President’s Day is coming up, and you know what that means: three day weekend! Instead of spending it stressing out about midterms and papers, consider relaxing with a well-deserved break by taking a weekend getaway with your friends. Here are some tips on planning the perfect weekend!
Location
When planning a vacation, one of the most important things to consider is where to go. In southern California alone, there are tons of places within just a few hours of each other. Depending on what kind of activities you plan to do, you can stay by a dreamy beach, in the midst of a concrete jungle or in the sunny desert. There are beautiful beaches all along the coast, each with a different vibe. From the activity-packed Santa Monica and Venice Beaches to the more secluded Smuggler’s Cove and Corona Del Mar Beach, there’s bound to be a beach for you. And if you aren’t a fan of the water, there are plenty of other cities worthy of exploring. San Diego is only about a three hour drive away, offering the excuse to take a mini road trip with your BFFs. For a quieter experience away from the cityscape, you could head over to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree.
Budgeting
Everyone has a different budget, and it’s crucial that this is accounted for in your planning. Don’t avoid talking about expenses just because it might be awkward. This will only cause issues down the road. The best way to ensure everyone can afford a trip is to just avoid the five-star hotels, and stay in an Airbnb instead. Besides, they’re cuter and more private anyways! So, ditch the Hiltons, and consider renting out a little apartment by your location. There are usually plenty of Airbnb’s within walking distance of whatever entertainment you’re looking for, which can help you save on gas money as well. Last but not least, by staying somewhere with a fully equipped kitchen, you can also save money on food by cooking for yourself instead of having to eat out for every meal. Besides, buying groceries and cooking with your friends is always a good time; it’s like playing house as a kid.
Logistics
Of course, planning out a whole weekend with a group can be challenging. But, don’t worry. Communication is key. Make sure to confront issues as soon as they come up and be willing to compromise. When it comes to actual planning, you might want to divide up some responsibilities, unless someone wants to take charge and do all the booking and researching. I recommend creating a collaborative list of activities for the group, so everyone has the chance to visit somewhere they’d like to go. Everyone involved should also be open to trying new things because it’s impossible to do everything in such a short span of time.
At the end of the day, don’t stress too much about planning. This is your time to relax and chill out with friends. Make a playlist, pack some snacks and get on the road.