Get Up and Go:Planning a Quick Getaway

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

When the whole family starts getting worn out, and even the family dog is showing signs of fatigue, it may be time to plan a family getaway. Big, fancy vacations are amazing, but they are also usually planned months, or even years, in advance. If you need a break, but can’t wait until next summer’s vacation, try planning a quick getaway for your family instead.

The first step to planning a quick break is figuring out how much time you want to take. Say you leave on Thursday evening and come back the same Sunday day; how far can you go and what is available in that distance? If you have the means, a quick flight can get you almost as far as you want to go. However, if you are looking to have a quick jaunt on a budget, you will want to decide how long you are willing to put into travel time to make the trip worth your while.

Once you have set yourself a time limit, say within a 4 hour drive, it is then time to pull out a map and pick a direction. Decide if you want to stay in-state or travel out of. Having a set destination allows you to then search for areas of interest and accommodations.

If you plan on setting up your accommodations and an itinerary for your getaway, most towns and counties now have official websites with tourism information and upcoming festivals and events. Most sites also have local hotels, motels, and B&Bs so that you can check for availability and reservations before you leave.

If you are a free soul, and don’t intend on planning out your escape ahead of time, map out your course of travel. You may still want to look up locations along the way for any areas of interest that may intrigue you. You may also want to check on lodging for different locations. Although you may want to choose where you land when you arrive, you should also check that there are multiple lodging areas, just in case the one you choose has no vacancies.

When it’s time to pack for your getaway, make sure to pack light. However, do not overlook the essentials; such as shampoo and deodorant. Stopping along the way is not a big deal, but it’s one more stop and expense that you may not feel like making. Also, if you have children, and are bringing them along, make sure that they are fully packed (but left Billy the bullfrog at home). Make sure to pack entertainment for during the drive and also your stay. If your children are happy and entertained the trip will be twice as relaxing and enjoyable.

Long Island Travel & Leisure Articles > Get Up and Go:Planning a Quick Getaway