, not accumulate more of it. Depending on what you said based on your definition of relaxation, keep that as your core goal or personal mantra of the weekend.

How long is the flight

If taking Friday or Monday off is out of the question and your weekend escape, its probably not best to spend 9 hours on a flight to Europe each way. Look for destination within no more than 4 hours of your location, and that might even be pushing it on length.

If you leave immediately after work on a Friday you can expect to not get on a flight until at least 7pm assuming you leave for the airport after work. This will put you at your destination between 9pm-1am depending on timezone changes, where you can go to sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to explore first thing Saturday morning.

Leaving can be done two ways. One is to catch a late flight on Sunday back home, or wait until Monday morning and catch the earliest flight available, having prearranged a late arrival to work.

Remember you don’t have to go very far from home to get something different than you’re used to.

Pack light

If you can’t fit a weekend escape in a carry on bag, you’re doing it wrong. This is supposed to be stress free, so why deal with checked luggage and possible lost baggage on such a short trip? Do it right, and pack only the basics. Leave the shampoo, toothpaste, and other liquids behind that you can buy small travel size versions of when you get to your destination. Most hotels have all the toiletries you could ever need, you just need to ask for them. As far as clothing is concerned, you shouldn’t need more than a one or two outfits for just two days, just remember to pack an extra pair of underwear just in case.