First, determine how far away your destination is. If you're flying, it's best to choose a destination that is no more than three or four hours away. If you're driving, you have more flexibility in terms of packing, since you can put everything in the back seat of the car. But if you're traveling by bus or train, consider bringing a backpack or a 30-35 liter duffel bag.
The goal when planning a weekend trip is to keep things as hassle-free as possible. This means setting a budget for everything from hotels and gas to souvenirs and meals. You don't have to spend a lot of money; there are plenty of ways to plan an affordable vacation or staycation.
Do some research on popular U. S. cities that have lots of free and super cheap things to do. When looking for last minute deals, remember that sometimes the price wins over the destination. So, this approach works well if you're not picky about where you go.
Last minute deals on cruises, hotels and airfare can mean departing as early as 24 hours after booking. Save even more by making sure to include a Saturday stay in your itinerary, as hotels prefer to book full weekends. And, if you see a price and destination that you love, book it as soon as possible, as last minute prices can fluctuate a lot.
When packing for your weekend getaway, remember that you'll only be away for a few days. Plan an itinerary for a single day trip and look for good weekends that do not fall on holidays, that will have good weather and will be cheap to travel.
If you've been looking for a great deal on cheap weekend getaways all week but haven't found something that fits your budget yet, postpone the search until the weekend. You can expand your search parameters by half star, or even a full star, to find similar properties that offer a wide range of services and amenities at an affordable price.
No matter how much planning and organization you do before you go on your weekend getaway, there will always be something you don't plan on. If you're passionate about starting to travel more often, consider opting for a hotel chain where you can start earning loyalty points.
Even though weekends can mean higher fares on hotels, flights, and travel packages, a little extra planning and searching for travel deals can land you on a frugal adventure. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to plan an affordable and hassle-free weekend getaway.
