Use a weekend as an escape from the ordinary and plan a mini-break this fall.  A weekend getaway is the perfect remedy to fight routine and be refreshed through adventure.  Just set one weekend aside in your busy life.  It will be inexpensive, spontaneous and fun!

The ideal fall adventure creates a balance of fun, while you are also able to experience rest for your mind and body.

How to plan your weekend:

1. City or Scenic: If you are craving the urban adventure a big city offers, be sure to select a crowd-free city.  Going to Munich for Oktoberfest is not going to offer the serenity a cabin in the Rocky Mountains will offer.  You know yourself best!  Would your ideal weekend include a night on the town with sushi & sake or a peaceful evening with one of your favorite books near a cozy fireplace.
2. Drive or Fly: Ensure that your destination is within reasonable driving distance or an inexpensive, quick flight. Avoid fly to a city where you will have to rent a car and spend a large amount of time being busy driving somewhere. You already spend too much of your typical week being busy, trying to get somewhere. I would suggest making the weekend as simple as possible. Think less. Allow the spontaneous adventure to unravel, instead of planning out your itinerary to the minute.
3. Avoid Fall Stereotypes: Avoid the corn maze craze and imagine a bountiful autumn harvest, like pumpkins and vineyards.  It’s important to find that atmosphere that offers the crisp color of fall, and a hint of fun.  Avoid the guy with a chain-saw at the local haunted house, unless this is your favorite aspect of fall.  In that case embrace the stereotypes, go pumpkin picking, have a haunted house/horror movie marathon and then carve those pumpkins while drinking apple cider and eating candy.  If you do intend to avoid the stereotypes, than think wine tasting or hiking through the gorgeous fall color.
4. Plan and Save: Plan ahead and save money on your adventure.  If you are driving Friday evening after work, pack up some leftovers from the fridge.  Bring healthy snacks and fresh fruit.  Then instead of searching for your next meal, you can relax and savor a sunrise or take a leisurely stroll.
5. Specials and Deals: Hunt for the fall specials and the autumn getaway deals.  [NOTE:  These are not always the cheapest option.]  You might not be interested in going to Vegas this fall.  Make sure that your destination is really where you want to be, and you aren’t just going because you got a cheap flight and hotel deal.
6. The Whole Weekend!?! If getting away for an entire weekend is going to be almost impossible due to tight schedules, children, pets, and a list of other hindering factors, try to get away for a short duration.  Just one night away, or even a full Saturday to escape the obligations of life can be just as needed and refreshing.  Make sure you plan some type of adventure just for you this fall.  Going to the grocery store, or watching the game on the couch doesn’t cut it.  Make it unique and special.  You deserve it!

Even now, I am sure that you have thought of a handful of great locations and adventures you could have over a weekend.  Put it on the calendar and make it happen.  Say no the specialty coffee drinks, the pizza and whatever unneeded expenses you indulge in.  Save the money you will need to make your Weekend Adventure a reality.

Fall into a weekend adventure!  Experience more in life, through doing less.

Tags | budget travel, Planning, Shoestring, urban exploration