In my last travel post I focused a lot on day trips. Today, however, I want to talk about weekend getaways! And not only that — but how to make them both fun and inexpensive.
Once the destination is chosen the next thing to do is book your hotel stay! I swear by Airbnb.com and for the past two years I have not used anything else. It’s a great marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world. And more often than not, the cost is much less than booking a night at a hotel. I have stayed in some of the cutest little studios and apartments (including the villa above) all personally owned by individuals so you know you’ll get taken care of.
Although I have my spontaneous moments, I’m a natural born planner. And while traveling, this can come quite handy. I like to do a little research about where I am staying. Checking the weather will let me know how to appropriately dress. Also, just about every city or place now a days has a travel site — what to do, where to eat, local attractions, etc.
I don’t suggest planning out everything but getting familiar with the lay of the land can often help getting around and save time! Which means more time to have fun… :)
Staying away from home can be expensive. Especially when it comes to dining. My husband and I like to pack lunches and snacks for our stay. Most of the accommodations we’ve found with Airbnb have had fridges and stoves which have come in handy so much! The money you save by dining in at breakfast and lunch can be used for a nice night out — and dessert!
The funnest part about weekend getaways is actually having time to explore, unlike day trips where you only have a few hours. My favorite thing to do after settling into our room is to set out — to explore and walk around the town. Stepping into the local shops and boutiques. Really getting a sense of where you are at. And talking to the locals! They’re the best source of information after all… if anyone could recommend a place to eat, it’ll be them. So make friends! :)
One of my favorite weekend getaways was in Los Angeles, a spontaneous trip my husband and I decided to take last year. Finding a place on Airbnb was easy and I am already anxious to go back just to stay at that cute villa again.
We spent the first day wandering around the city, stopping in different local coffee shops along the way.
And at night, we hit the boulevard. Dinner, drinks, and walking around Hollywood absorbing all the lights, people, and craziness. When I finally stumbled upon Walt Disney’s star, you can just imagine how excited I was. I also found Queen’s — and then I was just elated. :)
It was just an insanely great weekend. And that’s what is so great about weekend getways — getting away from the “norm” and seeing and doing things that are new and exciting!
Have you had a recent weekend getaway? Or are you currently planning one? I’d love to hear all about it!
Me, too! :) Oh you gotta try them out when you’re booking your next stay, Juni. :)
Thanks for reading!!
man, that are some pretty pics! I don’t really do ‘weekend’ getaway since I work on Saturdays though :( but I have short trip to Antwerp planned! When I go somewhere I have to plan things a bit or else I’ll end up shopping only, haha.
Oh man! I work every weekend and so does my husband. So our “weekends” are always in the middle of the week. But hey! It still counts as a weekend getaway, too. :) Plus! Things are much cheaper during the week! Win win.
Absolutely LOVE the post! And will definitely use those tips, since our vacation just begins!
Thanks Trina for the lovely post!
Yay for vacations! I hope you two enjoy yourselves! And you are most welcome lovely lady! :)
Hanna’s Places is a green lifestyle magazine written by Hanna Ulatowski. It’s all about slowing down in a fast-paced society and finding ways to live a more sustainable, simple lifestyle.
July 24, 2013
I love weekend getaways!! have yet to use airbnb even though I’ve heard so much about it :)