Do you feel like you need a long, relaxing vacation but just don’t have a whole week to spare? Ditch the full-on vacation for a mini break instead. These brief getaways will be just what you need to reset and recharge in just 48 hours or less. Ready to find your perfect mini break destinations? Use this guide to explore your options, plus get tips on how to make the most of your journey.
Types of Mini Break Destinations
Sometimes, you only need a short break to recharge, explore, and get away from it all. But where’s the best place to spend your limited time away from work? Here are some popular choices to consider.
Urban hubs
Enjoy ample culture, dining, and entertainment in bustling cities like:
- New York, USA
- London, England
- Tokyo, Japan
Historical towns
Experience ancient ruins, timeless architecture, and rich cultural traditions in:
- Rome, Italy
- Kyoto, Japan
- Cusco, Peru
Coastal getaways
Relax by the sea, swim to your heart’s content, and sunbathe all day long in locales like:
- Cape Cod, USA
- Maldives
- Phuket, Thailand
Mountain hideaways
Enjoy year-round outdoor fun in the fresh mountain air at these amazing destinations:
- Great Smoky Mountains, USA
- Scottish Highlands
- Swiss Alps
Countryside escapes
Soak in the beauty of nature with visits to rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and more in:
- The Cotswolds, England
- Provence, France
- Napa Valley, USA
Island adventures
Discover unique cultures and stunning landscapes at destinations like:
- Santorini, Greece
- Bali, Indonesia
- Palawan, Philippines
If sustainably conscious travel is your thing, choose places known for their environmental stewardship. For example, you might want to travel to Hawaii, where it’s a priority to preserve natural landscapes and marine environments.
Whatever your style, a perfect mini-break destination awaits you. All you have to do is pick one that interests you and fits into your travel budget.
Planning Your Mini Break
With your destination in mind, it’s time to plan your mini-break vacation. Remember, the key to a great short trip is making the most of your limited time, so a bit of planning goes a long way.
Travel
First of all, let’s talk about travel. Since you’ll only be away for a couple of days, you’ll want to cut down on travel time. If you can, take direct flights or fast train routes. If you’re driving, map out your route ahead of time and leave early to try and avoid rush hour traffic. The less time you spend getting there, the more time you’ll have to enjoy your destination.
Accommodations
Next up is accommodations. Your hotel, resort, or inn can make or break your trip, so choose wisely. Look for a place centrally located to the things you want to do. It might cost a bit more for your stay, but the time you’ll save on local travel is worth it. Plus, you can pop back to your room for a quick rest or a change of clothes if needed.
Transportation
Think about your transportation options at your destination, too. Will you need a car? Or would you rather use public transit? In many cities, the latter option is the way to go. Public transportation is often cheaper and faster than dealing with parking. But if you’re going to be out in the country, you might want to rent a car instead.
Dining
Don’t forget about food. Half the fun of travel is trying new cuisines. So, be certain to research popular restaurants near your hotel. On a short trip, making dinner reservations in advance is a good idea, especially for any must-try places. You don’t want to waste precious vacation time waiting for a table or settling for second choices.
Activities
Lastly, take some time to plan out your activities. What do you absolutely want to see or do on your trip? Make a list and prioritize. For a mini break, less is often more. It’s better to fully enjoy a few experiences than rush through a schedule that’s too full. Check whether you need to book tickets in advance for any attractions. And consider guided tours if you want to learn more about the place you’re visiting.
Packing Tips for a Weekend Away
Packing for a mini break is an art form. You want to bring everything you need without lugging around a huge suitcase. The secret is to pack light and include only what you need for your time away from home.
Start with a small carry-on bag or weekender. This forces you to be selective and saves you at least an hour in airport time if you’re flying. Plus, you won’t have to drag a big suitcase around a quaint historical town or up flights of stairs at a boutique hotel.
Think of versatility when packing your suits, clothes, and shoes. Choose items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, such as:
- One to two pairs of pants or jeans
- A few casual shirts
- A sweater or jacket
- A nice outfit with dress shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear (if needed for your trip)
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. A lightweight rain jacket or warm layers can be a lifesaver when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Toiletries can take up a lot of room in your bag. You may consider buying travel-sized versions of whatever you need or using refillable containers. Keep in mind that many hotels give their guests basics like shampoo and soap, so you might not need to bring those at all.
Don’t forget chargers for your phone, tablet, or laptop if you’re bringing them. If you’ll be out sightseeing and taking photos all day, bring a portable battery pack to keep your devices charged.
As you pack, save some room in your bag for souvenirs. Alternatively, roll up a small bag for souvenirs and tuck it into a corner of your luggage. This way, you’ll have a dedicated space for your vacation finds without overstuffing your main bag. Just remember to check airline restrictions if you’re flying to avoid surprises at the check-in counter.
Get Ready for the Mini Break of a Lifetime
In the end, the beauty of a mini break is in its simplicity. You don’t need weeks of planning or an extended itinerary to enjoy a refreshing break from it all. You just need to choose a destination, make your reservations, and pack the light to get going. So, go ahead and take that break you’ve been putting off—Your perfect mini vacation is just around the corner.