Is the hectic pace of your workaday life wearing you down? Do you feel like you need a vacation but can’t find a week or two to take off for a long trip? You might want to consider the option of a weekend getaway. It may not be that dream trip to Paris, Milan or whatever destination you’ve been fantasizing about. That said, it can still enable you to recharge your batteries and get back to your life refreshed and energized. Here are some good weekend getaway ideas.
Rent a Home
Pick a city that you’ve always wanted to explore, and rent a home there for the weekend. Because it is just for the weekend, it should be someplace within the U.S. Your potential destinations are only limited by your interests and imagination.
You might go to New York City for the weekend. The plethora of museums and other sites will make it a trip to remember. You can cap off the trip by seeing the Statue of Liberty. San Francisco offers plenty to see and do for couples and families. See the Golden Gate bridge in person, and then get some dinner and drinks at the innumerable restaurants the city has to offer. Miami, Florida offers a lively weekend getaway alternative for singles and couples where you can enjoy the warm weather year-round.
You can find a rental home on websites such as Tripadvisor, Airbnb or HomeToGo. Simply select your destination city and then choose the size of accommodation you need. After reserving your home, take off on an adventure on your next free weekend!
Camping Out
Are you the outdoorsy type? Those of us who have happy memories of camping as a kid, may want to try it again as an adult. You may even have kids of your own now that you’d like to expose to the great outdoors. There are campgrounds around the United States, so you won’t be lacking for potential destinations. Choose the type of camping that you’ll enjoy the most. Popular options are RV camping where you have the choice of setting up a tent in the woods, but you have some comforts of home nearby. Then, there is the option of keeping it simple with just a tent and some basic supplies. Campendium has an excellent website where you can click on your state and find free campgrounds near you.
Hiking Trip
This involves camping out but with the main objective being to cover sizable distances of hiking trails. This is an excellent weekend getaway for younger, physically fit friends or a couple who want to get away from the crowds of the city or suburbs. If you live in the Eastern U.S., the famous Appalachian Trail is not far, or you can try out the myriad smaller trails throughout the country.
Whitewater Rafting
This is the most exciting choice on this list. The ultimate getaway for thrill-seekers, it will give you stories that you’ll carry through your life. As far as the time required, whitewater rafting trips are perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s also ideal for individuals, couples or a group of friends. There are few experiences that give as much of an adrenaline rush as speeding down whitewater rapids.
Enjoy a Short Cruise
Don’t have time for a week-long cruise to multiple desired ports of call? Try a cruise to nowhere. These are short, one or two nights, cruises that don’t go to any ports. You simply enjoy the amenities aboard ship and getting to meet and mingle with new people. This also gives you a chance to evaluate a cruise line. If you like their service and amenities, you can book a longer cruise with them when you have more time.
If you have a long weekend available with a holiday or day off falling on a Friday or Monday, there are three-day cruises that become an option as well. Cruises to destinations in the Bahamas make ideal three-day cruises.
