Looking to get away for a weekend getaway? There are dozens of different weekend getaway ideas that can fit any budget, lifestyle or desire. Maybe a quick in town getaway or a short road trip to a nearby town. Relax and rejuvenate with a spa weekend or a romantic getaway for two. Hop on a plane and head to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway and let it all hang out. No matter what kind of weekend getaway you want, it’s totally doable!
Best Weekend Getaway Ideas
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If you are seeking the perfect weekend getaway, there are many ways to achieve that goal. The trickiest part may be deciding on what kind of weekend you want to have or what you feel like doing. Read on to see all the types of weekend getaways and options you have. After figuring out what type of weekend getaway you want, then read on to see how to plan it.
Related: Top Weekend Getaway Destinations Around The World
Types of Weekend Getaways
The first and most important thing to do is to hone in on what you want to do. Once you are clear about that, the next steps become easier. Sometimes you are in the mood for a relaxing vacation getaway and other times you are in the mood for some serious challenges.
There are many relaxing types of weekend getaways including:
- Beach getaways
- Lake front cabins in the woods in spring
- Spa retreats
- Boating getaways
- Camping
- Staycations
And there are dozens of supercharged weekend getaways as well; here are just a few:
- Skiing
- Mountain biking
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- Surfing
- Amusement parks
- Concerts
Once you know exactly what you are in the mood for, the next step is to find that perfect weekend getaway. Choose how you want to travel; by car, by rail, by plane, or even by boat.
Related: Saving on Travel
All-Inclusive Weekend Getaway Package
If you are going to get away for the weekend, look to see if your hotel or resort is all-inclusive. Sometimes an all-inclusive resort will offer you one set price for meals, drinks, and lodging. On some occasions, these types of lodging can save you some money.
Sandals resorts are some of the most popular with some of the best beaches, best in luxury and best in relaxation.
Girls Weekend Ideas
If you are traveling with your girlfriends, then there is good news. It has never been easier to get away for the weekend with your girlfriends and do so inexpensively. The reason for this is that you can get an awesome group rate for you and your girlfriends just about anywhere.
Ever since the economy went down, extras and extravagant luxuries also came down in price. Companies eager to still stay afloat and do business offer group rates that are excellent.
For example, you can head to Florida and stay in one of the lesser-known and least crowded areas such as St. Petersburg. The beaches are beautiful, but the cost is much less than your typical Miami or Orlando stay.
You could also rent a hotel room in Manhattan, share the cost, and partake in activities that offer group rates such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The beauty of a girls’ getaway is that it resembles an old-fashioned sleepover, with a bunch of girls crammed into one room, this time sharing the expense.
Solo Weekend Getaway Ideas
Traveling solo is a huge thing these days and it can be very relaxing and rejuvenating. Packing up your car and just hitting the road alone. Giving your mind time to sort out all the chaos of daily life.
Any weekend getaway that 2 can do, can be done solo. Solo traveling is a way for you to explore exactly what you want and how you want. Nobody to answer for and no doing things you don’t want to do.
Maybe you are traveling solo because you are single. In that case, check out Best Singles Travel. Might just meet someone special. All the types of weekend getaway ideas can apply to solo travelers.
RELATED: Three Awesome Weekend Getaways in the USA
Romantic Weekend Getaway Ideas
If you are planning a romantic weekend getaway, you are in luck. Variety is the spice of life on this one. You could always opt for a more luxurious hotel in New York City that offers spa treatments and choose to do things that are free such as a romantic picnic in the middle of Central Park or a stroll down Fifth Avenue to window shop.
Choosing not to partake in all the expensive activities in New York City is a great and innovative idea. Bryant Park often offers a huge tree and the most amazing hot chocolate to indulge in after ice-skating for a bit.
These are fairly inexpensive holiday treats to enjoy. Bryant Park also offers vendors selling goods from beautiful landscape portraits to holiday ornaments to peruse.
Bed and breakfasts during off-season are one of my favorite inexpensive weekend getaway ideas. This is such a fun way to save some money, as is traveling off-season to other destinations.
You never know what you may encounter by traveling off-season to different locations. You may just find a new and inexpensive weekend getaway ideas along the way.
Winter Romantic Weekend Getaway Ideas
If you love the snow, but just not driving in it to get to work, then a winter wonderland vacation is for you. You can choose from a variety of lodging options on Booking.com such as:
- A bed and breakfast
- A country inn
- A log cabin
- A lodge
There are many activities that you can partake in on a winter wonderland, as well.
