We are only about a month into winter but it may already seem like forever to you, especially if you are landlocked in the northern states and have been pounded by all of these snowy storms. Tired of the cold yet? Tired of shoveling the driveway just to have it covered up again by the time you are done? Tired of frozen windshields and slushy streets? Maybe it's time for a quick weekend getaway!
How does a long weekend full of warm breezes, swaying palm trees, and after a day of diving in warm, clear waters, burying your toes in the sand with a tropical drink in your hand sound? It sounds amazing to us, and is easier to make happen than you may think!
Here are 4 steps to planning a quick weekend getaway:
Step 1: Find locations with direct flights
The only way to make a quick weekend getaway possible is to fly somewhere that has direct flights from the airport closest to you. A direct flight not only gets you to your destination quicker but is just easier. It makes the trip seems less stressful. It will also narrow your destination choices by quite a bit, making the choosing that much more simple.
Step 2: Time your flights properly
Timing your flights is key. Now, you may not have much choice in the matter, as we are restricted to direct flight locations, however, if you can look at the flight schedule for that handful of locations that DO have direct flights, we recommend choosing the place that has the following:
- A later flight to the location so that you can fly out on a Thursday evening. This way you only have to take one vacation day off on Friday. If you can get away with cutting out of work a little early on Thursday, even better!
- A later flight coming home from your trip on Sunday night. This maximizes your time on vacation, getting you home in time for work on Monday morning. Just think about how jealous all of your co-workers will be when you show up with a nice, bronzed tan!
Step 3: Quick transport between hotel and airport
Now that you've made it to paradise, you don't want to spend half of your trip just getting to your destination. Choose a hotel that is relatively close and easy to get to from the airport. The point is, after all, to spend as much time relaxing on the beach as possible. Save the exploration and adventure for a longer vacation.
Step 4: Choose the right hotel
To us, the "right hotel" is one that is scuba friendly. To others, you may just want a hotel with a beach and a nice pool. If you're a diver, however, (and our guess is if you're reading our blog you are) then choose a hotel that caters to divers. The perfect hotel in our minds is one that has a charter boat that goes out directly from the hotel; maybe even twice a day! Plus, the hotel should have its own dive shop on site and offer unlimited shore diving. This way you get in all the underwater time your heart desires!
That's pretty much it! Planning the perfect quick getaway doesn't have to be overwhelming or confusing. Otherwise, it wouldn't be worth the trouble. If you can fly out after work Thursday evening, you have two full days of diving on Friday and Saturday. You can dive to your heart's content and then have all day Sunday to hang out at the resort and decompress before hopping on your flight that evening to head home. So, what are you waiting for?!? Start booking that quick weekend getaway now!!
