The Art of the Weekend Trip

We are fortunate to be able to travel as much as we do.  We both have full-time jobs but for the most part our weekends are free.  We don't have kids (yet) or a dog (yet) so we're able to manage our schedule without too much juggling.  Over the past few years we've taken a crazy number of weekend trips.  We've been to San Diego, LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Washington, and Phoenix.  And we've been to most of those places more than once.  We've taken a three day trip to Hawaii and a four day trip to Singapore.

Last weekend at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA

All of us have limited vacation time and can't always take a day off to explore a new place.  I've found that people don't want to "go through the process" of flying somewhere for "only" two nights.  But if planned correctly, you can see/do a lot over the course of a weekend.  Here are a few tips on how we make the most of weekend trips:

Take the late flight on Friday night.  They are usually cheaper and less full.  Your chance of scoring a better seat or an upgrade (if you have elite status) are far better the later you fly.  Relax in the airport and grab a drink before your flight.

Don't take the late flight on Sunday night.  You could get delayed or you could just get home late and be exhausted for work on Monday.  We always try to take a late afternoon flight on Sunday so we can get home and enjoy a couple hours of time at home before the week starts.  This cuts a few (potentially) hours off your weekend trip but I've found that the pros outweigh the cons.

Get up early on Saturday morning.  We always try to get up early, grab breakfast and start to explore.  The earlier you start, the more you can see/do.

Don't make too many plans.  The weekend should be relaxing.  The combination of flying and a short trip can definitely cause unnecessary stress. 

Don't try and see everything.  We were in LA a couple years ago in the summer and I made Emily walk everywhere instead of hopping in a cab.  Not cool.  It is way better to see/do the things that are at the top of your list...which leads to me the last point.

If you like it...you can go back.  Probably most important.  If you are into travel and have points and miles and a desire to see new places, check a new city out for a weekend.  If you like it, go back next year for a bit longer.  If you don't like it, no worries.  You'll be back at work on Monday.