- You can go horseback riding in the snow
- Have a sleigh ride through a winter wonderland, just you and your honey
- Take in the view in front of a crackling fireplace
- Do hot yoga together and get a hot stone massage
- Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner for two overlooking some great mountain somewhere
Related: Save on Travel
Fall Romantic Weekend Getaway Ideas
What better way to end the summer than to take a weekend getaway; especially if you did not get the opportunity to go away with your love over the summer. You can enjoy the fall season in all its abundance in so many ways.
- Take a trip through the countryside and watch the leaves fall and be in awe of their changing colors
- Visit a farm for apple and pumpkin picking
- Go antiquing
- Have a picnic under the stars
Warmer Weather Romantic Weekend Getaway Ideas
If you are looking for a few creative ideas for the spring or summer months, why not try these on for size.
- Camp right on the beach
- Rent out a small beach hut for the weekend
- Go to a winery and do a wine tasting
- Check out some local fresh fruit and produce and crafts at a local market fair
- Take in a movie under the stars
As you can see, there is an endless stream of romantic ideas for each and every season. It is just a matter of choosing a season, and, of course, the reason is love.
Outdoor Weekend Getaway Ideas
Some people love to get away for the weekend and simply rest and relax, while others really get a charge from spending time in the great outdoors. If you are one of those who love to be outside, you won’t want to miss these outdoor weekend getaway ideas!
Depending on whether or not you are traveling with family, friends, co-workers, or loved ones, a weekend getaway in the great outdoors can be rejuvenating. While some people do not understand this concept, it is true.
You can recharge your batteries by getting some much-needed fresh air and sunshine while partaking in some exciting and adventurous activities.
Depending on what you like, there are many options for an outdoor weekend getaway to choose from. You can also use this opportunity to try something you have never tried before, such as fishing or even hunting depending on the season.
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Fishing and Hunting
While you may be thinking that fishing and hunting are manly man sports think again. Many women enjoy fishing, especially after their first catch. There is nothing like the feeling of hooking your first fish.
Living on a lake and growing up in the country I know how enjoyable this can be. I have caught many fish, and also have my first and only deer mounted on my wall.
In addition, many women enjoy helping their man cook up their catch, whether it is from fishing or hunting. Women and men that hunt and fish together have the opportunity to try something new and have a common bonding experience as well.
Camping
There is nothing quite as exciting when it comes to outdoor weekend getaways as camping in the woods. There is something so natural about camping that makes you feel alive. Getting that close to nature leaves you with a different perspective on things.
Getting away from it all and roughing it makes you grateful and allows you to recognize how those modern conveniences may just be making you a bit soft. Camping is an opportunity for traditions such as scary ghost stories for your children, s’mores, snuggling by the fire and stargazing. These are family weekend memories that are irreplaceable.
Grab your camping gear, or rent an RV and hit the road for a weekend getaway adventure.
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Outdoor Retreats
Many communities throughout the world offer outdoor retreats in the form of fitness retreats and holistic retreats. Walking, yoga, and meditation done in the great outdoors are a perfect example.
Hundreds flock every year to the same site in order to connect with nature, and to reconnect with their soul.
There are even some outdoor retreats based on spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer rituals that leave individuals feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and in alignment with their higher selves.
If you feel up to an adventure why not pursue an outdoor weekend getaway. Go hiking, fishing, or white water rafting for thrills. Or hot air ballooning, yoga or mediation for relaxation?
Sometimes Groupon has fun outdoor attractions and tours you can snag at great prices.
Rejuvenating Weekend Getaway Ideas
There are so many pills, diets, and fads that claim to rejuvenate your body and mind, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned weekend getaway. A weekend getaway does not have to be expensive or far away; it can be something as simple as staying in an old refurbished barn and packing a picnic lunch or visiting a relative.
A weekend getaway can be anything you would like. From a thrill a minute adventure to a chance to unwind in a new location. Here are a few ideas to not only inspire your travel plans, but also to rejuvenate your body and your mind with a weekend getaway.
Visiting Family
If you are fortunate enough to be able to go home and visit your family, then how about taking a weekend trip to do just that? Some individuals do not have the opportunity to go back home, so if you do, take advantage of that fact.
Family homes where you grew up in are the most rejuvenating place you can go. The stories you can share with other family members and the old memories you can recreate are priceless. As well as that, you can create new memories on your family weekend getaway.
When you leave your family home, chances are you will feel refreshed and ready to face reality once again.
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Spa Weekend Getaway
You may visit a spa near your home and get a massage and even a facial with a manicure and pedicure; however, you return home to the same old scene.
