The Smart Traveler’s Guide to Planning Both Big Trips and Mini Getaways
Most people fall into one of two travel camps: the “all year for one big trip” crew or the “squeeze in a quick weekend escape when life allows” crew. But what if I told you that the savviest travelers do both?
Instead of choosing between a bucket-list adventure and a spontaneous reset, you can build a travel year that’s a balance of both — a big trip to look forward to, and smaller escapes sprinkled in to keep the excitement alive. It’s not about spending more, it’s about planning smarter.
Here’s how to make it happen.
The Power of Mini Getaways
Mini getaways are those quick trips that don’t require a passport stamp or two weeks off work — think long weekends, road trips, nearby all-inclusive resorts, or even a short cruise.
Why do they matter?
They’re budget-friendly. Less time in transit means lower costs.
They fit into busy schedules. Perfect for families juggling school, sports, and work.
They keep your energy up. Life feels a little brighter when you always have something small on the horizon.
my family LOVES a spontaneous weekend to escape the daily grind. It usually is not a faraway place or an extravagant trip, but it’s exactly the reset we need. The kids are always happy, we laugh a lot, and come home refreshed, reconnected and ready to dive back into our routine. That’s the magic of mini getaways.
💡 Tip: Aim to plan 3–4 mini trips throughout the year. Look for long weekends, school breaks, or anniversaries and turn them into a chance to explore close to home.
👉 Ready for your own reset? Click here to book your mini getaway today!
Why Big Trips Still Matter
Of course, nothing replaces the impact of a “big” trip — the kind of vacation that becomes a core memory.
Whether it’s cruising Alaska’s glaciers, tasting gelato in Sicily, or soaking up the Caribbean sun at an all-inclusive, big trips give us the kind of experiences that stick with us for a lifetime. They let you:
Immerse yourself in another culture.
Check something off your bucket list.
Bond deeply with the people you’re traveling with.
For me, my European adventures hold some of my favorite memories. Taking time to slow down and really explore multiple countries in one trip gave me more than just photos — it gave me perspective and connections I’ll never forget. And my family always enjoys a cruise or all inclusive. The freedom of not having to plan meals and activities or do any cleaning up after people gives us the opportunity to truly have quality time that’s a bit harder to come by in our everyday lives.
💡 Tip: Plan at least one big trip a year. Book early for the best rates and availability — and give yourself the joy of having that adventure to look forward to.
👉 Dreaming of your next bucket-list vacation? Let’s set up a call and start planning your big trip together.
The Balancing Act
So, how do you fit both into your year without overcomplicating things? The secret is creating a Travel Calendar.
Here’s a simple way to structure it:
Choose your anchor trip. Pick the big adventure first — maybe it’s Europe next summer, Alaska in the fall, or a Caribbean cruise in the winter.
Add your mini getaways. Sprinkle in 2–4 smaller trips around your anchor. Long weekends, short cruises, or local escapes work perfectly.
Think seasonally. A cozy cabin weekend in winter, a beach weekend in spring, the big trip in summer, and a fall foliage getaway before the holidays.
Budget wisely. Save points or miles for mini getaways, and dedicate a specific savings plan for your big trip.
Imagine this: a March weekend escape to recharge, a July European adventure, a September cruise, and a December holiday staycation. That’s a full year of travel memories without feeling overextended.
Pro Tips for Blending Both
Book the big trip first — then fill in mini trips as your schedule allows.
Use local airports or cruise ports for quick, affordable escapes.
Pack light for mini getaways, invest in comfort for the big trip.
Don’t skip travel insurance — both types of trips deserve protection.
The Bottom Line
Travel doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” You can sip wine in Sicily and sneak away for a weekend beach escape. With the right balance, your year can be filled with both everyday magic and unforgettable adventures.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
👉 Want help mapping out your 2026 Travel Calendar? I specialize in building custom itineraries that balance mini escapes with big adventures. Email me here to start planning your perfect year of travel.
Because life is too short to choose between big trips and small getaways — you deserve both.
Need an idea? Check out this 2026 Travel Calendar with a Big Trip and Mini Getaway suggestion for each month!
