Mini vacations are holidays for time-poor travellers. We tell you how to make the most of these 1-4 night holidays.
Okay, stop right there. Yup, we’re talking to you.
You already read the title of this article, and you’re thinking, “I don’t even know what a mini vacation is – why would I want to read about it?”
Surprise! It’s not some hip millennial slang or weird euphemism.
A mini vacation is just what it sounds like: an awesome little getaway for you and your family that lets you decompress without all the fuss of a longer holiday.
Sounds pretty good, right? You can still get a few days of skiing or sunbathing in without having to organise time off, arrange for someone to house-sit, or coordinate with the kids’ schedules.
But doing a mini vacay means you’ve got to think smart: you want to make that getaway as great as possible without wasting any of your precious holiday time.
So what’s the secret? How can you successfully plan (and execute) the best shortest vacation you’ll ever have?
Stay calm and keep reading, because we’re about to tell you.
How to Have a 1-3 Day Vacation
1. Planning for a Mini Vacay
Yup, a successful mini vacay is all about the planning. Plan everything – times, transport, eateries, activities and so on.
Travelling spontaneously is super fun, but not when you’ve only got a couple of days! If you take the time to put together an actual itinerary, you’ll be able to move between activities and meal breaks without wasting time thinking about where you’re going next and how you’re going to get there.
That said, if you want a mini vacay that’s all about the poolside life (we’re talking swimming, sun-baking and super-sweet sangria), that’s totally fine too! The only thing you’ll have to coordinate are your outfits, and the only planning you’ll need to do is figuring out what order you want to drink your cocktails in!
2. Packing for a Mini Vacay
It’s everyone’s favourite part of a holiday, and we’re pretty sure you love packing as much as we do. Just kidding – it’s as bad as taking a photo for the ’gram and posting it with #nofilter.
But (unfortunately) cramming clothes into a bag is something you have to do if you want to enjoy an amazing holiday with your family, and doing it properly can mean the difference between having a great time and lugging around a massive suitcase/shivering because you forgot your cardi.
So what are our tips? Be strategic.
We’ve already written a few great articles explaining how to becoming a packing pro, but it basically comes down to:
- Check out the weather.
- Know what activities you’re going to do.
- Pack accordingly.
- Remember that you’re only gone for two to four nights! You don’t need to plan beyond that.
3. Travelling to Your Mini Vacay
Sigh. Aeroplanes and long, boring road trips are almost as bad as packing.
Nobody wants to be stuck between two other people for six hours straight, but it’s just one of those things you have to do in order to get to that holiday destination you’ve been dreaming about.
Our tip for keeping travel stress to a minimum? Plan it all out, and book in advance.
If you’ve already got your planes, Ubers and rentals all in a row, you can just focus on getting from A to B. Who knows? You might even have fun on the way!
4. Mini Vacay Destination Ideas
So you know how to get to your mini vacay, but where are you actually going? We often think of long-weekend-style holidays as being close to home, and they can be – nothing wrong with glamping half an hour up the highway, or relaxing in a romantic inner-city suite while the kids are on school camp.
There’s a lot of other options as well, though. We’re talking summer-swept beach hangs, tranquil mountain retreats and snow-shrouded ski resorts. When it comes to mini vacays, the limit does not exist.
We’ve put together a list of our top min vacay destinations, but, remember, the choice is yours – you and your family go do a mini vacay wherever and however you like. The most important thing is that you have an amazing time when you’re there. Have fun!
Best Mini Vacation Ideas
Wyndham Dreamland Resort Bali
Who doesn’t like Bali? It’s the ultimate home-away-from-home for Aussies, and Wyndham Dreamland Resort Bali is the way to do it stylishly.
This ultra-luxe tropical resort is in Pecatu, so you won’t be bothered by tourists, and it’s got a whole bunch of amenities designed to make your mini vacay pop – we’re talking wellness centres, spas, swimming pools, Championship golf courses and more.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Stunning white beaches, sparkling ocean and dolphin-watching? Sign us up!
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay is located in one of New South Wales’s prettiest areas, and it’s absolutely packed full of outdoorsy activities to help you decompress. This one’s perfect for families – with cycling, hiking, watersports, dune buggies and more, the kids will never get bored.
Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach
It’s called the Sunshine Coast for a reason, people. Get your dose of Vitamin D and then some at Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach.
With its gorgeous beachfront location and onsite pool, there’s so many ways to soak up the beautiful atmosphere at this family-friendly resort. There’s plenty of sea-oriented attractions within easy reach, too, so don’t stress – you won’t have to hand the kids an iPad to keep them quiet.
Club Wyndham Flynns Beach
Is a destination that pairs seaside relaxation with hinterland charm on your mini vacay bucket-list?
No? It’s not? Well, it should be!
Flynns Beach is in New South Wales’s Port Macquarie region, and this beautiful little resort is positioned right beside a whole bunch of rural towns and national parks. It’s an easy weekend trip for most Aussies, and you won’t need to stress about the hassle of international flights.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Port Douglas is famous for incredible natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge – and Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas totally captures what the region is all about.
Because it’s located within a pocket of the Daintree, the resort actually integrates natural trees and landscape features into its design. How cool is that? Spend your mini vacay relaxing in your luxurious accommodation or exploring all the awesome things Port Douglas has to offer.
