Use your holiday time strategically
By adding a holiday day to a long weekend, you can end up with four days to explore – long enough to really unwind. Most provinces have 10 statutory holidays which gives you plenty of choice of when to travel
Don’t spend all your time on a plane
If you’re only taking a weekend, aim for a destination within one non-stop flight or a three-hour drive away. The less time you spend getting there, the more time you have to enjoy it.
Plan in advance
If you’re dead-set on a destination – particularly if you’re travelling in peak season or you’re there to attend a festival or other special event – plan your long weekend a few months in advance. You’ll ensure you get where you want to go and have a place to stay once you get there, and you’ll also pay less for the flight and hotel.
Take a flyer
If you’re flexible about your destination, you’ll have plenty of options for an inexpensive weekend getaway. Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search lets you look at multiple destinations from your chosen departure point. To use it, just type ‘Everywhere’ into the ‘To’ field and you’ll find yourself with a wide range of options. Not only can you spot the cheapest deal in a flash, you’ll get some great ideas for your next vacay.
Map out your itinerary
A quick blast-in, blast-out trip doesn’t leave a lot of time for floundering around looking for something to amuse yourself. Do a bit of research and plan what you want to see and do, how you’re going to get from the airport to your hotel (it might be worth paying a bit more for a hotel with an airport shuttle) and how you’ll get around town.
Book tickets, spa treatments and events on-line beforehand
Plenty of attractions in the U.S., Canada and Europe allow you to book in advance for a fee. That means you can bypass queues for tourist hotspots like the Empire State Building or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, to name just a few. Another alternative: in many cities, you can purchase multi-attraction city passes that offer fast-track entry as well as discounted prices. Similarly, if you’re going to a spa or a concert, book tickets and massages before you get there, or risk missing the main event.
Location, location, location
You’ll pay less for hotels outside of city centres or far from attractions, but your savings as well as your time could be eaten up by commuting costs. If you’re only there for a short while, bite the bullet and drop a bit more cash for centrally located accommodation – chances are you won’t regret it.
Pack light
You can avoid extra baggage fees and lineups for luggage by packing carry-on only. Fold and roll your clothes to make maximum use of space, wear your boots and pack less bulky footwear, then stuff your pockets with anything that doesn’t fit in your bag. Put heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase as it makes for easier rolling.
Do a last-minute check
Do you have any necessary immunizations, documents (valid passport, visa); snacks; reading material and/or music; as well as an easily accessible list of hotels and connections?
Cut the electronic umbilical cord
To really recharge, tell the office you’re out of commission for the weekend and resist the urge to answer calls, texts and emails. Trust us: they’ll still be there when you get back to work.
