by P Vandegrift

Created on: December 17, 2006   Last Updated: May 07, 2007

Sometimes a weekend away is all you really need to recharge yourself. However it can become addictive and could possibly turn into a week-long event! A few of these ideas may seem 'out of the question' but stop and consider that a something out of the ordinary could very well turn out to be that one weekend you remember for a long time to come!

1. A Spa weekend. Yes, for you and your partner. Allow yourselves to be pampered by other people! Just once, or twice if you can afford it, will remind you that it is 'ok' to soak in a mud bath or have a hot oil massage. It is a very unique experience and a royal treat for your body and soul. Who cares if you gained a few pounds. You are there only for yourselves! There are many websites now for Spas on the Internet. There are also books that give a 'spa' review guide similar to a travel guidebook.

2. Find a B&B at least a few hours drive from the front door of your house. Live near a city but hardly ever spend any time there? Then why not book a room in a nice hotel and give yourself time to enjoy the museums and restaurants without having to be back home to cook dinner by 6?

3. Fly or drive to a concert of your favorite musician/band. This is also a great way to explore a city you have never been to.

4. Camping. Don't moan and groan as if you have just woken up from sleeping on the hard ground! Camping has changed completely. You have higher quality sleeping bags and air mattresses now that provide the comfort of home. The scent and snapping flames of a campfire, followed by the moist morning air rising off the land or nearby river is incredibly healing and inspiring. Waking up to the sounds of birds is magical and uplifts the soul. Remember, it is only one weekend.

5. Many airlines nowadays fly non stop to the Caribbean. Take Friday off and fly really early in the morning. Come back late Sunday night.

6. Take a canoe trip or white water rafting tour.

7. Go help on an archeology dig or a restoration project or even offer to help clear hiking trails in some of the parks. Some of the archeology projects will provide accommodation. The UK National Trust has weekend projects and they offer you free accommodation and sometimes a lift to your location.

8. Go on a creative writing retreat. Or a spiritual retreat.

The most important vacation you can take is one that leads you past the end of your driveway. It is not the deciding where to vacation that is the obstacle, it is your final decision to go. A weekend away is only limited by your imagination and of course your budget. And don't let either of them stop you!

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