5 Tips For Spontaneous Weekend Trips

Planning is so overrated especially when you can trade it in for a whimsical, sensational, impromptu trip. Kyle is probably cracking up because he considers me the ultimate planner. Yet, yachting has dramatically changed my perspective of spontaneous trips.

I will say, at first spontaneity might feel uncomfortable, ill-prepared, plain crazy? However once you commit to do it, you’ll feel so free.

I encourage you to reach outside your comfort zones and do something that scares ya a bit! Spur-of-the-moment trips are a great means to do so or at least get you off the couch for the weekend.

#1 Pack Versatile Clothes, But Take It Easy

If you have limited knowledge of exactly what you’ll be doing, at least give yourself the clothing to grant you options! Pack at least 1 nice outfit, 1 work out/outdoors outfit, 2-3 everyday fits, a swim suit, a jacket/sweatshirt and comfortable shoes. Whether you happen to go to a theatre production, rugged hike or have a day at the lake you’re ready to go.

I haven’t found my perfect weekend getaway shoe though. I think converse or nikes can be both fashionable and conventional, but let me know if you have any recommendations.

Additionally, don’t overpack. Just the basics will leave you room for a more comfortable travel.

#2 Understand your Budget

Keep in mind this is your spontaneous weekend getaway, not the vacation you’ve been setting aside your paycheck all year for.

Figure out a number you’re comfortable with and accommodate your travel plans. Accommodations can come in the form of checking out free Facebook events instead of tourist traps, staying with local friends instead of booking hotels or even shot gunning beers before entering venues instead of paying for $15 drinks inside.

#3 Splurge For Time

If you’re going for a weekend getaway you have 72 hours max. Less if you miraculously still work in an office.

So make your trip worth it. I know we just talked about budget, but…Splurge on things that will maximize your short time there!

City trip? Splurge on the hotel in the city, not a car. Camping trip? Splurge on camping equipment, not the camp site. Road trip? Well gas is expensive enough so just bring your own snacks okay. It sounds logical, but when you have little time to prepare and a lot of unknown factors, people (maybe just me) often make poor decisions.

I am notorious for booking inconvenient hotels when Kyle used to visit me on weekends. We would spend more time in the car than time experiencing these new places. It was so annoying.

Understand your time value of money. Ask yourself what are the most important things I want to do with my time here?

#4 Be Open & Flexible

Embrace the place you’re in. See where it takes you! Talk to natives. Try local foods. Check out historical landmarks. Pull over if you see something intriguing. When you get a flat tire in Idaho, it’s a sign to go to the Alpaca farm right down the road.

Easier said than done sometimes. But a good place to start is with local workers. Waiters, bartenders, Lyft driver and business owners are all people typically very friendly and knowledgable about the community that can point you in your right direction.

#5 Just Do It & Have Fun!

Spontaneous weekends are hectic. At times, they may even seem not worth it; Too many factors to coordinate, increased travel prices and of course the everlasting temptations of just staying home after a long week of work.

However, the best parts about spontaneous weekend trips are the lack of expectations. You will (almost) always feel like it was worth it. No matter what, you’re not gonna see everything and everyone, but you will make memories, feel satisfied having gone anyways and now have more insight for next time!

Comment below some stories from your spontaneous trips, additional advice, encouragement or just general insight.