Maximizing your long weekend getaway experience

Make every moment count when you have just a few days off!

An extra day added to your weekend can transform your plans. Whether it’s a national holiday or a day off you've taken, converting a Thursday into a Friday or enjoying a free Monday (thus dodging the Sunday dread) is a significant win!

A long weekend presents a fantastic array of travel possibilities. With the ideal destination in mind, you can pack your bags, embark on an adventure, soak up the excitement, and come back ready to start a new, shorter week feeling completely rejuvenated! Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy your precious long weekend:

Plan your travel time wisely

Traveling overnight or getting up at 4:00 AM can be quite unpleasant. When planning a long weekend trip, it’s best to choose a destination that’s easily accessible. If it involves crossing time zones or difficult logistics, you risk losing precious time meant for relaxation and fun.

Insider tip: Ensure your bags are packed and ready to go no matter where your weekend begins. You can head directly from work (possibly leaving early) and reach your destination that same night. Even if you arrive late, you’ll start Day 1 with the travel behind you.

You truly need less than you believe

It’s easy to overpack, especially if you have a large suitcase! For a long weekend getaway, here’s what to bring: your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, swimsuit, and two sets of clothes (including shoes).

If you try to fit more than that into a wheeled bag, you won’t be light and agile, which makes it hard to embrace the unexpected during your days off. Plus, you'll want some extra space for any souvenirs you pick up along the way.

Insider tip: Opt for carry-on-sized luggage, but include an empty bag inside. You’ll likely find unexpected items (like a rain jacket) at your destination, and this way, you’ll be set to bring them home.

Experience a condensed version of a grand vacation

Absolutely, you can travel internationally and hop between islands over a single weekend. Many people think that visiting a foreign location or multiple cities requires weeks of planning, but there are actually numerous options for multi-day mini getaways. If you’re near a coastal port, like Long Beach or Jacksonville, you can board a two-, three-, or four-night cruise to Mexico or The Bahamas—trips that would usually take a full week!

Insider tip: Schedule something exciting for each day. With three days, plan three adventures—be it scuba diving, a sailing lesson, or a jungle trek. Whatever activities you opt for, you’ll enhance your experience and create lasting memories for each day.

Travel with the right weekend companions

Whether it’s your partner, sibling, best friend, parent, or soccer teammate, having the right travel companions for a long weekend escape is essential. You’re embarking on a brief, action-filled adventure, so there’s no room for hesitation or late mornings. When your travel group shares the same goals, you can swiftly move from one destination to the next and make the most of your trip!

Insider tip: Travel on your long weekend with companions you’ve adventured with before. This way, you’ll know what to expect. With someone new, it may take a couple of days to find your rhythm—and you don’t have that kind of time!

Get ready for your return to everyday life

A long weekend getaway can provide just enough time to fully embrace vacation mode, making the return to reality feel jarring. If you’ve packed your days with excitement, you might feel drained when you get back. Conversely, if you’ve opted for a more relaxed vibe and unplugged completely, shifting back to the hustle can be challenging. Use your travel time back to transition smoothly into your routine.

Insider tip: Simplify your return by pre-ordering a meal and essential supplies to arrive at your home. Also, try to ease into your first day back by minimizing your schedule and to-do list.

Your long weekend escape doesn’t have to wrap up the moment you leave paradise. Take back the joy, fun, and memories of your adventures! Before you know it, the next long weekend will be just around the corner.