13 Best Ways to Spend a Mini Vacation, According to 1,000 Travelers
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Not every vacation needs to be a long-haul getaway. A mini vacation—whether it’s a long weekend or just a day trip—can be the perfect way to recharge without disrupting your routine.
We surveyed 1,000 travelers using the Vacation Countdown App, asking them to complete the sentence: “A good way to spend a mini vacation is to…” The responses were as varied as they were inspiring, ranging from digital detox retreats to spontaneous road trips.
If you’re looking for a quick escape but aren’t sure how to spend it, here are the 13 best ways to make the most of your mini vacation, according to real travelers.
1. Unplug from Technology for a True Reset
Many travelers we surveyed said the best way to feel refreshed after a mini vacation is to completely disconnect. A weekend without social media or emails can do wonders for your mental health.
Try visiting a cabin in the mountains, a remote beach, or a wellness retreat where digital devices are discouraged. Even just putting your phone on airplane mode for a full day can make a huge difference.
Pro tip: Choose a location where cell service is weak, so you’re not tempted to check your phone.
2. Take a Day Trip to a New Destination
A mini vacation doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane. Many travelers said their best short getaways were spontaneous road trips to places they’d never visited before.
Pick a town or natural spot within a two-hour drive and explore it like a tourist. Visit a small museum, try a highly-rated restaurant, or take a scenic drive. The key is to experience something new without needing a full itinerary.
Pro tip: Use Google Maps to find hidden gems—check out local bakeries, bookstores, or parks for a low-cost and memorable trip.
3. Indulge in a Hobby Without Distractions
Many travelers told us that a mini vacation is the perfect time to do what you love without feeling guilty.
If you enjoy photography, take a solo photo walk in a scenic area. If cooking is your thing, enroll in a short cooking class. The key is giving yourself permission to enjoy your hobbies without worrying about responsibilities.
Pro tip: Combine two of your favorite things—like painting and wine-tasting—or sign up for a weekend retreat focused on your hobby.
4. Read a Good Book in a Cozy Setting
One of the most relaxing ways to spend a mini vacation is by getting lost in a great book. Many travelers said they love using their time off to curl up with a novel, whether it’s reading at home, in a cabin, or at a quiet beach.
Make it feel like a real escape by choosing a setting that feels different from your everyday life. A small-town café, a lakeside Airbnb, or even a cozy library can transform reading into a true getaway.
Pro tip: Pick a book that’s set in a dream destination—reading about Greece or Italy while sipping wine makes the experience even more immersive.
5. Go for a Hike and Connect with Nature
Many travelers we surveyed said their go-to mini vacation activity is hiking. A short escape to nature can do wonders for clearing your mind, reducing stress, and getting a fresh perspective.
If you live near a national park, a hiking trail, or even a scenic walking path, spending a few hours outdoors is an easy way to feel refreshed. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels and improve mood.
Pro tip: If you want a challenge, pick a hike with a stunning viewpoint or a waterfall as a reward at the end.
6. Have a Picnic and Enjoy the Outdoors
A simple but underrated way to spend a mini vacation is to pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outside. Whether it’s a beachside lunch, a picnic in a scenic park, or even a backyard setup with fairy lights, this is an easy way to feel like you’re on vacation without traveling far.
Some travelers even shared that they love having travel-themed picnics—bringing food inspired by places they want to visit, like French pastries, Italian charcuterie, or Greek mezze.
Pro tip: For an extra special experience, pick a sunset spot or a location with a great view.
Some of the frequent travelers we asked shared that they love to have travel-themed picnics. They’ll bring along foods that remind them of their past travels or new places they want to visit. It’s a great way to feel like you’re getting away from your daily routine without actually having to go anywhere!
7. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day or Massage
You don’t have to fly to a tropical resort to feel pampered. A quick trip to a local spa or even a DIY spa day at home can make a mini vacation feel luxurious.
Many travelers we surveyed said they love booking a full-body massage, facial, or even a simple pedicure during their time off. If you prefer to stay home, a hot bath, scented candles, and some quiet time can have the same rejuvenating effect.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling, look for hotels or resorts that offer day passes to their spa facilities.
8. Go Camping for a Weekend Escape
For those who love the outdoors, camping is one of the best ways to take a mini vacation on a budget. Spending the night under the stars, cooking over a fire, and waking up to fresh air makes for an unforgettable escape.
If traditional camping isn’t your thing, many travelers recommended trying glamping, where you stay in a luxury tent, cabin, or treehouse with modern comforts.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to commit to an overnight trip, a campfire night with s’mores and stargazing can still give you that outdoorsy vacation feeling.
9. Take a Swim or Hit the Beach
One of the easiest ways to make a day off feel like a vacation is to head to the nearest beach, lake, or pool. Whether it’s a quick swim, sunbathing, or just walking along the shore, water has a naturally calming effect.
Even if you don’t live near the ocean, many travelers we surveyed said they visit local lakes, rivers, or even rooftop pools to get that vacation vibe without traveling far.
Pro tip: Bring a beach chair, a good book, and a playlist of tropical music to make it feel like a real getaway.
10. Visit a Local Farm or Vineyard
If you love food and wine, a trip to a nearby farm, vineyard, or farmers’ market can be a fun way to spend a mini vacation. Many wineries offer wine tastings with scenic views, and farms often allow you to pick your own fruit, take a tour, or sample fresh products.
This is also a great option for families, as kids can enjoy petting zoos, tractor rides, or fresh homemade treats.
Pro tip: If you visit a winery, bring a picnic and enjoy a bottle of wine with a scenic backdrop.
11. Try Something Creative Like Painting or Photography
A mini vacation is the perfect time to tap into your creativity. Many travelers told us they use their time off to paint, draw, write, or practice photography.
If you’re traveling, bring a travel journal or sketchpad to document your experience in a unique way. If you’re staying home, sign up for an art class or set up an outdoor painting session for a relaxing break from routine.
Pro tip: Go on a “photo walk” where you challenge yourself to capture small, beautiful details of your surroundings.
12. Have a Movie Marathon with a Travel Theme
Not all vacations require leaving home. Many travelers said their favorite way to unwind is by watching travel-inspired movies that make them feel like they’re somewhere new.
Whether you’re in the mood for an adventure, a romance, or a classic, there’s no shortage of great travel films. Pair it with themed snacks (like pizza for an Italian movie night or sushi for a Japanese film) for an extra fun touch.
Pro tip: Some must-watch travel movies include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Eat Pray Love, The Beach, and Midnight in Paris.
If you need some inspiration, check out our list of the best travel movies of all time.
13. Just Take a Break and Relax
At the end of the day, the best way to spend a mini vacation is however you want. Whether that means taking a nap, meditating, listening to music, or doing absolutely nothing, the most important thing is to give yourself permission to rest.
Sometimes, the best mini vacations are the ones with no plans at all.
Pro tip: Block out time on your calendar as if you were really “away,” so you’re not tempted to fill it with errands or work.
A Good Way to Spend a Mini Vacation Is To…
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to take a mini vacation—what matters most is choosing something that truly helps you unwind and recharge. Whether that means escaping into nature, diving into a good book, indulging in self-care, or exploring a new place, the key is making time for yourself without guilt.
If you’re feeling stuck, try picking one or two ideas from this list and see what works for you. And remember, even the smallest getaway can make a big difference in resetting your mind and lifting your mood.
What’s your favorite way to spend a mini vacation? Let us know in the comments or start planning your next short escape with the Vacation Countdown App!
Booking.comHow would you finish the sentence “A Good Way To Spend a Mini Vacation Is To…”?
Is your answer in our top 11 list? If not, what would you add?
