Time to seas the weekend

Planning a weekend trip might look like a really fun and hassle-free activity, but it often ends up being the toughest of jobs. Heading off on a short break and deciding what to pack and what not to―pack too much and you’re stuck with a ridiculous amount of luggage, pack too little and you end up having to buy things that you’ve forgotten at home.

It’s always advised to travel light since the trip is usually short, the weather is less likely to vary and one probably seems to know what activities they’ll be doing.

The first step to making the most of the weekend soiree is to get the destination right. With little time on hand and many to-dos to strike off the list, it’s best to plan ahead and make the most of the experience.

Here is a list of weekend destinations that can help you traverse a new magical world within no time. 

Best weekend getaways near Delhi

Udaipur- A royal city with magnificent forts and palaces, it proves to be a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. One can enjoy watching soothing sunsets from the forts and palaces, going on boat rides on the lakes, and exploring the City Palace. 

• Distance from Delhi – 660 km
• Places to see – Fateh Sagar lake, city palace, vintage car museum, lake Pichhola.
• Best shopping places – Bada bazaar, Mochiwada bazaar, and Hathi pol bazaar.

Rishikesh – One of the most sought-after weekend getaways, Rishikesh is the destination where one can enjoy the best of both worlds. Adrenaline-pumping adventures or soaking up the serenity by visiting local temples, Rishikesh will surely keep you engaged and entertained.

• Distance from Delhi – 240km
• Places to see – Laxman jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Triveni ghat.
• Things to do – River rafting, bungee jumping, visiting temples.

Best weekend getaways near Mumbai

Lonavala- This hilly destination provides you with the tranquility you need from the fast-paced urban life. With its beautiful landscapes, amazing weather, and lush greenery, Lonavala attracts lots of visitors who wish to escape the city’s chaos.

• Distance between Mumbai and Lonavala – 95km

• Distance between Mumbai and Lonavala – 95km
• Places to see – Rajmachi Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Karla caves 
• Things to do –  Trek to Rajmachi fort, visit Lonavala lake, etc.

Satara – This place is famous for the seven hills surrounding it. A perfect family weekend getaway from Mumbai, Satara offers everything from museums, temples, lakes, forts, and incredible viewpoints.

• Distance from Mumbai – 255 km
• Places to see – Kaas lake, Pratapgarh fort, Lingmala falls.
• Things to do – Vasota fort trekking, visiting lakes and mountains, and exploring the Kaas Plateau.

Best weekend getaways near Bengaluru

Coorg – from aromatic coffee, and delicious chocolates to incredible food, one can treat their taste buds in Coorg and also enjoy exploring the various tourist places.

• Distance from Bengaluru to Coorg – 268 km
• Places to visit – Abbey falls, Namdroling Monastery, Omkareshwar temple
• Best shopping places – Friday market, flea market, Coor jewelry shop.

Best weekend getaways near Hyderabad

Ananthagiri hills – this is the perfect place for trekkers that offer stunning views of coffee estates and wildflowers, to take in a birds-eye -view of the hill’s exquisite beauty.

• Distance from Hyderabad – 81 km
• Places to visit – Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple, Musi river, Ananthagiri Hills viewpoint.

Duration of Travel

For a 3-day weekend starting from Friday, packing light can pose a challenge as we all tend to pack as much as possible, thanks to fear of missing out. Below are a few tips to get it right.

How to pack right for the trip?

Pack light – Most of us tend to overpack, thinking about all the ‘what if’s. While it’s great to always be prepared, it’s even better to travel light. You might end up paying less if you’re traveling by air, resulting in hassle-free traveling. No more worries about carrying extra kilos of weight during your trip. We all know deep down that some things aren’t really necessary and as hard as it might be to leave them behind, it’s always much easier to travel without them.

Clothing -Two pairs of pants ( including a pair of dark jeans), one outfit for a night out (dress/evening wear), a simple yet elegant set of jewelry to go with everything, one pair of comfortable shoes for traveling or walking, a pair of high-heeled stilettos or pumps, 3-4 t-shirts or tops (including a dressy top for Saturday night out or dinner dates), and then the basics.

Small eats: Snacks for the trip and reusable water bottles are a must if you are traveling with small kids. A small bag of goodies will also come in handy if your choice of stay is a remotely located homestay with the kitchen serving only limited foods. Make sure chargers for all devices, necessary batteries are in place, and earphones for a personalized music experience. 

A small note on do’s and don’ts

When packing for a vacation, the most important things to keep in mind are the duration of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need. Your first step is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only take a carry-on, and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need on that decision. For a quick weekend getaway, pack your clothing and valuables inside a 25-35 liter backpack, which is perfect