It’s easy to unknowingly put your marriage on the back burner when you are busy with careers, life responsibilities, and an unending to-do list. However, it’s important to prioritize your relationship by creating opportunities to connect. This can be done through quick date nights, longer trips, or even weekend getaways. 

A quick weekend getaway will give you the chance to unplug, unwind and reconnect. We’ll include things to think about before you travel, during your trip, and other tips and suggestions to make your weekend together one to remember. 

Before You Travel

There are numerous considerations before you travel: 

Check Your Auto Insurance

Adequate auto insurance is important before you embark on your weekend road trip. Make sure your premium is paid and your insurance is up to date for the vehicle you are driving. You need to make sure your coverage hasn’t lapsed or been canceled. 

You may also consider cheap one-day car insurance if you are renting a car, borrowing a car, or need short-term auto insurance coverage. One-day car insurance rates average about $15 daily, which is inexpensive coverage for a few days and offers the same protection as a regular auto insurance policy. 

Keep a copy of your auto insurance card or policy in your car or on your mobile device. You will need to have a copy of this if you are in an accident or if you are pulled over by law enforcement officers. 

Make the Plans

Planning ahead is a great way to help make your travel less stressful. It’s also where the fun begins. 

• Determine Your Budget

Before you begin any planning, determine the budget for your weekend road trip. You should consider your entire budget for the trip, including auto costs, accommodations, tickets or reservations, food, and any other expenses. 

• Choose Your Location

Once you know your budget, it’s time to choose a location. This could be a new location that you haven’t visited before, or it can be a destination you frequently visit. 

Are you a beach lover and dream of spending a lazy weekend walking on the beach or relaxing in a beach chair? Do you want to visit a city where you can enjoy history or museums? Or do you prefer the excitement of theme parks? 

• Reserve the Accommodations

Next, you will want to make your hotel reservation or accommodations. You can search for reviews online before you choose or ask for a recommendation from friends, family, or local tourism organizations. 

You will also want to consider any tickets or reservations you may need to make. If you want to do a specific tour, a special restaurant, or are visiting a theme park, reservations may be required. It helps to have these arranged before your trip so you can plan it in advance, especially for tickets or reservations that might be sold out early. 

For the little ones, you will also want to find a babysitter or childcare arrangements. You may rely on family or friends to help with the kids while you are gone. 

• Plan Your Route

You’ll also want to plan your driving route. This will give you an estimated time of arrival to coordinate with your accommodations or activities. Are you planning on taking major highways or scenic routes? Or maybe a combination of the two? 

• Get Your Car Ready

If your car is older or has a lot of miles, you might consider renting a car. Make sure you have enough rental car insurance either through your credit card company or a short-term policy if you need it. 

It’s important to check tires, fuel, brakes, and any other fluids. A quick checkup at your mechanic can catch any issues before they become bigger issues during your road trip. 

Consider joining a car rescue service like AAA. Make sure you have your vehicle registration and proof of auto insurance in the car or readily available. 

Clean your car before you dispose of any trash. You will want the driving and passenger areas to be as comfortable and clean as possible before your trip. You may accumulate trash from snacks or drinks during your trip, so starting with a clean car is a way to make the trip more enjoyable. 

Pack extra water, fans, blankets, or an emergency kit just in case. Jumper cables and a spare tire are also a good idea. 

Don’t forget the phone or mobile device charger for your car, especially if you are streaming music on your phone for the journey. 

• Make Lists

It’s always helpful to make lists to keep you organized before you travel. You can have a packing list, a food and drink list, and an entertainment list. 

Your packing list should include everything needed that you will put in your bag or suitcase, plus any other items you need like a cooler, tent, sleeping bags, beach supplies, or towels. Make sure you pack comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if you intend on doing some walking or activity. 

The food and drinks list will help you purchase items in advance for your road trip like snacks and beverages. There are various ways to save money on food while traveling. You might also want to make a list of things to either take or purchase for meals and snacks that you will eat once you are at your destination. 

An entertainment list should have music or game options, both for the drive and anything you need while you are at your destination. This could be a deck of cards, board games, a speaker, puzzles, or streaming options for movies or television shows. Some accommodations may have entertainment options for you to use while you are there. 

During Your Road Trip

One option for a fun road trip is to divide the duties. Is someone better at navigating? Or is someone better at finding fun music or entertainment options for the car ride? 

Have options for entertainment and games for the drive. There are numerous streaming options so you could listen to music, podcasts, comedy, or sports. You can also find lots of ideas for road trip games if you search online for options.

Plan for stops for fuel, stretch breaks, restroom breaks, or food along your route. You can also plan fun stops for places along the way for sightseeing or destinations you want to visit along the way. 

Use mobile apps like Waze or Google Maps to help navigate around traffic or large cities. These mobile apps can help reroute you around commuter traffic or accidents and save you time in the long run. 

Make sure you drive carefully and avoid speeding so you don’t get a ticket or get into an accident. Traffic violations can raise your insurance rates, so always prioritize safety.

Tips to Enjoy Your Weekend Away

It’s good to have a flexible plan so you can enjoy some fun activities but also have time for relaxation. Overscheduling may result in more stress and less time to enjoy yourselves. 

Enjoy some romance, like walking on the beach holding hands, getting a couples massage, going out for a romantic dinner, or planning a romantic evening in. This can help light the spark back in your relationship if you need to. 

Unplug, unwind, and relax. Sleep late if you wish. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, order room service, or walk on the beach if you desire. 

Road trips are one of the top travel trends and beyond, so use these tips and suggestions for a fun and safe adventure.

About the Author

Melissa Morris writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. She is a college professor who enjoys traveling and finding new weekend destinations. 

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