Life is hectic. And it is even more so if you have children. It can be hard to imagine sometimes where you can fit a break in just to give yourself a chance to breathe. Like with all of the different changes we are all experiencing lately, it can start to feel like getting a break from your regular routine is exactly what you need.
All of us tend to overthink our vacations quite often. If you have a family, then there is extra planning that needs to be done for your trip. It can even be a huge ordeal sometimes just to go to the grocery store.
However, you should seriously consider allowing yourself some added spontaneity and more freedom. A little creativity will allow you to create vacations and find last minute getaways, even if simply for one day.
The following are some creative getaway ideas to help you reinvigorate your soul and mind.
Visit a national forest or state park.
Many people plan long trips to major national parks. These require much more planning than many people realize. Unfortunately, many national parks are also overbooked and overcrowded. Instead of placing a strain on our natural resources and adding to the large numbers of tourists, plan on visiting a state park instead. In terms of what they have to offer, state parks can vary quite a bit. However, there are usually plenty of beautiful landscapes to enjoy, numerous opportunities for enjoying nature, and a chance to camp overnight in many cases.
Take a Road Trip to a Rural or Small Town During the Off-Season
There are many rural areas and small towns that are very busy during the summer as well as the early fall. However, during the late fall and winter, they tend to be much quieter. Plan on visiting during the off-season and maybe participate in some cold-weather activities that the locals often enjoy, like ice skating or snowshoeing. This is also a better time to get great deals on lodging.
Book a city hotel during the week
If you live outside of the city or in the suburbs, book a city hotel on a weekday! That is when these hotels offer lower prices and are the least crowded. Even if you will not be very far away from home, staying in a place where you can get a massage or room service, or don't need to worry about making your bed can feel like an amazing retreat away from your regular daily life.
Take a Monday Off
Everyone has done it at some point. Called in sick on Monday morning. However, rather than calling in sick, you can plan to take a day off from work. Missing one meeting is fine. Your company can survive for one day without you. And take your children out of school as well. Live it up some. Break a few rules. Plan on having an easy day ranging from sunning on the beach to picking apples. Better yet turn your phone off and disconnect completely.
Just go!
There are times when just one day or a weekend will provide you with enough energy to keep yourself going. Smaller excursions and trips are also easier to plan at the last minute and to regularly incorporate into your life.
Be sure to give your family and yourself the gift of vacation time every once in a while. You definitely deserve it.