There are many benefits of weekend getaways, wherever you decide to go. Here are just a few:
- * 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 escapes are like medicine for the soul.
Exploring the healing power of weekend escapes
There are so many pills, diets, and fads that claim to rejuvenate your mind, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned weekend getaway. A weekend escapes 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.
There are so many ways to take a weekend getaway.
Why Weekends Away are Better than an Extended Vacation
Sometimes the more you plan, the worse off you are. Have you ever noticed this in life? You plan and plan and something always seems to go wrong. Then there are the times when you are as spontaneous as you ever will be and everything just simply falls into place.
Sometimes 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.
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 sort out before going on vacation. Perhaps, you have a pet you need to organise care for, a home that needs looking after…and the list continues.
In addition, if you are like most individuals, you like to come home to a clean home and you clean your home fervently before going on an extended vacation. Then there is the packing. Most of us tend to overpack, especially if there are children going on vacation with us. Medications, extra bedding, diaper bags, and extra clothing just in case need to all be washed, dried, folded, and packed.
If you are going on an extended vacation, there may be paperwork involved such as a passport, birth certificate or visa. Extended vacations can be wearisome and make you ache for home before it is time to return home.
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 escapes, you have so much more opportunity to find vacations off the beaten path.
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.
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.
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 are the most rejuvenating places 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.
Wellness Retreats and Spa Weekend Getaways
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.
Best Places for Weekend Escapes
Destinations in Europe
Regardless of what your tastes are, what your budget is, and where you live in the world, the choices are almost endless.
If you live in a state or a country that has an expansive big city, you are in luck. There are so many destinations to get away to around the world; you are never at a loss.
Paris France
One of the top weekend getaway destinations is, of course, Paris in France.
You can stay in the city for the weekend and see sights such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Exquisite shopping, sightseeing, and shows galore are all yours to see. Of course, do not forget to enjoy a delectable dish of French Cuisine.
Barcelona, Spain
Known for its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches, Barcelona offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Indulge in Catalan cuisine by sampling tapas in local bars, savoring seafood in Barceloneta, or experiencing bustling food markets like La Boqueria. Don’t forget to try the famous paella.
London, England
If you live in England in a more country setting, then perhaps you would consider a weekend getaway to this exciting city. Buckingham Palace, The Crown Jewels, Tea at Harrods, music, books, and world-renowned shopping all await you in this regal city, which can be yours for the weekend.
Rome, Italy
For those who live and work in Rome, perhaps a weekend stay there may shed a different light on the city. Sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum are just to mention one or two. You can take in a leisurely cup of cappuccino or espresso, dine on hundreds of different types of pasta or take in the surroundings of an open-air plaza while sipping on a favorite glass or two of wine.
Of course, these destinations are from all corners of the world and we have only mentioned a few. However, if you are fortunate enough to live in one of these countries, but have yet to see their major cities “as a tourist” (such as many New Yorkers), then planning a weekend getaway to these cities is a wise choice indeed.
Awesome Weekend Getaways in the USA
If you are fortunate enough to live in the United States, then a weekend getaway is a wonderful idea. There are so many popular weekend destinations, as well as some not-so-well-known choices. Off-the-beaten-path weekend trips, as well as hustling bustling city trips, await you throughout the great United States of America.
You can find anything and everything from excitement to peace and quiet and any range in between when you travel throughout the USA for a weekend escape.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you are in the mood for the most excitement that you can handle, than a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada is the place for you. The excitement and adventure never ends here.
There is an exciting array of activities for you in Las Vegas. How about the Venetian Grand Casino and canal?
Besides being a casino, and having the ultimate in nightlife and entertainment, the Venetian offers a taste of Italy right in Las Vegas. They offer gondola rides, high fashion, and shop-until-you-drop opportunities, and a luxurious spa.
Staying in the Venetian for a weekend is more than enough to satisfy all of your needs. You can visit a museum, eat in a trendy restaurant, or enjoy the nightclub scene.
Miami Beach, Florida
If your scene is combining excitement with beautiful beaches, then Miami Beach in Florida is the place to go for you. There you can enjoy the many activities of nightlife and still hit up the sand for some rest and relaxation.
The beautiful thing about Miami Beach is that the beaches are sugar-white and soft, making you feel like you are actually in another country than the USA.
Upscale spas, renowned shopping, swimming, surfing, kayaking, nightclubs, and entertainment are all part of what makes Miami exciting and relaxing at the same time.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a must-see destination for your weekend getaway in the USA. There is so much history steeped there, it may not be possible to see it all in just one weekend – but it is a great place to start.
There you can visit famous historic sites such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, the White House, Ford’s Theatre, and the National Air and Space Museum, just to name a mere few of the attractions that await you.
The Smithsonian Institute, the Washington Monument, the National Gallery of Art, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts do not even come close to an end of what there is to see and do over a weekend in Washington, DC.
New York, New York
Life would never somehow be complete without a trip to the Big Apple. Visiting New York is an exhilarating experience in that you can pick and choose any experience you want and never come out with the same combination of events.
There are major attractions, of course, such as the Empire State Building, Broadway shows, and world-class shopping. Then there is the more cultural side such as museums, art galleries, and world-famous parks such as Central Park. Rockefeller Center during holiday season is a must-see for any traveler.
These are just a few of the top weekend getaway destinations you can enjoy right in the good old USA.
Nature retreats for Those Who Enjoy the Outdoors
Some individuals 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 enjoy the great outdoors, then there is sure to be a weekend getaway for you.
Depending on whether or not you are traveling with family, friends, co-workers, or your loved one, a weekend getaway in the great outdoors can be rejuvenating. While some people do not understand this concept, it really 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 from which to choose. You can also use this opportunity to try something you have never tried before, such as fishing or even hunting depending on the season.
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.
In addition, many women enjoy helping their man cook up their catch, whether it is from fishing or hunting. Women and men who 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, and stargazing. These are family weekend memories that are irreplaceable.
Outdoor Retreats, Revitalization and Rejuvenation
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 perfect examples.
Hundreds of individuals flock every year to the same site in order to connect with nature and reconnect with their souls.
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.
So, if you are up for an adventure, why not try some white water rafting, speed biking, balloon riding, hunting, fishing, or yoga and meditation in the great outdoors?