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Quick Trip Essentials: How to Make the Most of Your Short Getaway

Writer's picture: Jenny Lou FaberJenny Lou Faber

The holidays have come and gone. You’ve been stressed to get everything done for the last two months. You need a break. You need to get away, but you only have a few days or even just the weekend. So, what do you do? Where do you go?



The When

First, figure out how much time you really have and the dates you’re going. Many people avoid 3-day weekends, thinking everyone else is traveling, but it can still be worth it if you plan strategically.


If you only have the weekend, leaving Friday after work and returning Sunday night gives you at least one full day and a half day at your destination. With 3 or 4 days, you might even consider flying somewhere. For instance, I have a client who loves Universal Studios in Florida. She has split custody of her son and can only travel from Friday morning to Monday night. A theme park trip in just 2 full days and 2 travel days? Absolutely doable.


Mom and two little boys looking at the boats
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

The Where

Next, decide where to go. If you’re driving, explore towns nearby, landmarks you’ve never visited, or even that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try a few hours away. Someday is now!


If flying is an option, check your local airport’s website for direct flights. Is there a place on that list you’ve always wanted to visit? Direct flights save time and maximize your short getaway.



The Experiences

Once you’ve nailed down the when and where, it’s time to plan what you’ll do. Focus on 2–3 key experiences to make the most of your time. For example, pick a landmark, a beach, or a shopping area. Then, find at least one amazing place to eat—whether it’s a high-end dinner, a delicious lunch spot, or a cozy diner for breakfast.



Example 1: A Quick Weekend Trip in Charleston

Let’s say my family of four plans a quick weekend trip to Charleston, South Carolina. We're going to pretend that it’s only a two-hour drive for us, so we decide to leave after work on Friday. We’re foodies, and my husband loves history, so we plan a simple itinerary: great food and a historical tour.


On the route to Charleston, we grab a quick dinner at a fast-food place we don’t have at home. We arrive in our destination, but still need to stop at a grocery store before. This will come in to play a little later in this story. Since this is quick weekend trip, there’s a chance I decided to hit the store before leaving town, but if I didn’t, then, of course, we stopped by the store, and then checked into a downtown hotel. We chose to stay downtown to avoid extra driving.


Fort Sumpter

Saturday morning, we take it slow. My son, the early riser, has breakfast from the groceries we picked up. The rest of us sleep in a bit, If the hotel has breakfast, I may wake up shortly after my son, and take advantage of the free breakfast. I don't eat breakfast, and neither does hubby. I will probably just have coffee and bring a cup up to hubby after we've finished. However, this is a great deal for the kiddos to eat their fill and it's already included in our hotel price. Afterward, we explore downtown, take a tour of Fort Sumter, and enjoy a Lowcountry dinner at a highly recommended restaurant. The day is relaxed, filled with walking, sightseeing, and discovering hidden gems.


Sunday morning, we savor a leisurely breakfast before packing up and heading home. It’s a short trip, but it’s just what we needed to recharge.


Example 2: 2.5 Days at Universal Studios

Now let’s talk about my client. They are planning a trip to Universal Studios in Florida during the fall. They'll fly out Friday morning and stay at a Universal-owned resort to simplify transportation. After checking in, they spend the rest of the day at the first park.


Epic Universe poster

Saturday is all about EPIC Universe. At the time of writing, EPIC Universe is not set to open for another few months and has limited capacity. Each ticket for EPIC Universe can only be purchased in association with the other theme park tickets. My client has chosen the 2-day, 2-park base ticket (meaning one park each day) with 1-day at EPIC Universe. Without any dining reservations, they are free to ride rides, see shows, and eat snacks at their own pace.


On Sunday, they will explore the other Universal park, making the most of their two-day, two-park ticket.


Monday morning will be a relaxed wrap-up, with time to shop at CityWalk before heading home.


You Can Do This!

Every vacation doesn’t have to be a week-long expedition. Quick trips can be just as satisfying. If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, head over to fthattravel.com and schedule a meeting with me. Let’s make it happen!

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