Quick Getaways & Staycations You Can Totally Do This Weekend
No plane ticket? No problem.
It's Wednesday afternoon, you're staring at your computer screen wondering how it's only 2 PM, and suddenly you have a brilliant idea: "What if we just packed up and left?" Like, this weekend. No months of planning, no detailed itineraries, no checking if your passport is still valid.
Let me tell you – we’ve been there. Even though we thrive on a good plan, sometimes you don't need a two-week European adventure or Caribbean cruise. All you really need is to get out of your routine and remember that there is so much out there for you to see and explore.
Not so long ago we decided to “be tourists in our own city” and that reminded us why we love where we live so much. We’re going to share with you how we scratch our “travel itch” when we don’t have the extra PTO or funds to take an international trip. So we hate to break it to you, but that grocery store trip and meal prep you had planned, it can wait until Monday because you’re about to go on an adventure that you hadn’t expected.
The 3-Hour Road Trip Rule
Drive time: Perfect for a Friday afternoon escape
There's something magical about the 3-hour radius around your home. Places are close enough that you're not spending your entire weekend in the car, but far enough that it feels like a real escape.
Bonus: You don’t even have to put in for a vacation day because you can hit the road and still have time to catch dinner at a new restaurant and find time to relax.
Our go-to road trip formula:
Pick a direction you rarely go
Search "[your location] + 3 hours or less + weekend getaway"
Book the first cute place that has availability
Pack your bag and hit the road
Real examples that worked for us:
The Mountain Cabin: Cozy Vrbo in the hills with a hot tub (because hot tubs make everything better)
The Lake House Weekend: Dug our toes in the sand at the lake, road bumper cars at the local amusement park, and ate way to many Dippin' Dots
The Historic Small Town: Discovered a town with amazing antique shops, local breweries, and some gorgeous waterfalls
Staycation Like You Mean It
Become a tourist in your own town
Staycations only work if you actually treat them like vacations. That means no household chores (👈 Nick struggles with this one but it’s so important to call out), no "quick stops" at Target or Walmart, and definitely no checking work emails even if it’s "just for a second."
How to staycation like a boss
Set boundaries and become a tourist:
Make plans you'd never normally make on a weekend. Check out that cute breakfast spot you always pass or that museum you’ve been meaning to visit, now’s your chance.
Stay somewhere different (if you have a little budget). Sometimes even if it's just a hotel 20 minutes away or downtown, the change of scenery can make a world of difference.
Tell family and friends you’re unavailable. This is your time to reconnect, spend some quality time together, and unplug from your norm.
Our favorite staycation discoveries:
The hiking trail 30 minutes away that feels like a different state
The farmers market we'd never been to that has the best breakfast sandwiches of our lives
Last-Minute Booking Hacks
Because "let's go somewhere" happens at 9 PM on Friday
Sometimes spontaneity strikes at the worst possible time. Like when everywhere good is booked, and you're starting to convince yourself that you missed your window for weekend fun.
Apps and sites that save the day:
Airbnb: Filter by "instant book" for immediate gratification
Booking.com: Their "deals" section often has same-day availability
State park websites: Cabins and campsites sometimes have last-minute cancellations - Don’t overlook this one!
Hotwire: Literally designed for last minute deals on booking
Our emergency backup plans:
The Hotel Staycation: Book a hotel in your own city with a pool or hot tub - order room service, and relax.
The Camping Compromise: We don’t do this often because Nick has strict once a year tent camping policy, but a lot of state parks have first-come, first-served sites if you're willing to rough it or if you have family or friends with a camp make use of it.
The Friend's Couch Adventure: Text that friend who's always saying "you should visit!" and take them up on their offer.
Budget-Friendly Weekend Escapes
Because we’re boujee on a budget
The beauty of close-to-home adventures? No flights, no passport stress, no international data charges, no big hit to your bank account.
Money-saving weekend trip tricks:
Pack snacks and drinks: Road trip rule #1 don’t wait to buy snacks or drinks at the gas station.
Look for package deals: If you’re looking at small boutique hotels or B&Bs see if they offer "romance packages" that include meals or activities
Split costs creatively: If you're road-tripping with another couple, split the Airbnb and gas costs
Embrace the off-season: That beach town might be dead in March, but it's also 70% cheaper and weirdly peaceful
Free and cheap activities:
Take a hike - literally! Nature is free entertainment
Visit a local festival and or farmers market
Go on a self-guided walking tour (don’t know where to find one? Ask ChatGPT)
Scenic drives with good playlists
Ready to Just Pack Up and Go?
There is no time like the present! Seriously. Close this blog post, grab your partner, and start brainstorming. What's three hours away that you've never seen? What's in your own city that you keep meaning to try?
Your weekend adventure is waiting – no passport required, no months of planning needed just you, your favorite person, and the open road (or the blanket fort you made in the livingroom, we don't judge).
What's your favorite last-minute getaway spot? Drop it in the comments. We're always looking for our next spontaneous adventure!
