Nov 15 2011
Weekend Vacation Ideas and Quick Getaways Around the World
You need to get away, but don’t have the time or money to take a week or two off to head to your favorite destinations. Many people count out taking a weekend and heading to a semi-local vacation spot that allows them to get away, relax, enjoy time alone or together, and find romance, rest, fun, or whatever it is you are looking for in a vacation.
The beauty of weekend getaways is that you can travel on a budget and not miss work, kids activities, and so forth. For a number of years we used to decide last minute to pack up and go somewhere for a mini vacation trip for a few days a couple times a year.
Below is a list of weekend getaways and mini vacations that you can partake in ASAP. Please note that many of the ideas represented below are from experience and can be adapted to anywhere in the world. Use your imagination to brainstorm destinations that are within driving range and quite affordable.
1. Romantic Getaways: These are usually at the top of the list. With anniversaries, holidays, romantic events, and so on always around the corner, we need to be on our toes to come up with fresh ideas to sweep our significant others off their feet and keep the romance going. Rent out a lake house or bed and breakfast, wisk away to romantic cities like Paris (or ones that surround you), travel to Vegas for some shows & gambling fun. Romantic destinations and ideas are limited by you and if you’re having trouble there are entire websites devoted to this topic.
2. Sporting Events: Take in a college football game and tailgating, travel to a nearby destination for a professional game, or other fun sport. An example is two of my best friends for Valentines Day are traveling a couple hours to our state capital to watch the state high school basketball championships. Spring training is coming up for baseball and is always in a warm location. The options are quite vast as you can choose from horse racing, auto racing, baseball, football, soccer, and more. The list goes on and on.
3. Camping: This is a cheap vacation that can be fun, romantic, and adventurous. Combine camping with white water rafting or go hiking or without being too adventurous, rent a cabin in the woods and get away from society all together.
4. Theme Parks: If you want an adrenaline rush for a couple of days and love roller coasters or other rides, theme parks offer perfect weekend getaways. Also, we live near Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio and many people travel from all over to spend a couple of days enjoying the attractions there. There are theme parks everywhere and are a great way to have some fun while enjoying an array of activities. If you aren’t close to Disney World or Disneyland, then think of a closer location.
5. Famous vacations spots: Las Vegas comes to mind. We enjoy traveling to Gatlingurg, Tennessee and spending a couple days in a cabin, shopping, eating, and hanging out. New York, San Diego, Phoenix, anywhere in a 6 hour driving time to your home can be perfect. Two of our favorites due to distance and love of the beach are cheap Florida vacations or Hilton Head Island vacations. We prefer a week or two at these beach spots, but a weekend away can also provide just what was needed. Just write down a few places based on the above recommendations and pick one.
6. Beach Destinations: If you live close enough and are a beach bum, highly recommended. A great weekend getaway to enjoy the walks on the beach, dinner overlooking the ocean, beachfront hotel or villa, and all a beach vacation has to offer.
7. Festivals, Events, Concerts: Is there a musician playing in a town not too far away? What about a major event or festival? Pack the bags and head out for the weekend. Grab a hotel and head to this event. You’ll have a great time. We have done this many times and always have a good time.
This is just a short list of ideas. Whether you plan in advance or decide last minute, just pack up the car and go. You are sure to come back feeling fantastic and ready to plan your next mini vacation which doesn’t have to be a year away.

