Weekends are more than just two days off. For many religious traditions they are sacred. They represent time to pause, reflect, and transcend the daily grind. As a Jew and a self‑described atheist, I’ve come to cherish Saturday as my personal holy day. It symbolizes a break from the material world and a chance to reconnect with deeper things. In Hebrew, the — Sha‑khina — refers to a feeling of oneness with the creator and universe. I don’t experience that in church or temple. I feel it when I slow down, wander, breathe.
Weekdays for me are full of obligations — client work, emails, deadlines, projects. I’m often base‑hopping every couple of months in different cities. For me, weekends are the only opportunity to explore and recharge. That exploration doesn’t just give me new experiences; it also boosts my energy for the work week ahead.
That’s why I developed a set of personal rules, mindset shifts, and routines for weekend travel. Here’s how I approach those two precious days, and how you can too. Let’s begin. Happy travels!
Why Traveling on the Weekend Matters
I have a rule for myself: on weekends, I always go somewhere away from the place I live and work during the week. Even one night away makes a difference. It forces a shift in perspective. Being in a new city or nature resets the mind faster than anything else. It takes me off autopilot. Locals often tell me that after just two months in their city, I know more hidden gems than they do.
Journeying for even one night helps me disconnect, increase self‑awareness, and get curious again. Routine can numb your creativity. For me, travel is the antidote.
The Weekend Mindset Shift
During the week, I’m goal‑oriented. I optimize time, I follow schedules, I get things done. But on the weekend I flip the script. My goal is to get lost — literally and figuratively. I walk until something interesting catches my eye. In a new place, something interesting happens all the time.
Walking without a map, chatting with strangers, making wrong turns, following odd signs — that is the travel drug. It’s unpredictable. It’s spontaneous. I stay open to mistakes, detours, random invitations, and moments of silence. I embrace “wasting time” as long as it doesn’t spill into Monday. It’s in those aimless hours that I rediscover play, reflection, awe.
How I Prepare for a Weekend Away
Getting lost doesn’t mean being careless. I prepare to give myself freedom. Here are the habits I follow:
Choosing the Destination
During the 2‑month cycle I live at each base, I speak with locals, co‑workers, and travelers. I jot down interesting places near me. By the time a weekend arrives, I already have a “shortlist” of towns, hikes, villages, or islands to visit.
Sometimes I just go to the train station and choose a spot spontaneously — I look at the departures board or pick the most interesting name. I then check Wikipedia or TripAdvisor to see if there’s anything worth exploring. If yes, I book a room along the way, usually online on my phone.
If I plan ahead, I purchase train or bus tickets a few days in advance. That saves money and ensures I can return in time for work. I almost always try to book a return ticket so I don’t get stuck.
Booking Lodging
I book a room sometime during the week before the weekend. I make sure to check out of my regular living space on the same day I leave. That “pushes” me to travel, even if I’m exhausted or lazy. Nothing cures laziness like having to sleep somewhere else.
I prefer to arrive before sunset so I can explore right away. It’s easier to find my accommodation while it’s still light. I take screenshots of my reservation invoice, address, and directions so I’m never lost. I also check the property’s reviews, recent booking dates, and number of ratings — that helps me know it’s actually open.
Checking the Weather
I always glance at the weekend weather forecast. If the forecast is rain heavy or temperatures extreme, I reconsider. Cold, wind, or torrential rain affects enjoyment and also decides my gear: do I bring a hat, umbrella, sunscreen, warm layers, hiking shoes, or just sneakers? Weather-compatible plans lead to more fun.
Maps and Info
I usually have mobile data. If not, I save an offline map of the town, including walking directions to my lodging. I download or bookmark the Wikipedia page, TripAdvisor “Things to Do” list, and Lonely Planet guide chapter (as PDF or ebook snippet). Even a few minutes of reading gives me orientation and ideas, but I still stay open to discovery beyond the guide.
Luggage Logistics
It rarely makes sense to carry all your belongings just for two days. I often check out of my base, so I store extra luggage either with a friend, coworking space, or suitcase storage near my home city. Many hostels or Airbnb hosts will let you drop a bag for a day. That frees me to travel light and stay flexible.
Traveling With or To Someone
Travel is richer when shared. If possible I travel with a friend or find someone in the destination city. I sometimes reach out to Couchsurfing hosts or people I know in the area. Shared experiences often lead to unexpected adventures.
The First Day: Morning Balance
I don’t typically travel super early. I might meet a friend for coffee, run errands, or wrap up small tasks. Then mid‑morning I start the journey. The compromise is to leave early enough to arrive before sunset, but not so early I lose a relaxed morning at home.
When You Arrive: Settling In and Exploring
Once I reach my weekend spot, I begin with a long walk. If possible, I pick a nature route or scenic path near town. That walk might include listening to podcasts, curiosity audio lectures, or music. I also try to talk with locals: street vendors, market stall owners, older residents — they often share stories and tips that no guidebook has.
During the weekend I might:
- Give some spare change to someone asking for help
- Read a book in a park or café
- Join a free walking tour
- Skype or call my family or old friends
- Spend time writing blog entries or journaling freely
- Practice the local language by ordering food or chatting with staff
- Attend a local meetup or language exchange
- Take many photos, sometimes artistic or experimental
- Even just pause on a hilltop and breathe, or shout into nature if you’re missing volume
I savor slow meals at local cafés or small trattorias. I sample street food or regional specialties. I stay open to unexpected invitations — maybe lunch with a new friend.
The Second Day: Slow Start, Deep Dive
On day two I stay relaxed. I revisit a corner I liked, or head to a viewpoint I spotted. I might visit a museum or heritage site. Or I simply let myself wander some neighborhood without a destination in mind. I take time to reflect, to journal, or to plan less and explore more.
Wrapping Up: Returning Home
Before I board the return train or bus, I pause and reflect. I look back at what surprised me, what felt peaceful, what taught me something. That moment often feels like closing a circle — I feel more grounded, more energized.
Why It Works
Spending just two days away—staying overnight, walking aimlessly, letting spontaneity guide me—reset my internal clock like nothing else. I return Monday with:
- More energy and creativity
- Refreshed perspective on routine tasks
- New experiences to draw from
- A sense of connection to people, places, and myself
By playing intentionally — getting lost, exploring with curiosity, and treating the weekend as sacred space — I go into the workweek recharged.
Your Turn: Share Your Weekend Rituals
I hope this gives you ideas on how to make the most of your weekend away from your base. Everyone travels differently. Maybe your ideal weekend includes a local festival, beach time, hiking, home baking, or family visits.
Let me know in the comments:
- Where do you like to explore on weekends?
- What rituals help you disconnect?
- Do you prefer solo adventures or traveling with others?
And if staying home is your version of recharge, go do whatever fills your soul that way: meet friends, sleep late, cook, or wander in nearby nature. Weekends are your sacred time — make it meaningful.