How to Build In Mini Summer Getaways
Even Without a Big Vacation
There was a time when "summer vacation" meant packing the car, loading up the cooler, and hitting the road for a weeklong escape from everything. But now? With a full-time job, family responsibilities, and PTO that disappears faster than sunscreen at the beach, the traditional summer getaway feels more like a luxury than a given.
This summer, we have a lot going on—from family obligations to work deadlines—and carving out time for a big vacation just isn't realistic. Still, we want to make the most of the season. We're considering a small getaway to enjoy some much-needed quality time together and create those simple summer moments we won't forget. Even without the best summer trip for families, these smaller moments can feel just as special.
If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a long-haul trip or a plane ticket to feel like you’ve had a summer. Mini getaways—think day trips, weekend drives, and simple, local adventures—can bring just as much joy and relaxation. They give you a chance to reset, connect, and savor the season without draining your PTO bank or stressing your wallet.
As a working parent and someone who deeply values intentional time off, I’ve come to see mini getaways as not only doable but essential. Here’s how to build them into your summer, no matter where you live.
1. Reframe What a "Getaway" Looks Like
We often think a vacation has to be big to be meaningful. But what you're really craving isn't a plane ride—it's a shift in routine and a change of scenery.
A mini getaway can be:
A spontaneous day trip to a local lake or hiking trail
An overnight stay with family in a neighboring town
A picnic in a park you’ve never visited
A "staycation" where you unplug, order takeout, and treat your home like a retreat
The goal isn’t to escape your life, but to step out of the usual rhythm so you can breathe a little deeper and notice the moments that make summer feel special.
2. Use Weekends with Intention
Weekends are gold during summer. But they can also disappear quickly into errands, chores, and "catching up." To make room for mini getaways, you have to protect the space and plan with purpose.
Tips to make it happen:
Block off one or two weekends now as "no obligation" days
Plan short trips that require little packing and no hotel stays
Batch chores during the week to free up your Saturday mornings
Prep simple road snacks and a cooler the night before
And if you have kids? Involve them in the plan. Ask what kind of mini adventure they’d love to do. Their ideas are often simpler than we think—and more magical.
This can also be a great opportunity to start a summer bucket list. Let everyone in the family add a few ideas—even silly ones—and check them off as you go.
3. Tap Into What’s Nearby
You don’t need a coast or a national park to explore. Every town has its hidden gems.
Make a list of:
Nearby lakes, rivers, or beaches
State or metro parks with walking trails or picnic areas
Local farms with berry picking, animals, or events
Historic towns or roadside attractions
Outdoor concerts, craft fairs, or seasonal festivals
Apps like AllTrails, Eventbrite, or Yelp can help you discover local gems you’ve driven past a hundred times without noticing.
Even a 30-minute drive can take you somewhere completely different than your day-to-day. These short drives are often the best summer trip for families with limited time.
4. Keep a "Go Bag" Ready
Spontaneity is easier when you remove the friction. That’s where the summer go-bag comes in.
Pack a bag or bin with:
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Reusable water bottles
Blankets or towels
Foldable chairs
A deck of cards or travel games
Keep it in your car or garage so that when the mood hits, you can be out the door in 10 minutes or less.
Pro tip: Have a summer playlist ready to go, too. The right soundtrack can turn a regular drive into a road trip vibe instantly.
5. Budget Without Overthinking
You don’t need to spend a fortune to feel like you’ve gotten away.
Ways to getaway on a budget:
Pack snacks and drinks from home
Visit free public parks and beaches
Use local library passes for museums or attractions
Choose one meal out and make the rest picnic-style
Use fuel reward apps to save on gas
And remember: the experience is the focus, not the expense. Many of the best summer trip ideas are free or low-cost.
There was a time when "summer vacation" meant packing the car, loading up the cooler, and hitting the road for a weeklong escape from everything.
6. Add Meaning Through Rituals
Mini getaways become even more impactful when they’re wrapped in tradition or intention.
Try creating a simple ritual:
A sunrise coffee at the lake on Saturday mornings
A Sunday evening drive to watch the sunset
One weekend a month for family hiking or water days
These small traditions anchor your summer in memories without overwhelming your schedule. It's all about maximizing summer travel without maximizing stress.
7. Use PTO Strategically
Even if you don’t have much time off, you can still use it wisely. You don’t need full weeks to recharge.
Smart PTO moves:
Take a half day on Friday to extend your weekend
Pair one PTO day with a holiday or Monday off
Use a day off as a recovery day after a busy weekend getaway
Plan these ahead of time so you can truly unplug.
8. Prioritize Presence Over Planning
Let go of perfection. Mini getaways are about being together, not checking boxes.
If your hike ends in ice cream instead of mileage, that’s a win. If your road trip detours to a surprise diner, lean into it. If the rain cancels your picnic, have it in the living room.
Flexibility creates space for joy.
9. Don’t Forget to Reflect
What turns a moment into a memory is reflection. At the end of each mini getaway, take a few minutes to talk about it:
What was your favorite part?
What was the funniest thing that happened?
What would you do again?
You can even keep a mini summer getaway journal—a low-pressure log of the places you explored and the stories you shared.
10. Let Go of Comparison
Just because someone else is flying to the Caribbean doesn’t mean your picnic and paddleboat day isn’t valuable. The best summer is the one that feels good to you.
Stay grounded in what your family needs right now: connection, laughter, rest, sunshine, and maybe a few gas station snacks along the way.
Small Adventures, Big Impact
Mini getaways are more than a Plan B—they’re a way to infuse joy into your everyday life. They remind us that wonder isn’t always far away, and that you don’t need to leave your life to love it.
This summer, give yourself permission to slow down and show up. Grab your go-bag, find a spot on the map, and take the road less traveled—even if it’s just 45 minutes from home.
Because what matters isn’t how far you go but how fully you live it when you get there.
We’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite mini summer getaway ideas or local spots that help you make the most of the season? Share in the comments!
Need more summer planning tips - we have them right here for you:
How to Enjoy Summer when You Work Full Time
Batch Plan Your Summer for Less Stress
