Weekend Getaways and Why You Need One
This past weekend, Elliot and I went on a little weekend getaway.
For those of you who don't already know, I was a flight attendant in my past life, and what that means is that now I can't go more than four months in the same state without getting some kind of antsy. It's not like I have to go on vacation 3 times a year, but I definitely start planning random weekend getaways every couple months and I try to do them on a budget. Honestly, sometimes I make a game out of it and create travel plans to two or three different places, and see what the best deal is.
After the New Year, I was feeling a little stuck, and needed to look forward to something. This time last year, we were planning on heading to Aruba to celebrate my cousin's wedding. Little did we know, it would be our last trip for a while. So I was feeling a little sad about not traveling, and wanted to go somewhere to get out of the funk.
Look, I love to travel, and I love to plan trips for different reasons. Sometimes, I plan trips for exploring a new place. Sometimes, it's to relax. Sometimes, it's just for a change of scenery and to look forward to something exciting.
Our last weekend away was to Maine in September, and I'm so glad we went. It was beautiful, we did some super fun hiking, and got to spend some quality time outdoors with the girls. Acadia is one of my favorite places in the world, and I was so happy to be able to share it with Elliot.
This past weekend, we headed to the Outer Banks.
With this trip, I did something a little different. I made plans to not make plans.
I knew we needed to unwind and just recharge, so I chose a location that would be relaxing and chill. Personally, I need to not be in my home to truly relax, because if I'm home, I WILL find things to do and projects to complete. My goal was to have a weekend of disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with each other and Jesus. Days to read and walk to the beach and maybe enjoy a glass of wine or two on said beach were on my wish list. I couldn't wait.
Well, it rained all weekend. I mean, All. Weekend. Long.
My dreams of walking on the beach every day were dashed, and it was cold and many of my plans went right out the window.
And somehow, we had a marvelous time.
We rested. We watched movies that have been on our list for way too long. We spent time doing devotions and praying together. We went out on dates, and chatted and enjoyed wonderful food and each other's company. We tried new things, and we shared a weekend together that didn't go as planned whatsoever. And we had a great time.
However, I definitely still want to return and actually walk to the beach every day. In the sunshine. It will happen. It must. I have dreams, friends, and this one will come true.
I know not everyone has the resources or time off to do a weekend getaway, but I strongly recommend it. Especially with the world the way it is, when uncertainty lurks behind every corner, it's important to go somewhere to enjoy the people you have with the time you have. I don't know when everything will be "normal" again, and it might never be the same. So I'm not waiting for it, and I'm taking as many vacations with my husband as I can. Tomorrow isn't promised. Neither is "one day", so maybe "one day" is today. Or next month because I highly recommend some degree of planning. Let's not get too carried away here.
For me, a weekend away is a chance to spend time exploring a new place and making new memories with my favorite people (and pups!) in the whole world. It's a chance to reset, not think about a "to-do" list, and only do things that are fun and enjoyable and relaxing, so that you return rejuvenated, at peace and full of joy.
Do it for you. Do it for your marriage, your relationships, your family. Pick a place and just go.
We do this on a budget, so if you're looking for some tips, here you go.
AirBnb. I'm telling you, I've stayed in hundred of hotels (flight attendant life, LOLZ) and they are not very clean. The Airbnb's I've stayed at have all been super clean, and many have complimentary amenities, toiletries and kitchen supplies, which is a huge plus. No hotel has ever left me fancy K-Cups, mimosas, or a basket of snacks, but Airbnb's have!
Plan for breakfast. If you like to go out for breakfast, knock your socks off. I don't. I like my breakfast in my PJ's and don't like wasting time on breakfast, so we bring our own breakfast items to make/eat at the room.
Check Tripadvisor for local attractions and restaurants ahead of time. This helps you to have and idea of how you want to spend your time, and you can find prices online to help budget for those activities.
Driving isn't that bad. Flying can be expensive, and if you drive, you can bring as much as you can fit in your car. We've driven to most of our destinations, and it's been really nice not renting a car and bringing whatever we want.
If you do want to fly, check out my travel tips here.
I'm also using this brilliant, and not at all planned (wink, wink) opportunity to launch my new freebie, my Anywhere + Everywhere Travel Guide! It's a printable PDF, or a digital file that you can edit and fill in as desired. It includes a packing list, which I've actually used on several accounts and has proved to be helpful, an itinerary worksheet for 6 days, and a tip sheet.
I hope this helps you to plan out your next getaway!