When was the last time we took a fortnight’s holiday? Summer 2013 in the Austrian Lakes. All our holidays since then have been short breaks, many of them under a week. This summer in particular has been a series of smaller breaks, either as a couple or accompanied by our student son and his girlfriend.
Our time as a family in Woolacombe was fabulous, hiking part of the South West Coast Path. A few days in Wales were also a real joy, visiting quirky Portmeirion and tackling a strenuous walk in Snowdonia. We made the most of those few precious days away together, visiting somewhere new each day before returning in the evening to chat over a family meal. We certainly accomplished a lot in a short time which meant the holiday felt much longer.
Of course, holidays are also about taking the time to chill as well as experiencing new things. Our favourite trips have always been where we’ve mixed things up a bit: a morning of sightseeing balanced by an afternoon letting the time drift by. Even on a short break it’s important not to feel you must cram lots of activities into every day. Stride out on a beach, climb a mountain or go for a bike ride but make time for relaxation too.
My brother and his young family recently took a long weekend in the Center Parcs village of Whinfell Forest, situated on the edge of the Lake District. He told me how much they had enjoyed their mini-holiday experience, managing to pack in an array of activities such as fencing and riding balance bikes. The break didn’t require extensive planning and was easy to fit into their work commitments.
A short break, even if it’s just a weekend, can often be done on the spur of the moment. Find that little window in your busy diary and take the plunge. Once you’re in the car, heading towards your destination, you will feel your worries slip off your shoulders. Hopefully it will be just the tonic you need and you’ll return refreshed, happy and ready to plan the next one.
This sponsored post was written in collaboration with Center Parcs. Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law for sending me the lovely photos of their children on their short break to Whinfell Forest.
I think even a night away can be a tonic. We do lots of short breaks and always enjoy them. You can pack a lot in and feel refreshed – as long as you don’t go too far….
Yes, we often just have a night in London and it can be brilliant – you do feel a world away from normal routines.
we love going on short breaks!
You can have more of them too!