A spa weekend getaway is designed with just that in mind, the feeling of getting away from it all. When you enter the world of spa treatments, you can choose an array of treatments that suit your needs.
You may be in sore need of a good massage or a simple walk through nature, or both. Some time on the mat doing yoga may be just the thing the doctor ordered.
Groupon often has amazing deals in your area, or the area you are traveling to.
Related: Best Ways to Fund Your Travels
Benefits of a Weekend Getaway
There are many benefits to going away for the weekend, wherever you do. Here are some examples:
- Recharge
- Rejuvenate
- Unwind
- Relax
- Refresh
- Gain clarity
- Attain health goals
- Learn a new skill
- Go on an adventure
- Meet new people
- Try something new
Sometimes weekend getaways are not about relaxing at all. Sometimes they are about trying something adventurous such as white water rafting, surfing, skiing, or hiking. Hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and mountain biking along with rock climbing may be the very thing you need to recharge your batteries, your mind, and your body.
No matter how you look at it, getting away for the weekend is a wonderful tool to refresh, recharge, and rejuvenate your body, soul, and mind. Moreover, it does not really matter what you do while you are away. Weekend getaways are like medicine for the soul.
Do you have a favorite way to rejuvenate your body and mind? Drop me a comment, I’d love to hear your ideas.
Planning Your Weekend Getaway
Fortunately, there is not a whole lot of work to do when planning a weekend getaway. A weekend getaway is more like an escape than a traditional vacation. While a traditional vacation involves a lot of planning around sightseeing, activities, and tours. It also involves quite a bit of packing and paperwork, telephone conversations with travel agents or airlines and hotels.
With a weekend getaway, you have the option to do as little or as much as you desire. The choice is yours. In addition, since your time is limited, you will find that you are like a kid in a candy shop waiting to savor every last bite.
There are, however, a few things you need to do in order to make the most of your weekend. Let’s cover the basics of planning a weekend getaway.
Choose Your Destination Carefully
As obvious as this may sound, many couples choose a destination that pleases his or her mate, but leaves them feeling a bit left out in the cold. Make certain that you choose a destination carefully because weekend getaways do not come often.
You want to make the most out of your weekend time away. It is important to take time to really discover what would work for the both of you. If one of you is looking for an adventure and the other is looking to simply rest and relax, it is important to hammer out the destination details so that both parties are satisfied.
Related: Universal Orlando
Settling the Kids
If you have younger children, make sure the friend or family member caring for them while you are gone has all of their important phone numbers such as their pediatrician. Be sure that all medications, especially over-the-counter medicines, are freshly replaced. Make sure to let your sitter know of any allergies to medicines or foods and their likes and dislikes when it comes to eating.
Maybe buy some new board games or coloring books to keep the little ones entertained or have an outing outside of the home planned for them like a picnic in the park.
It might even be a good idea to have a back-up sitter just in case something comes up, such as illness, for your number one sitter. Better to plan for worst-case scenario and have a family member on call.
Taking Care of Pets
Of course, right after the children are secure, you’ll want to make sure you have proper care for your pets. You may choose to board your pet or have the sitter care for them, too. Make sure your pet has plenty of supplies such as food, bones, and toys on hand. Leave a detailed instruction as to how many times per day the dog needs walking, if you have one.
You can use a service like Trusted House Sitters and have your home and pets taken care of easily without them having to leave the home.
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Securing Your Home
If children and pets are not of concern, make sure to have a neighbor take in your mail and cancel your newspaper. You do not want to make it obvious that you are away.
Also, shut off any water that you can and take care to shut off all appliances and toss out any old food in the fridge and throw away the garbage.
With these few simple tips, you are well on your way to a carefree weekend getaway. You can also use Trusted House Sitters for this. Find someone to come to your home and watch over the house, pets or both.
Pick the type of lodging you want
Think out of the box and off the beaten path for this one. There are hundreds of old inns and even historic barns that have been refurbished for you to stay at, whether you are traveling romantically or with the girls.
One of the latest and hottest trends is to locate a mansion that utilizes part of its old historic rooms as a weekend getaway dream. Or even finding a haunted place to stay.
Once you have discovered what you want from your weekend getaway and what type of lodging you wish to stay in, it is so much easier to decide on a location. Many individuals start with the location and then look for activities and lodging.
However, if you think outside the box on this, you will be pleasantly surprised. Find unique lodging by searching TripAdvisor.
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Research and Talk to Others
For information, of course, use the internet and sites like Tripadvisor, but also ask friends, family members, colleagues, and even people you chat with in line at the grocery store. You will find the most amazing tidbits of information in the oddest of places.
