Making time for play on vacation

When you're a kid, playtime is as important as naptime and meals - you couldn't live without it! Sadly, most adults think we can't live without our smart phones and the world they connect us to...

North Americans (on average) have access to 10 vacation days per year while Europeans can tap into 4-6 weeks of away time ... what a difference. 

Even more shocking - North Americans skimp on their time away while Europeans take what's given to them and then some. And why not?

Recently, an acquaintance of mine bragged that she and her husband have never taken a vacation together. They`ve been married 12 years (with 2 kids) and have never indulged in a dirty weekend getaway - just the two of them. Even their family vacations incorporate work time because they're both entrepreneurs and neither wants to miss an opportunity. She told me she's happy and their businesses are thriving but the tiredness around her eyes revealed a much different story.

When did NOT taking a vacation become a badge of honor? When did we forget that routine without playtime is the death of desire?

Finding YOUR field of dreams

Study after study proves that work-related stress can lead to serious health issues. Planning a weekend vacation getaway with your partner doesn't need to involve months of planning and saving for the ultimate romantic destination. A romantic escape can be within driving distance or a last minute non-stop flight to a Caribbean resort.

In the mood for a weekend of playtime? Use our getaway-strategies to get yourself off the grid and on route to your weekend vacation getaway.

1. Negotiate your weekend vacation getaway. Consider a bed & breakfast near home, or a local destination spa, ski slopes (any season) or maybe a beach destination not so far away. Remember, many resorts work hard to deliver something for everyone. If you're partner's a golf addict, a spa is usually close by.

2. Use Google to map out what's nearby. Narrow your search by using keywords to help you find the perfect getaway within your radius. For example: "spa + golf resort in Albuquerque" or "weekend ski package in British Columbia."

3. Let the world know you're off the grid. Include a vacation reminder in your email leading up to your getaway and turn on the vacation responder the day you leave. And then turn off your email on your phone. Trust us, the world will still be here when you return.

4. Set expectations and guidelines ahead of time with your partner. If you must take calls, agree on availability and shut-down times. And stick to them.

5. Schedule your couple's spa treatments and tee times but leave room for spontaneity. It's playtime remember!

6. While we're on the subject of playtime, remember to bring the fun stuff. Candles, a bottle of wine for the room, massage oil ... you get the idea.

Spicing things up doesn't require satin sheets and whirlpool tubs as much as it demands shutting out the rest of the world. 

Depending on your mood, you might want tango lessons or unscheduled walks on the beach. Only you know what will make the perfect weekend vacation getaway for you and your partner.

Need some help finding the right getaway? Start here for inspiration AND planning:

• Last Minute Deals ~ Hotels.com
• Booking.com deals
• Airbnb or VRBO
• Suggestions from Expedia
• Things to do ~ Viator
• Best of Las Vegas, New York City or Orlando
• Consider a Spa getaway ~ SpaFinder and discounted SpaFinder Gift Cards

Got a favorite weekend quickie getaway? Share it here or follow us on Twitter and Facebook and let's start talking!