With Waitangi Day just around the corner and a long holiday isn’t on the cards then a long weekend getaway is second best! We’ve got some great tips to help you make every minute count.
Taking a break is good for the body, mind and soul. While we all love a long, leisurely holiday, life doesn’t always allow for this.
But a long weekend is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a spot of leisure time… or is it? So many of us make the mistake of trying to cram too much into a few days, pick a destination that’s entirely unsuitable, or spend more time stressing than relaxing.
It’s time to stop all that! Follow these hacks for a long weekend that’s awesome and relaxing.
Don’t Go Too Far From Home
Unless you love being in your car for hours on end, you need to pick a destination that doesn’t involve a cross-country road trip. Save the long trips for when you have plenty of time. Instead, seek out a holiday location that’s within a few hours’ drive.
Not only does driving make you tired, but it can also make you stiff and cranky too, especially if you’re travelling after a long work week. Be kind to yourself (and your legs) and keep the driving distance short!
Pick An All-In-One Destination
New Zealand has an abundance of incredible attractions. From pristine beaches to geothermal hot springs and lush mountain ranges and superb cycling routes, there’s something for every taste. When you’re looking for your long weekend destination choose the one that has everything you want to do within reach or pick a focus for your stay.
If you want to surf, stay near Cathedral Cove, the Abel Tasman National Park or Ohope Beach. Or if you want to laze about in warm water pools and enjoy a bit of pampering, Rotorua’s active geothermal valley is your best bet.
Choose A Home-Away-From-Home
A long weekend getaway should feel like a mini-vacation. But if you’ve booked accommodation that lacks your usual amenities it will feel like anything but. If you’ve never gone camping, this is not the time to try it. Save that adventure for another time when you can ease yourself in slowly.
If your budget allows, you can opt for luxurious accommodation where you don’t have to do anything but enjoy yourself – no dishes or cooking required. If, however, your budget is a little stricter you can easily find amazing Airbnb, glamping opportunities and other rental accommodation that has everything you need and makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Pack Light, Unpack Little
You’re going away for a few days not a few weeks! Pack light and pack smart. Check the weather where you’re going and ensure that you don’t get caught out either. Even in summer, it’s a good idea to pack a warm top just in case. But only one!
If you pack a small bag with a capsule wardrobe you can look good every day and be ready for just about anything. All without lugging tons of luggage around!
The beauty of packing light is that you won’t have a lot to pack up afterwards. There’s nothing worse than having to waste precious should-be-on-holiday-time finding everything you’ve strewn about and repacking huge bags with things you didn’t even need.
Invite Easy Company
Going away with friends or family is a wonderful way to bond and forge stronger connections. However, not everyone wants to be in each other’s pockets for a few days at a time. Like trying camping for the first time, a long weekend isn’t really the best time to trial run a getaway with new friends or extended family members. Keep that for the two-day weekends.
Similarly, ensure that whoever you invite gets along and shares similar interests (and taste in food!) so that you all enjoy a relaxing and fun time. If there are kids joining you make sure that wherever you go is child-friendly too.
Eat Out (Or Keep Cooking Simple)
Unless you’re a Master Chef or your idea of a fabulous holiday is spending it in the kitchen, our advice is to swap the stove for restaurants and the oven for BBQs. Check out which restaurants will be on your doorstep and read their reviews too. You can mix up casual dining with fine dining or you can eat at your favourite take-outs. Do whatever makes eating easy and enjoyable for you!
If you’re cooking, pick dishes that are quick and simple and don’t require a long list of ingredients. Do your shopping in advance and buy as much ready-made food as possible. BBQs are always a win as they’re easy and their leftovers can be made into another delicious but simple meal.
Don’t forget your drinks either. Pack in your favourite beers, and make sure you have enough water or cool drink for the duration of your stay, especially if you’re venturing off the beaten track. You don’t want to have to shop for supplies on your getaway.
Leave Early, Stay Late
By leaving early, we mean setting off for your long weekend as early as possible, even if this means getting up at the crack of dawn. Or, it might mean hitting the road straight after work. Whatever the earliest opportunity is, grab it! The sooner you leave, the faster you’ll reach your holiday destination… unless you’re going to sit in traffic. Once again, plan ahead and make sure your leaving time is the best time.
If you can squeeze any more time out of your long weekend, do it. Even if you have an early check-out time for your accommodation, plan a leisurely drive home with lunch and lots of stops along the way. This way, you’ll get to prolong that holiday feeling and hold on to that sense of relaxation.
Make Yourself A Priority
Whether your idea of a perfect getaway is being pampered at a spa and staying at a 5-star hotel or you prefer a sandy shore-side beach house where shoes are optional, there’s one common denominator. It’s your time to unwind.
Make your weekend count by really enjoying yourself and letting go. Real life can wait for a little, and the best way to seize the day is to make it your own. A long weekend isn’t that long, but if you follow these hacks you can make every second feel like a proper holiday!
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