Or seek the advice and expertise of a travel agent, go online, get information on social media and blogs, and even go to the library. Finding the perfect weekend getaway may take a little effort, but in the end, it is so worth the time.
If you are seeking to go away for the weekend, you need to hone in on your destination and your desires. Do you want to be full of activity and run every minute that you are away? Or, do you want to rest and relax the entire time? Maybe a little of both?
Once you know what you want to do, then it is time to get busy and seek out the best weekend getaway package that you can find. There are certain things you need to look for in your weekend getaway package in order to get the most out of your weekend experience.
Price Point
When you are booking a weekend package, it is essential that you shop around. Do an extensive compare and contrast way before the scheduled weekend is to happen. In this way, you ensure that you have done enough research to get the most bang for your buck. Prices online change fast.
Always check out places like Tripadvisor for great rates, ideas, and deals.
Look for packages that include benefits such as:
- Half price tickets to shows
- Free bottle of wine
- Discount coupon to local eateries
- Group rates on sights such as museums and tourist spots
- Something for free – whether it be free continental breakfast or a free haircut at the hotel salon
Related: Why You Should Vacation Solo
Don’t be afraid to point out to competitors what other packages are offering to see if they are willing to up the ante. Also, let travel agents know that this is your first time using their service and that you expect them to make you a repeat customer by giving you the best discounts and freebies.
Groupon also offers great discounts at many places like spas, restaurants, hotels, and fun events and things to do wherever you might be headed.
Reputation and Customer Service
If you are booking with a travel agency for the first time, make sure to ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have ever used this agency or service before so that they can offer input.
Also, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to of the customer service agents that work for the company putting together your potential package. Chances are that if your customer service questions are not met satisfactorily, you will not have a good travel experience either.
If you find a package deal from an airline, agency, or online business, make sure you see if they offer variety, discounts, customer service, and have a good reputation to back them up, too. You can use our booking tools to help as well.
Everyone needs to get away now and again, especially these days when stress is at its highest. What is even more stressful sometimes is that weekend getaways may not come cheap. Trying to find inexpensive weekend getaway ideas is not always easy.
Where to Look for Deals
Finding great deals isn’t as hard as one might think. There are many sites you can sign up for their newsletter so you get deals to your inbox weekly. Or check out places like Tripadvisor for great deals, and reviews. Sign up for That Traveling Chick Travel TidBits email as we share deals often.
Ways Weekend Getaways Can Be Better than Extended Vacations
Sometimes having a plan can set you back. Have you ever noticed this in life? You plan and plan and something always seems to go wrong. And then there are the times where you are as spontaneous as you ever will be and everything just falls into place.
The same can be said for weekend getaways as opposed to extended vacations. There are several ways that an extended vacation can go sour as compared to one of those spontaneous weekend getaways.
Less Planning
For starters, planning an extended vacation is just that a lot of planning. Sometimes by the time you are done, you are experiencing vacation planning burnout. In addition, there is all the preparation you need to secure before going on vacation.
Perhaps, you have a pet you need to secure, a home that needs looking after, kids that need watching and the list continues.
In addition, if you are like most people, you like to come home to a clean home. So you need to clean your home fervently before going on an extended vacation. And then there is the packing. Most of us tend to over pack, especially if there are children going on vacation with us. Medications, extra bedding, diaper bags, and extra clothing just in case are all washed, dried, folded, and packed.
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If you are going on an extended vacation, there may be paperwork involved such as a passport or birth certificate or visa. Extended vacations can be wearisome and make you ache for home before the trip has ended.
On the other hand, a weekend getaway takes a lot less planning and a lot less packing. You could probably get away with throwing a couple of things in a bag and just going with the flow on a weekend vacation.
In addition, the natural tendency on a weekend vacation is to enjoy and savor every moment because you know it is a short-lived vacation weekend getaway. You are traveling lighter, have less planning and have a lighter and happier attitude along the way.
Typically, extended vacations also tend to be the ones that are most traveled. You will more likely find more traffic, more tourists, and more crowds during extended stay vacations. During weekend getaways, you have so much more opportunity to find vacations off the beaten path.
Related: Busch Gardens Tampa Florida
Short and Sweet
Weekend getaways offer you the opportunity to explore a little bit of everything in a shorter period of time as well. It is almost like a buffet of travel in a way. They are more so short and sweet and can be just what the Dr. ordered to break up the hectic day to day.
Sometimes it is best to plan a short-lived weekend getaway as compared to a long, extended family vacation. You will find yourself returning refreshed and rejuvenated rather than harried and hassled and in real need of another vacation. Now, go enjoy your weekend getaway!
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