Just because you can’t plan an entire week off doesn’t mean you can’t go on an adventure! With just a single day, you can get away from home and leave all your worries behind.
There are likely many places near where you live that you have never visited before. Whether you have an idea what you want to do or you want to hop in the car and see where the road takes you, these tips will help you make the most of your one-day adventure.
Vehicle safety first
It is extremely important to think about your safety whenever you go on a vacation—even if your vacation is going to last for less than 24-hours.
Bring a first aid kit and make sure your car is safe for the road. That means filling up the tires with air and getting an oil change if you need one. Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can call if you need help.
Plan carefully if you want to hop on a motorcycle to take a road trip. You should always wear protective clothing and a helmet. Motorcycles are not heavy-duty machines that are equipped for all types of weather. If it’s supposed to rain or sleet, it’s best to leave the bike at home and take a car instead.
Head home early
If you’re only going to be out for the day, you probably want to come home at the last second. That’s not the best idea. Instead, you should plan to head home early. It can help you avoid drowsy driving, which can be deadly. It is especially important if you have to head to work the next day, as it’s important to get plenty of rest before you return.
How early you head home does depend on your schedule. If you got up at 6:00 AM to hit the road, you will want to head home before it gets too dark. If instead you’re a bit of a night owl and you didn’t hit the road until later, you may be okay driving home long after the sun goes down.
The key is not to spend too much time stimulated and awake. After about 12 hours of being awake, you should head home.
Pack a bag
Just because you’re going to be home and in your own bed that night doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a bag! There are many things you will want to have with you while you’re away from home for the day. Use a packing list to help you figure out which items you need, and skip the ones you don’t.
A few things you may want to pack include:
- Umbrella
- Jacket
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Bandages
- Pain medications
- Car charger
- Snacks
- Sunglasses
What you pack will depend on where you’re going. For example, if you’re planning a day at the beach, flip flops, towels, and sunscreen are a must. If you’re going for a hike in the woods, you should definitely pack bug spray and bandages.
Don’t plan too much
If something inspired your daytime adventure, by all means, do it! Museums, zoos, concerts, and other attractions are all great reasons to plan a day to get away. Just don’t make the mistake of planning too much.
Plan to do one thing and that’s it. If you plan where you want to eat lunch, what you’re going to do in the afternoon, and what show you want to see after dinner, your trip will be more stressful than it’s worth.
If you really want to have an adventure, don’t plan anything at all!
Unplug
Unplugging from work can be hard when you’re on a traditional vacation. Most people have to take at least a little time to answer emails while they’re gone for the week. If you’re only gone for the day, you don’t have the same pressure.
Unplug for the entire day, which means don’t check work email, skip your social media feed, and put your phone on silent so you aren’t tempted to text all day. You’ll return home at the end of the night feeling rejuvenated.
Worried about going off the grid? Let important people know you won’t be returning calls or messages until later that night or the next day.
You don’t have to have an entire week in order to plan the perfect adventure because it’s already all around you! With just a single day and these tips, you can have a great experience and return home to sleep in your bed that very same night.
Featured image: Holly Mandarich/Unsplash
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