Long sojourns to distant lands can be exciting, fun, and sometimes even life changing, but they can also turn into a bit of drag. All those lengthy bus rides and three-connection flights will eventually get you down. Why don’t you avoid all those hassles and take a quick, easy trip instead? Sometimes a short trip or weekend getaway packs all the fun of a longer journey into a few precious hours. Here’s how you can make the most of your mini vacation.
Find Destinations in Your Own Backyard
No matter where you live, you’re bound to have some amazing places nearby. Many of us are guilty of thinking a “real trip” has to take us far from home. We often see more of distant lands than our own state or region. Imagine that you are a visitor in your own neck of the woods, and you’ll discover charms that you never appreciated as a local.
Leave Home With A Lightweight Day Pack
One of the best things about taking a shorter trip is that you avoid the stress of packing everything but the kitchen sink. All the same, you don’t want to leave entirely unprepared for the adventures ahead of you. A day pack is quick and easy to prepare, and should include a change of clothes, plenty of water, and a sweater or jacket for potential changes of weather.
Get yourself a lightweight travel backpack for all your essentials. Compared to a tote bag or a duffel bag, a backpack is more convenient and comfortable to use as your day pack because it leaves both of your hands free. It also allows even weight distribution when carrying your pack so your body doesn’t feel the stress for a long while.
As for packing, pro tip: think about about bringing face moisturizer for those especially dry climates or to combat the wind and protect your skin while you’re on your trip.
Bring Your Own Food
Packing a cooler is a great way to cut down on costs and give yourself more flexibility. You’re going to have to eat on your trip, and if you leave the house empty-handed, you’ll have to plan your entire day around mealtimes. When you bring picnic food in a cooler, you can stop to eat anytime, anywhere.
Invite Friends and Family
Travel companions can become a problem on longer trips, where differing tastes and expectations are always likely to cause disputes. Short trips, on the other hand, are ideal for traveling in groups. You get all the benefits of enjoyable company, but you don’t have time for tensions to build and disputes to fester.
Keep an Open Schedule
If you try to jam a week’s worth of activities into a two-day trip, you’ll only end up stressing yourself out for no reason. Instead, take advantage of the fact that shorter trips require less planning. Give yourself the freedom to make last-minute decisions and seek unforeseen adventures.
Traveling is definitely an activity that is more about quality than quantity. Short trips are a great way to get out and see the world without the stress and expense of a longer journey. With the right strategy, you can make your brief adventure as memorable as any other vacation.
