1. Find the perfect place to stay
For my upcoming weekend getaway we chose the Hotel Cabana Clearwater Beach. Just steps from the Gulf of Mexico on the north side of Clearwater Beach, Hotel Cabana is walking distance to anywhere you want to be. You can stroll to beach bars, lounge on the white sand beach, or relax in the private heated pool. We will be staying in a one bedroom suite, which gives us a little more room to spread out and relax.
2. Research food & drink options
Use options like Yelp to do some research on restaurant, bars, and night clubs. This is especially helpful if you are going to be somewhere without a car and need to know where you can walk or take a Lyft to. Finding local breweries has become something that I like to do when I travel. A little research and I found out that just across the bay in Dunedin were SIX local breweries to check out. Perfect distance for a Lyft ride so we can explore the breweries safely.
3. Bring supplies
Supplies? Yes, supplies! Our room has a kitchenette that includes a fridge and we have a full living room as well. What does that mean? It means that we can bring a few things to stock the kitchen and make relaxing a little bit easier (and cheaper). When you are beach-side it really makes you want to relax with a cocktail or beer right? But that can add up quickly. If you have the room, bring some of your favorite tasty treats (alcohol, soda, snacks) with you to enjoy at your hotel.
4. Pack accordingly
Packing for a weekend away is either the easiest or hardest thing to pack for. Yes you only have to pack for a couple of days, but what will you need? I always suggest making a packing list whether you are going on a long or a short trip. I tend to get excited the closer I get to a trip which means there is more of a chance of me forgetting stuff. If y0u are heading to the beach for the weekend, my biggest tip is to bring at least TWO bathing suits. The worst thing ever is having to put a cold and wet bathing suit on to head out to the pool or beach. Yuck.
5. Make the most of your time
Whether you are looking to sleep in and lay by the pool or explore every nook and cranny of the town you are in, do it! You may only have a couple of days away, so make sure that you spend it doing what you want to do. Spend another hour by the pool, drink another beer, order the appetizer, or sleep an extra hour. Do what is going to make YOU happy!
