Planning for a Weekend Getaway (the remedy for surviving another week.)

So let's paint a picture, shall we? 

     Monday starts off rough with the car not starting first thing before heading to work. The kids are fighting with you because they don't want to go to school. You get to work and everything is going wrong; the computer deleted your files, your boss is riding your butt to finish a proposal, and Janis in accounting keeps emailing you with the same stupid questions. Now it's 5 o'clock and you're in rush hour traffic trying to get home. You walk in the door to a pile of bills and screaming kids about how hungry they are; and you haven't even gotten your shoes and coat off. After hours of arguing with the kids and fighting them to get to bed you finally are able to climb in the shower for a few moments to relax. It's at this point you realize it's only Monday. Things don't change for the next few days. Thursday you decide, "This is it. I need a break!"

    This sound like a typical week to anyone? 

     This is when a simple weekend getaway can be the difference between being able to take on what comes next week; or make the brash decision to quit your job and send the kids to Boot Camp. But many people get a little scared from the idea because the thought of having to spend too much money comes to mind (memories of having to take kids on vacation). A weekend road trip does not have to cost a lot of money, nor does it have to be that long of a drive to be a nice relaxing trip. When My wife and I need a break from everything one of our favorite places to stay is the Hilton Garden Inn™ in Danbury, CT. It's about an hour and a half from home but the idea of getting out of the house, away from the kids, and going out for a nice weekend date is what we need every now and then to keep up with the stresses of everyday life.

   What sounds like the perfect weekend getaway?

   Well, that sounds like a more individualistic kind of question. Some people prefer simple drive out to nice hotel for an overnight stay and a good dinner. Others prefer shopping trips or day or two at a theme park. The options are only limited by time and your budget. For an example in an earlier post I talked about a weekend trip that my wife and I went on up to Massachusetts for an overnight stay at a hotel and shopping at an outlet mall. 

Virginia Beach, VA; Boardwalk

We have also driven down to Virginia Beach for long weekends as well. It really just depends on what your preferences are. Here' some good pointers if you are new to planning weekend trips;

• Try to keep the distance short if you're new to this. A good weekend getaway would be very well possible with a distance of maybe no more than 100 miles at most. For some, that can be across the state (Connecticut is relatively small in size), or crossing a border into a neighboring state. This also can translate into no more than a 2-hour drive. Again, this is only if you're just starting with planning the weekend getaways.
• Try to set it around an event, place, or general location. Some weekend getaways are easier to plan if you have an idea of what you want to do. If you are planning to go to a theme park, then you'd want to make sure you have enough money and that you pack appropriately. Which leads me to...
• ...pack what you are going to need for the weekend. It's easy to get carried away and pack everything and anything. For longer road trips, like a vacation to Walt Disney World, packing extra things is probably a better idea to go with. But for a weekend drive an hour or two away it's not necessary to have every little thing with you. With that being said...
• ...don't forget to pack necessary items. I'm guilty of this some of the time. I have forgotten chargers and showering essentials before which has lead me to a late night drive to find a 24-hour CVS or Walmart. The biggest one I overlook is contact care supplies. It's easy to overlook. Make sure that you have important medications or equipment with you. I sleep with a CPAP device so it's necessary for me to pack it and all supplies for it on every trip. A good rule of thumb is if you use or need it daily, you should bring it with you. 

     The most important thing you should remember when it comes to these weekend getaways is the main purpose as to why you are doing it in the first place; to rewind, relax, and have fun. Don't stress out when planning for the weekend. See some place new, eat at a new restaurant, drive down a scenic route, stay at a cozy hotel or inn; the options are limited only by your imagination (and time and budget). A second thing to remember is to have a camera nearby or make space on your phone. There's a lot to see and do on the road and you'll want pictures.

My old Jeep Liberty.
 One of the best road tripping vehicles I ever owned

Always, and at every opportunity, try to capture the moment as a memory. It doesn't have to be a long vacation for you to make memories. Simple little things can make the best photos and best memories.

      I hope this will help you in planning your next weekend getaway. I wish you the best and safe travels. Until next time; keep rollin' on, I'll see you down the road.