Life can be, well, a lot. You’re tired, frustrated, annoyed with your coworkers and in need of a rest, and when you look at the calendar, you’re crushed to learn it’s only Tuesday. What if you had something better to look forward to in a few days? Such as, hmm, a weekend getaway?
Weekend getaways and mini trips are an incredible way to squeeze in some short-term travel to decompress, de-stress, and just enjoy yourself — all while being back at work on Monday. Just because you’ve got limited time doesn’t mean you can’t take that time to travel. Weekend getaways are perfect for short visits of two or three nights to relax, spend valuable time with loved ones, or just check out a new destination. But there are some secrets to an amazing mini trip, and we’re here to let you in on some travel hacks for planning the perfect one (or two or three! There are 52 weekends in a year, after all).
1. Optimize your time for the weekend getaway
You already have limited time on location — don’t spend more of it at the airport or in a plane than you have to. Your weekend getaway is for rest and relaxation, so hack the system and filter your flight searches by departure times and only go for flights that work for your long weekend schedule. You can do this by searching for flights that arrive late the day before the time off starts or that arrive very early the day of your vacation.
2. Pick the fastest option for your trip
Speed is the name of the game here. Filter your flight search for journey times to make sure you’re actually spending more time at your destination rather than at the airport. Travel tip: Any flight path that includes a layover is probably not the best choice for a quick weekend getaway. If you want to make the most of your vacation, the perfect mini trip should be around a three-hour flight away from your departure city. If you want to head out on a quick adventure abroad, here’s a list of the shortest international flights from Canada.
3. Check all available airports nearby
Lots of cities have more than one airport, and some of them are just way too far away from where you’re going for your weekend getaway. Before booking your flight, research the airports in town and make sure you filter your searches via airports so that the one you’re flying into is the one that you should be flying into.
4. Be flexible with your destination
Sometimes it’s worth it to be flexible. If you’re stuck on going to one specific place, you may have a tough time planning the perfect weekend getaway. If you’re more flexible with where you end up for your vacation, you can open yourself up to a whole world of possibilities (and fast flight deals!). Don’t select a spot when you’re searching for flights — simply select “Everywhere” on the Skyscanner website and let us show you where you can go.
Remember: The ideal mini trip is around a three-hour flight from you, and that creates a wealth of opportunity. Let go of control and let yourself be surprised by what’s available.
5. Use stat holidays wisely
If you want an extra day for your mini trip, don’t use your vacation days if possible. The spring and summer bring loads of statutory holidays in Canada, so be sure to pay attention and mark your calendars to plan your long weekend getaways around those extra days off. Want an easy travel planning guide? Here’s a few handy tips we put together on maximizing your vacation days this year.
6. Use your points
If you’re a savvy traveller, you already know about maximizing your points and flight miles to get perks and benefits for your trips. Sometimes, those perks can show up as a free hotel stay, flights, and even flight upgrades. Hello, free sleeps and First Class! Pay attention to your miles and points and let them add up — the travel rewards can be pretty incredible.
7. Travel with hand luggage only
Checking a bag? Couldn’t be you.
Weekend getaways are the perfect opportunity to learn how to pack light and lean. Travel carry-on only to save cash on checked bags and save time at the check-in counter (or bypass that part of flying completely by checking in online if your airline allows and zooming through security with your ultra-light luggage). You’re really only travelling for a maximum of three to four days, so there’s no need for bulky and heavy luggage — just pick your favourite weather-appropriate outfits and get going!
Struggling to pack light? Check out these expert packing tips and you’ll be stuffing your suitcases like a pro in no time.
Weekend getaway destination tips
Struggling to figure out where to go? Here are some ideal weekend getaway spots to choose from based on where you are in Canada.
Flying from the West Coast? Head over to sunny LA for a quick weekend getaway. Escape the drizzle and rain and enjoy some palm trees, beach vibes, and delicious food. See flights to Los Angeles here.
Flying from Toronto? Fly down to Nassau for a taste of the Bahamas. These Caribbean islands offer clear blue water and famed white sand beaches, as well as some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Not much of a swimmer? Take a power boat out onto the water for some fun. Check out flights to Nassau here.
Flying from the East Coast? Enjoy a culture-filled mini trip to New York City. You can cram a lot into just a few days here — enjoy a Broadway musical, check out the metro, snap a picture in Times Square and snag a seat at a luxurious restaurant for typical NYC vibes. Otherwise, make your own plans and see where the winds take you. New York never disappoints, so take a look at flights to the City of Dreams here.
Start planning your weekend getaway today
Whether you’re a pre-planning savant or a spontaneous frequent flyer, these tips will save you time, money, and vacation days. With weekend getaways, you can explore somewhere new without taking too much time off work or leaving your day-to-day responsibilities too far behind. Your dream escape isn’t out of reach because of work — in fact, it’s only a few clicks away.
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