Planning a mini break should feel like unwrapping a gift, not wrestling with a to do list the size of a novel and dealing with grey hair from the stress. You could be sneaking away for a long weekend, or you’re just plotting a midweek escape because you’ve got some annual leave, but a little bit of planning really does go a long way. And yes, even if you are dabbling in RV travel for the first time, the rules of carefree adventuring are delightfully simple. You have to know what kind of rest you actually need before you can book anything.
Are you craving some quiet mornings with nothing but birdsong and bad hair? Or are you after something more lively with interesting food and a little bit of light chaos? Pick a destination that matches your mood, not the one that just photographs well on Google. A mini break is no time for pretending that you’re someone who loves to hike at sunrise if in reality you’d rather sleep in till brunch.
You should also make sure that you pack like you’re already relaxed. Overpacking is the sworn enemy of spontaneity. Sticking to the essentials like comfy clothes, a good book charges because we’re not animals and you’re just in case. Toiletries are a good idea.If you will be moving around a lot, think of mixing and matching outfits. If your plans involve more lounging than locomotion, honestly, two outfits and a smug attitude may just do the trick. Speaking of planning, you want to schedule just enough, but not too much. A mini break needs balance. You need one or two anchor activities like a spa appointment or a vineyard tour, and then leave the rest of your time deliciously unstructured. Too much structure is what causes stress. You want to wonder, nap. Linger over a coffee like you’re auditioning for a European lifestyle magazine.
And don’t forget to eat like the locals do. Half the fun of a short getaway is discovering new flavours. Ask local residents where they like to go, not where they send the tourists. You’ll end up with better food, better prices and fewer people taking photos of the plates, including you. Probably no judgement. When it comes to accommodations, choose comfort over convention. Packing up the RV, you’ll know exactly how comfortable you’re going to be. But if you find a boutique hotel along the way, there’s nothing wrong with stopping in for a night. You want to prioritise a good night’s sleep and a good location because everything else is just a bonus that you can build on.
If you can swing it, build in a buffer day. You want to do something between returning from bliss before you jump back into your normal life because it feels rude at best. If possible, give yourself a day to decompress, unpack, and remember how your appliances work. During your mini break, embrace the unexpected. You’re going to make memories with those perfect views, so let those things happen.
